OPT Data Science Manager Jobs
Data Science Manager jobs that sponsor OPT are competitive but real. Employers in tech, finance, and healthcare actively hire F-1 students for these roles, which typically require a STEM-designated degree. Your 12-month OPT period (or 24-month STEM extension) gives you a meaningful runway to prove your value before H-1B visa sponsorship conversations begin.
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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 Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Data Science Manager
Lead with your technical depth, not just your management experience
Hiring managers want Data Science Managers who can still speak the language of their team. Highlight Python, ML pipelines, or experimentation frameworks alongside leadership credentials. This distinction matters more than your title when visa sponsorship is on the table.
Target companies with established data science organizations
Large tech firms, financial institutions, and healthcare companies with dedicated data science teams are far more likely to sponsor OPT than early-stage startups. Look for companies with 500+ employees where data infrastructure already exists and hiring is recurring.
Disclose your OPT status early and confidently in interviews
Framing matters. Say you're authorized to work immediately on OPT with STEM extension eligibility, and that H-1B visa sponsorship would be the next step. Confident clarity reduces employer hesitation more than avoiding the conversation entirely ever could.
Quantify team outcomes to justify senior-level sponsorship investment
Employers weigh sponsorship costs against expected impact. Come prepared with metrics: model accuracy improvements, revenue attributed to data initiatives, or team size you scaled. Numbers make the sponsorship decision easier for hiring managers to defend internally.
Apply before your OPT start date to maximize your authorized window
You can apply for jobs before your OPT begins, but you cannot start working until authorization is active. Starting your job search 60 to 90 days early ensures you have time to negotiate an offer while your OPT clock is still full.
Pursue STEM OPT extension eligibility from day one of employment
If your degree qualifies as STEM-designated, file your STEM extension 90 days before your initial OPT expires. This extends your authorization by 24 months and gives sponsoring employers nearly three years to complete H-1B sponsorship without a gap in your work authorization.
Data Science Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Data Science Manager on OPT?
Yes, provided your job duties are directly related to your degree field. Data Science Manager roles typically qualify when your degree is in computer science, statistics, applied mathematics, or a related STEM field. Your DSO must approve your employment, and the work must be at least 20 hours per week to count toward your OPT period.
Do Data Science Manager roles typically come with H-1B sponsorship?
Many do, particularly at mid-to-large companies where data science is a core business function rather than an experimental team. Companies in fintech, enterprise software, and healthcare analytics sponsor H-1B at relatively high rates for management-level data roles. Browsing verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate is one of the most direct ways to focus your search on companies that have sponsored similar roles before.
Does a Data Science Manager role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It can, but qualification depends on your degree, not your job title. If you hold a STEM-designated degree and your Data Science Manager role requires applying STEM knowledge directly, you likely qualify. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, which is required for all STEM OPT extensions. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before filing.
What happens to my OPT if I'm laid off while working as a Data Science Manager?
You have a 60-day grace period from the date your employment ends to find a new qualifying position, transfer to a different visa status, or depart the U.S. During this window you cannot work. If you secure a new Data Science Manager role within 60 days, your authorized OPT period simply resumes. The grace period does not reset your remaining OPT time.
Is a Data Science Manager role considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Generally yes. Data Science Manager positions typically require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field like computer science, statistics, or data engineering, which meets the H-1B specialty occupation standard. However, if the role has broad generalist responsibilities that don't require a degree in a specific discipline, a sponsoring employer may face additional scrutiny from USCIS during the petition process.