Research Jobs at Old Dominion University with Visa Sponsorship
Research jobs at Old Dominion University span science, engineering, social sciences, and defense-related programs, drawing candidates who need employer-sponsored work authorization. ODU has an established process for sponsoring international researchers across multiple visa categories, making it a realistic target for candidates on OPT, H-1B visa, or TN visa status.
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Get Access To All JobsTitle: Research Project Manager
Agency: VP FOR RESEARCH
Location: Norfolk, VA
FLSA: Exempt
Job Description:
The Research Project Manager is responsible for managing dynamic multi-component translational science initiatives and providing centralized, professionalized project management support across the research lifecycle for multiple projects but does not assume responsibility for scientific direction or financial authority, which remain with the Principal Investigator (PI) and appropriate institutional offices. This role partners with faculty, research teams, and administrative units to plan, coordinate, and execute complex research initiatives, ensuring alignment, efficiency, and successful delivery of project outcomes for ODU’s Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSRI). The Research Project Manager is responsible for coordinating day-to-day project activities with a high degree of independence in planning, organization, and problem solving, while working in close collaboration with the PI and project team. This position is critical to maintaining effective communication across the project teams and with DivRED leadership. The Research Project Manager will collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders, including project team members, external stakeholders, coordinators, research assistants, administrative units, and project leads, to ensure maximum performance and successful achievement of milestones and deliverables.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field of study, or an equivalent combination of education, training and related work experience within a related field of study.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of individuals, including clinical investigators, institutional regulatory and research offices and research project staff.
- Strong computer and technology skills, including spreadsheets.
- Ability to work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision, prioritize multiple tasks and work under deadline pressure.
- Familiarity with biomedical grant application structure and organization, particularly NIH grant applications.
Additional Considerations:
- Some experience working with NIH-funded researchers preferred.
- Relevant post-baccalaureate degree preferred (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity.
Title: Research Project Manager
Agency: VP FOR RESEARCH
Location: Norfolk, VA
FLSA: Exempt
Job Description:
The Research Project Manager is responsible for managing dynamic multi-component translational science initiatives and providing centralized, professionalized project management support across the research lifecycle for multiple projects but does not assume responsibility for scientific direction or financial authority, which remain with the Principal Investigator (PI) and appropriate institutional offices. This role partners with faculty, research teams, and administrative units to plan, coordinate, and execute complex research initiatives, ensuring alignment, efficiency, and successful delivery of project outcomes for ODU’s Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSRI). The Research Project Manager is responsible for coordinating day-to-day project activities with a high degree of independence in planning, organization, and problem solving, while working in close collaboration with the PI and project team. This position is critical to maintaining effective communication across the project teams and with DivRED leadership. The Research Project Manager will collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders, including project team members, external stakeholders, coordinators, research assistants, administrative units, and project leads, to ensure maximum performance and successful achievement of milestones and deliverables.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field of study, or an equivalent combination of education, training and related work experience within a related field of study.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of individuals, including clinical investigators, institutional regulatory and research offices and research project staff.
- Strong computer and technology skills, including spreadsheets.
- Ability to work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision, prioritize multiple tasks and work under deadline pressure.
- Familiarity with biomedical grant application structure and organization, particularly NIH grant applications.
Additional Considerations:
- Some experience working with NIH-funded researchers preferred.
- Relevant post-baccalaureate degree preferred (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity.
Tips for Finding Research Jobs at Old Dominion University
Align your credentials with ODU's research focus areas
ODU's sponsored research heavily involves STEM disciplines, coastal and maritime science, cybersecurity, and modeling and simulation. Tailor your CV to highlight research outputs, grant involvement, or lab experience that maps directly to these institutional priorities before applying.
Target roles tied to external grant funding
Research positions funded by federal grants at universities are often easier to move through H-1B sponsorship because funding is already earmarked for the role. Ask during interviews whether the position is grant-funded or supported by a specific sponsored project.
Confirm OPT STEM extension eligibility early
If you're on F-1 OPT, verify ODU is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer. STEM OPT extensions require the employer to be E-Verify registered, and your I-983 training plan must be signed before your standard OPT expires.
Understand H-1B cap-exempt status for university roles
ODU, as a nonprofit university, qualifies as a cap-exempt H-1B employer. This means you can file an H-1B petition year-round without entering the annual lottery, which removes one of the biggest timing barriers for international research candidates.
Use Migrate Mate to identify open Research roles at ODU
Research positions at universities are often posted across multiple internal and external channels and can close quickly. Use Migrate Mate to filter for ODU research roles that explicitly offer visa sponsorship, so you're targeting openings before they fill.
Prepare for PERM if a Green Card pathway is part of your plan
University research roles frequently support EB-2 or EB-3 Green Card petitions through PERM labor certification filed with the DOL. Start that conversation with HR during the offer stage, not after you've been in the role for a year, since PERM timelines at universities can run 18 months or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Old Dominion University sponsor H-1B visas for Research roles?
Yes. Old Dominion University sponsors H-1B visas for qualifying research positions. As a nonprofit university, ODU is cap-exempt under USCIS rules, meaning it can file H-1B petitions at any point in the year without waiting for the annual April lottery. This makes ODU a particularly accessible employer for international researchers who missed the cap-subject lottery or need to start quickly.
How do I apply for Research jobs at Old Dominion University?
Research positions at ODU are posted through its official HR portal and often through departmental or grant-specific announcements. Applications typically require a CV, cover letter, and research statement. For international candidates, it's worth confirming visa sponsorship availability in your application materials or at the initial interview stage. Migrate Mate aggregates ODU research openings that include visa sponsorship, which can simplify the search.
Which visa types does Old Dominion University commonly use for Research positions?
ODU sponsors H-1B visas most commonly for research staff and postdoctoral researchers. F-1 OPT and STEM OPT extensions are used by recent graduates transitioning into research roles. TN status is available for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying research classifications. For longer-term appointments, ODU also supports EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card petitions through PERM labor certification filed with the DOL.
What qualifications does ODU typically expect for sponsored Research roles?
Most sponsored research positions at ODU require a graduate degree, often a master's or doctorate, in a relevant STEM or social science field. Postdoctoral roles typically require a completed PhD and a publication record. For research scientist or specialist roles, prior grant-funded project experience and familiarity with federal research compliance standards, such as IRB or export control requirements, strengthens an application significantly.
How do I handle visa timing when transitioning into a Research role at ODU?
If you're moving from OPT, confirm your OPT expiration date and STEM extension eligibility before your start date. For H-1B transfers from another employer, ODU can file a cap-exempt transfer petition, and you're authorized to begin work as soon as USCIS receives the petition, not after approval. Build in at least eight to twelve weeks for LCA certification through the DOL and petition preparation before your desired start date.