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 Jobs59+
Work Type97% On-site
Top LocationGainesville, FL
Most JobsUniversity of Florida

Showing 5 of 59+ Science & Research OPT Jobs in Florida

Astellas
Healthcare Systems Business Specialist
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Astellas
Added 1d ago
Healthcare Systems Business Specialist
Astellas
Miami, Florida
Sales
Account Management
Partnerships & Business Development
$103k - $147k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's

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Cytiva
Product Engineer II
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Cytiva
Added 2d ago
Product Engineer II
Cytiva
Pensacola, Florida
Specialized Engineering
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Quality Control
Project & Program Management
Engineering (Non-Software)
Manufacturing Engineering
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Thermo Fisher Scientific
Market Development Manager
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Thermo Fisher Scientific
Added 6d ago
Market Development Manager
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Miami, Florida
Marketing
Sales
Product Marketing
Growth Marketing
Revenue Operations & Enablement
$104k - $154k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Catalent Pharma Solutions
Associate Scientist II
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Catalent Pharma Solutions
Added 1w ago
Associate Scientist II
Catalent Pharma Solutions
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Quality Control
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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Mettler-Toledo
Bilingual - Inside Sales Specialist
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Mettler-Toledo
Added 1w ago
Bilingual - Inside Sales Specialist
Mettler-Toledo
Lutz, Florida
Sales
Customer Service & Support
Inside Sales
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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OPT Science & Research Job Roles in Florida

Healthcare Administration12 jobs
Teaching & Instruction9 jobs
Physicians8 jobs
Clinical Trials8 jobs
Laboratory Research8 jobs
Medical Specialists8 jobs
Biotech & Life Sciences8 jobs
Project & Program Management8 jobs
Clinical Trials & Medical Research8 jobs
Sales7 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.