OPT Data Science Analyst Jobs
Data Science Analyst roles are among the most OPT-friendly positions in tech, with strong employer demand for F-1 students skilled in Python, SQL, and statistical modeling. STEM OPT extensions apply, giving you up to three years of work authorization while you build toward long-term sponsorship.
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Assistant Professor - Data Science
College: College of Science and Engineering - 323 College
Dept/School: Mathematics & Statistics - 32361
Vacancy Number: 16F-833
Position Number: 5512
Location of Workplace: Main UNCW Campus
Brief Summary of Work for this Position
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Data Science, starting Fall 2027. We seek a dynamic scholar whose teaching and research will support our growing data science programs while enriching the broader mathematical community.
The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain an active research program in data science or a closely related area, teach undergraduate and graduate courses supporting the department’s data science, mathematics, and statistics programs, and contribute to the continued development of the data science curriculum. Areas of particular interest include mathematical foundations of data science, optimization, machine learning, large language models, and artificial intelligence. The successful candidate will also contribute to student research and mentoring and participate in interdisciplinary collaborations across the university.
The department offers undergraduate programs in mathematics and statistics, and graduate programs in mathematics, statistics, and data science. We are committed to supporting new faculty through mentorship, professional development, and a collaborative academic environment. We especially welcome candidates whose research, teaching, and service will contribute to the diversity, equity, and excellence of our academic community.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
- A PhD in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or a closely related field is required in order to be eligible for employment in this position.
- Please note: ABD candidates will be considered; however, the PhD must be conferred by August 1, 2027, to be eligible for employment.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Postdoctoral experience
- Demonstrated interest in undergraduate and graduate research
- Potential to collaborate with existing faculty on research
- Teaching experience
- Potential to secure external funding
Required Certifications or Licensure
No Required Certifications or Licensure
Primary Function of Organizational Unit
The department offers undergraduate programs in mathematics, statistics, and data science, a certificate in actuarial science, and graduate programs in mathematics and data science, as well as a post-baccalaureate certificate in statistics. The department and university are committed to assisting new faculty to succeed through continual faculty development and mentorship. The department is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their teaching and service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.
College/School Information
The College of Science and Engineering offers a variety of programs leading to Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, as well as Doctor of Philosophy degrees in applied coastal and ocean sciences; pharmaceutical chemistry; integrative, comparative, and marine biology; and psychology degrees. The college also offers combined bachelor’s/master’s degree programs in information technology/computer science and information systems, computer science/computer science and information systems, and B.S. in mathematics/M.S. in mathematics. To implement its academic programs, the college provides instruction and research opportunities in the natural and behavioral sciences, information technology, data science, computer science, mathematics, pre-engineering, and engineering. The eight academic departments in the college provide courses of study in each of these areas, in addition to interdepartmental programs in information technology, cybersecurity, and digital arts. A 2+2 in engineering; and 3+2 programs in computer science and electrical or computer engineering; and physics and electrical engineering, are also offered in the college. Post-baccalaureate certificate programs in environmental studies, applied statistics, and geographic information science are also available.
CSE students work with distinguished faculty and scientists, use cutting-edge technology, and conduct impactful research. Faculty-directed research projects empower CSE students to apply what they learn inside the classroom and laboratory to real-world situations and prepares them for a variety of careers or advanced study.
University Information
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research, and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.
A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice, and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.
The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.
EEO Statement
UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.
Eligibility for Employment
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Number of Openings: Single Incumbent
Special Notes to Applicants
Prior to the official appointment to the university, the candidate(s) selected for hire must be able to demonstrate eligibility to teach assigned courses by successfully meeting the credentialing requirements based on official transcripts and other documentation as required.
Applications will be accepted until 11:59PM EST December 15, 2026, which is the posting close date. Applicants are required to submit the following items in Adobe PDF or MS Word format online at https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/41450:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- A statement of teaching philosophy (2 page maximum)
- Research summary – A statement of research interests that highlights how the applicant could make use of departmental expertise or resources (2 page maximum).
