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 Jobs38+
Work Type100% On-site
Top LocationGainesville, FL
Most JobsUniversity of Florida

Showing 5 of 38+ Science & Research OPT Jobs in Florida

Enterprise Market Development Manager
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Added 3d ago
Enterprise Market Development Manager
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Gainesville, Florida
Partnerships & Business Development
Sales
Customer Success
Business Development
$95k - $142k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Operations Manager
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Added 1w ago
Operations Manager
Grifols
Altamonte Springs, Florida
Project & Program Management
Human Resources
Customer Service & Support
Compliance & Legal
Business Operations
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Service Telesales Representative
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Added 1w ago
Service Telesales Representative
Mettler-Toledo
Lutz, Florida
Sales
Account Management
Inside Sales
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Associate Project Manager
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Added 3w ago
Associate Project Manager
Catalent Pharma Solutions
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Project & Program Management
Project Management
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Project Designer II
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Added 1mo ago
Project Designer II
Embraer
Melbourne, Florida
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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OPT Science & Research Job Roles in Florida

Healthcare Administration10 jobs
Physicians7 jobs
Medical Specialists7 jobs
Clinical Trials6 jobs
Laboratory Research6 jobs
Teaching & Instruction6 jobs
Biotech & Life Sciences6 jobs
Project & Program Management6 jobs
Clinical Trials & Medical Research6 jobs
Compliance & Legal5 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.