OPT Data Science Lead Jobs
Data Science Lead jobs are among the most OPT-friendly senior roles in tech: most employers file H-1B visa petitions for strong candidates, and the role's direct tie to a quantitative degree makes specialty occupation classification straightforward. STEM OPT extensions give you up to three years to secure sponsorship.
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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 Lead Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Data Science Lead
Lead with your technical stack, not just your title
Hiring managers equate sponsorship risk with replaceability. Demonstrating mastery of specific tools like PyTorch, Spark, or dbt signals scarcity. The more specialized your stack, the stronger the specialty occupation case for H-1B visa sponsorship.
Target employers with active H-1B filing history
Companies that have sponsored data science roles before are far more likely to do it again. Search OFLC disclosure data to confirm an employer has filed Labor Condition Applications for data science positions before applying.
Frame your leadership experience in business impact terms
Senior roles require justifying sponsorship cost to non-technical decision-makers. Quantify your team's output: models shipped, revenue influenced, or latency improvements. Business impact language accelerates internal approval for sponsorship requests.
Clarify your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility upfront
Recruiters often misunderstand OPT timelines. Confirming you qualify for a 24-month STEM extension from a STEM-designated program removes uncertainty and signals you've done the immigration homework most candidates skip.
Pursue roles at companies with dedicated immigration counsel
Mid-size and enterprise tech employers typically retain immigration attorneys who handle H-1B filings routinely. Startups without legal infrastructure often want to sponsor but lack the process. Company size is a reliable proxy for sponsorship readiness.
Apply before your final six months of OPT authorization
H-1B cap-subject petitions must be filed by April 1 for an October 1 start. Mapping your OPT expiration against the H-1B lottery calendar determines whether you need cap-exempt employers or a cap-subject filing strategy now.
Data Science Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Data Science Lead on OPT without employer sponsorship?
Yes, OPT itself is work authorization tied to your F-1 status, not employer sponsorship. You can work as a Data Science Lead on OPT without any H-1B filing. Sponsorship only becomes necessary when your OPT period ends. STEM OPT gives you up to 36 months of total authorized employment before you need a different visa status.
Does a Data Science Lead role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It typically does, provided your underlying degree is STEM-designated. Data science leadership roles generally satisfy the STEM OPT requirement that the job be directly related to your degree program. Your DSO must approve the extension, and your employer must enroll in E-Verify and sign the Form I-983 training plan, which documents how the role connects to your field of study.
How do I find Data Science Lead jobs where employers are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students, so every role on the platform is filtered for visa sponsorship openness. Browsing Migrate Mate saves significant time compared to screening hundreds of postings that exclude international candidates, and it surfaces employers with documented H-1B sponsorship history in data science.
Will a Data Science Lead role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Data Science Lead roles almost always qualify. USCIS looks for positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field. Data science leadership roles typically require a degree in statistics, computer science, mathematics, or a related quantitative discipline. The seniority of the role actually strengthens the specialty occupation argument because it demands deeper specialized expertise than an entry-level position.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I'm between Data Science Lead roles?
F-1 OPT allows a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during the initial 12-month period, extended to 150 days total if you've been approved for a STEM extension. Gaps between senior roles can consume this buffer quickly. Notifying your DSO about employment changes is required, and maintaining documentation of your job search helps demonstrate good faith compliance with OPT terms.