- List of 3 Professional References. References will be requested during a later stage of the applicant screening process. If ABD at time of application, one reference must be from Dissertation Chair.
- If needed, applicants may upload additional materials under the ‘Other’ category.
Questions regarding the online application process, contact the CSE Employment Coordinator, Christy Langdon at langdonc@uncw.edu, while questions regarding the position can be directed to the Search Committee Co-Chairs, Dr. Xuemei Chen, Co-Chair at chenxuemei@uncw.edu, and Dr. Indranil Ghosh, Co-Chair at ghoshi@uncw.edu.
Position Type: Permanent
Job Posting Date: 11/06/2026
Job Close Date: 12/15/2026
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vita
- Teaching Philosophy
- Research Summary
- List of 3 Professional References
Optional Documents
- Other
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Data Science Analyst
Lead with your technical stack
Data Science Analyst job postings often filter candidates by tool proficiency before anything else. List Python, SQL, R, Tableau, and any ML frameworks prominently on your resume so OPT authorization concerns become secondary to your technical fit.
Target companies with established data teams
Larger organizations with dedicated data science departments have existing immigration infrastructure and are far more likely to sponsor OPT and eventual H-1B visa transfers. Early-stage startups often lack the legal resources to support work authorization smoothly.
Emphasize your STEM OPT timeline
Proactively tell hiring managers you qualify for a 36-month STEM OPT extension, not just 12 months. This meaningfully reduces their sponsorship urgency and gives the company time to evaluate you before committing to H-1B costs.
Quantify your analytical impact
Hiring managers want evidence you've moved metrics, not just built models. Frame every project around business outcomes: revenue influenced, costs reduced, or accuracy improvements achieved. Specific numbers signal seniority and reduce hesitation around sponsorship investment.
Identify roles tied to core business decisions
Data Science Analysts embedded in product, finance, or operations teams are harder to replace than those in support functions. Roles with direct business impact signal specialization, which strengthens your case for H-1B specialty occupation classification later.
Prepare to discuss your OPT status confidently
Recruiters may ask about work authorization early. Be ready to explain your OPT end date, STEM extension eligibility, and E-Verify enrollment requirement clearly. Candidates who handle this conversation fluently remove a major friction point for hiring teams.
Data Science Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Data Science Analyst roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Data Science Analyst positions typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because they fall under CIP codes related to computer science, statistics, or mathematics, all of which are on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Your degree field, not the job title alone, determines eligibility, so confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying.
How does E-Verify affect my OPT job search as a Data Science Analyst?
STEM OPT extension holders must work for an E-Verify enrolled employer. Most mid-size and large companies are already enrolled, but smaller firms and early-stage startups sometimes are not. Confirming E-Verify enrollment before accepting an offer is essential, since working for a non-enrolled employer invalidates your STEM extension and puts your status at risk.
Where can I find Data Science Analyst jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and STEM OPT students and filters for employers who are open to sponsoring or hiring on work authorization. Searching there saves significant time compared to filtering through general postings where OPT-friendliness is unclear. You can browse Data Science Analyst roles directly on Migrate Mate without wading through positions that exclude international candidates.
Can I work as a Data Science Analyst on OPT if my degree is in a related field like statistics or applied mathematics?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. USCIS requires that OPT employment be in a position that is directly related to your major area of study. A statistics or applied math graduate working as a Data Science Analyst would generally satisfy this requirement, but you should document the connection clearly in your training plan and confirm it with your DSO.
Will Data Science Analyst experience help me qualify for H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Strongly, yes. Data Science Analyst is widely recognized as a specialty occupation under H-1B standards because it typically requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field. Employers who hire you on OPT and see measurable results have strong incentive to sponsor your H-1B petition, especially given how competitive data talent is across industries like finance, healthcare, and technology.