OPT Data Science Engineer Jobs
Data Science Engineer jobs are among the most OPT-friendly roles in tech, with strong demand from employers experienced in sponsoring F-1 students. Most positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total work authorization to build your U.S. career.
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Get Access To All JobsAssistant 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
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
See all 66+ OPT Data Science Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Data Science Engineer
Target employers with a STEM OPT track record
Search for companies that have consistently filed H-1B visa petitions for data roles. Employers already running OPT-to-H-1B pipelines are far less likely to hesitate at the sponsorship conversation than those encountering it for the first time.
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Data Science Engineer roles typically fall under CIP codes 11.0401 or 27.0301. Verify your degree field matches an approved STEM designation before accepting an offer, since your 24-month extension depends entirely on that alignment.
Raise OPT early, not after the offer
Bring up your work authorization status before the final interview round. Framing it as a logistical detail rather than a request reduces friction and signals professionalism. Most data teams at mid-to-large companies have handled this before.
Lead with your technical skills, not your visa status
Hiring managers evaluate data engineers on Python, SQL, ML pipelines, and cloud platforms first. A strong technical profile shifts the sponsorship question from a risk to a straightforward administrative step worth taking for the right candidate.
Prioritize companies with dedicated immigration support
Larger tech firms and well-funded startups often have in-house immigration counsel or established law firm relationships. These employers process OPT and H-1B filings routinely, which means fewer delays and a smoother experience for you.
Document your training plan thoroughly for STEM OPT
Your employer must sign a formal training plan connecting your Data Science Engineer duties to your degree field. Be specific about the skills, tools, and projects involved. A vague plan increases the risk of a DSO rejection.
Data Science Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Data Science Engineer on OPT?
Yes, provided your job duties are directly related to your degree field. Data Science Engineer roles typically qualify when your degree is in computer science, statistics, data science, or a related STEM discipline. The connection between your coursework and your day-to-day responsibilities must be documentable, as your DSO will review it when issuing your EAD.
Do Data Science Engineer jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Most do, but qualification depends on your degree, not just your job title. Your degree must appear on the STEM OPT designated degree list, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. CIP codes commonly associated with data engineering degrees, such as computer science and applied mathematics, are typically on that list. Confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer.
How early should I apply for Data Science Engineer jobs on OPT?
Start your search at least three to four months before your OPT start date. Hiring timelines for data engineering roles at established companies often run six to eight weeks from first interview to offer. Factoring in EAD processing time, which currently averages three to five months, applying early keeps your authorization and your start date aligned.
Where can I find Data Science Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers with a history of sponsoring international candidates. Browsing on Migrate Mate saves significant time compared to sifting through general job listings where sponsorship willingness is unclear or buried in fine print.
What happens to my Data Science Engineer job if my H-1B isn't selected in the lottery?
If you exhaust your STEM OPT period and the H-1B lottery does not select you, your work authorization ends and you must stop working. Some employers in the data space offer alternative visa pathways, such as the O-1A for candidates with strong publication or competition records, or transfer to a Canadian office while reapplying. Discussing contingency options with your employer before your OPT expires is worth doing proactively.