Science & Research OPT Jobs in Florida

Science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Florida are concentrated in life sciences, marine biology, environmental science, and biomedical research. Major employers include Scripps Research, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of Florida, and NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Miami, Tampa, Gainesville, and the Space Coast are the primary hiring hubs for international science graduates seeking OPT-eligible positions.

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Overview

Open Jobs52+
Work Type96% On-site
Top LocationGainesville, FL
Most JobsUniversity of Florida

Showing 5 of 52+ Science & Research OPT Jobs in Florida

Catalent Pharma Solutions
Technical Marketing Content Lead
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Catalent Pharma Solutions
Added 2d ago
Technical Marketing Content Lead
Catalent Pharma Solutions
Tampa, Florida
Content & Communications
Marketing
Content Marketing
Product Marketing
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Optimal Inc.
Software Engineer Controls
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Optimal Inc.
Added 3d ago
Software Engineer Controls
Optimal Inc.
Sunrise, Florida
Software Engineering
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Automation QA
Backend Engineering
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Embraer
Procurement Specialist
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Embraer
Added 4d ago
Procurement Specialist
Embraer
Melbourne, Florida
Procurement & Supply Chain
Procurement & Purchasing
Supply Chain
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Thermo Fisher Scientific
Travel Research Associate
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Thermo Fisher Scientific
Added 1w ago
Travel Research Associate
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Orlando, Florida
Healthcare Administration
Clinical Support
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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EVERSANA
Neurology Sales Specialist
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EVERSANA
Added 1w ago
Neurology Sales Specialist
EVERSANA
Orlando, Florida
Sales
Account Management
Customer Success
Inside Sales
$95k - $105k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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OPT Science & Research Job Roles in Florida

Healthcare Administration11 jobs
Physicians7 jobs
Clinical Trials7 jobs
Quality Control7 jobs
Laboratory Research7 jobs
Medical Specialists7 jobs
Teaching & Instruction7 jobs
Project & Program Management7 jobs
Clinical Trials & Medical Research7 jobs
Biotech & Life Sciences6 jobs

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Science & Research OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Florida: Frequently Asked Questions

Which science and research companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Florida?

Florida employers with documented OPT hiring in science and research include Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Scripps Research in Jupiter, the University of Florida's research division in Gainesville, NASA contractors along the Space Coast, and biotechnology firms clustered in the Miami-Dade area. Large academic medical centers and federally funded research institutions are the most consistent sponsors, as they operate established HR processes for international student work authorization.

Which cities in Florida have the most science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?

Gainesville leads due to the University of Florida's extensive research enterprise. Tampa is a strong second, anchored by Moffitt Cancer Center and the University of South Florida. Miami hosts biomedical and environmental research activity tied to the University of Miami and FIU. The Space Coast corridor around Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island concentrates aerospace and applied science roles through NASA and its contractor network.

What types of science and research roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Florida?

Roles that regularly qualify include research associate, laboratory technician, bioinformatics analyst, environmental scientist, marine biologist, clinical research coordinator, and data scientist positions within research institutions. The position generally must be directly related to your degree field to satisfy OPT requirements. STEM-designated degrees in biology, chemistry, environmental science, physics, and computer science are well-represented in Florida's research sector and may also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.

How do I find science & research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Florida?

Migrate Mate filters science and research job listings specifically for F-1 OPT eligibility, showing which Florida employers have a documented history of sponsoring international students. You can search by city, institution type, or research field to narrow results to roles aligned with your degree. This is more targeted than general job searches because listings are screened for OPT compatibility rather than requiring you to assess each employer's sponsorship history individually.

Are there state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in science and research roles in Florida?

Florida has no state-level work authorization requirements beyond federal OPT rules administered by USCIS. However, some research roles at federally funded facilities, including certain NASA contractor positions, may require security clearance eligibility, which can limit access for F-1 students who are not permanent residents or citizens. Positions at Florida's public universities are generally more accessible, as these institutions routinely work with SEVP-authorized DSOs to process OPT documentation for international graduate researchers.