Science & Research OPT Jobs in Virginia
Science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia are concentrated around federal research corridors in Northern Virginia, the Tysons area, and the Research Triangle communities near Charlottesville and Blacksburg. Major employers include Leidos, SAIC, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Northrop Grumman, alongside university-affiliated labs and federal contractors supporting agencies such as NIH, DARPA, and the Department of Defense.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Associate or Full Professor of AI Security (Tenure Track/Tenured, F0144A)
Department: AI CLUSTER HIRE INITIATIVE
Position Number: F0144A
Job Description
The School of Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University (ODU) invites applicants for an Associate/ Full Professor of AI Security to begin in Fall 2027. This is a Tenure Track/Tenured appointment as part of a cluster hire in Trustworthy AI. We seek exceptional candidates whose research will complement ODU’s areas of strategic emphasis, including fundamental issues related to security, safety, and privacy of AI systems. Successful candidates are expected to develop a vigorous, high impact, externally funded multidisciplinary research program; work closely with other members of the cluster and existing faculty; mentor graduate students; effectively support our teaching mission at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The candidate will be part of the newly established AI Security Institute (AISI), an interdisciplinary university-wide initiative dedicated to advancing the science, technology, and education of AI security and safety. This cluster hire is part of ODU’s Centennial Cluster Initiative which supports the expansion of transdisciplinary research efforts by prioritizing the hiring of multiple faculty positions targeting specific research areas. The Trustworthy AI cluster hire involves interdisciplinary collaboration among the School of Cybersecurity, Department of Computer Science, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice, and builds on existing interdisciplinary strengths at ODU.
About ODU: Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, is Virginia’s forward-focused public doctoral research university with more than 24,000 students, a top R1 research ranking, rigorous academics, an energetic residential community, and initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia’s economy.
Old Dominion University was founded in 1930. In preparation for our centennial anniversary, the institution initiated the Centennial Cluster Initiative, a hiring program designed to hire interdisciplinary clusters of faculty around emerging themes. As the first step of that initiative, we seek to hire 25 scholars who can contribute to the university’s growing research and teaching portfolio in the area of artificial intelligence. Those scholars will be housed in departments across campus and work together on scholarly activities related to artificial intelligence.
Position Type: Full Time
Type of Recruitment: General Public
Minimum required education and/or special licenses, registrations, trainings, or certifications
A Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or any field closely related to Cybersecurity is required.
Minimum required level and type of experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Ability to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary settings
- A strong research record in AI security demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications, a sustained stream of externally funded multidisciplinary research program
- Ability to transfer existing funded projects, when feasible, upon appointment and be prepared to pursue new externally funded research opportunities immediately
Preferred Qualifications
- Substantial expertise, experience with recognized scholarship and research in AI security
- Ability to provide a clear vision and plan for establishing and sustaining a successful externally funded research program through interdisciplinary collaboration with other members of the cluster, faculty in the School of Cybersecurity, Interdisciplinary Schools, and across ODU
- Ability to mentor junior faculty
Conditions of Employment
Location: Norfolk, VA
Job Open Date: 11/01/2026
Application Review Date: 12/15/2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Application Instructions
Interested candidates must complete the online application at https://jobs.odu.edu/postings/27439 and include the following:
- A cover letter describing your relevant qualifications and indicating the rank you would like to be considered for.
- A curriculum vitae.
- A statement of research interests.
- A statement of teaching philosophy.
- Unofficial graduate transcripts.
- Contact information for 3-5 professional references.
Applications should be submitted by December 15, 2026 for full consideration. The position will remain open until it is filled. Questions about the position should be directed to Daniel Takabi, takabi@odu.edu, Chair of the Trustworthy AI Cluster Hire Initiative.
Telework Friendly: No
Reasonable Accommodation Request
If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at (757) 683-3141.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
About the College
About the Department
The School of Cybersecurity at ODU was established in 2020 and houses one of the largest cybersecurity programs in the nation with a total of about 1700 students. It represents an interdisciplinary effort bringing together over 40 faculty members with a wide range of expertise in computer science, electrical and computer engineering, information technology, criminal justice, cyber laws, psychology, and philosophy. The school offers a BS in Cybersecurity with majors in cybersecurity, cyber operations, cyber risk management, AI for cybersecurity, MS in Cybersecurity with 4 concentrations including AI Security, AI for Cybersecurity, risk management and Cyber Crime, and newly launched PhD in Cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity research is flourishing in the school. Diversity of research projects have been developed by and housed in the school with a total of over $15 million in active research funding from highly competitive programs at the National Science Foundation (NSF), Office of Naval Research (ONR), National Security Agency (NSA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Commonwealth of Virginia, and industry.
ODU has been designated by NSA as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R), a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO), and a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). ODU is among a handful of elite universities that have received all three CAE designations. ODU is also home to the Coastal Virginia Center for Cybersecurity Innovation (COVA CCI), an engine for research, innovation, and commercialization of next-generation cybersecurity technologies, which is part of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative and funded by the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is also home to the AI Security Institute and the newly established ODU National Security Institute (ODU-NSI) which serves as the central connector of university-wide expertise for advancing national security innovation through research, partnerships, and workforce development.
For more information, visit: https://www.odu.edu/cyber.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
- The Chronicle of Higher Education (website or print)
- Higheredjobs.com
- DiverseJobs.com
- InsightIntoDiversity.com
- Jobs.Virginia.gov
- Old Dominion University website
- Virginia Pilot (website or print)
- Richmond Times Dispatch (website or print)
- Academic Keys
- Other
- If you selected "Other," how did you hear about this employment opportunity?
(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Curriculum Vitae
- Teaching Philosophy
- Unofficial Graduate Transcripts
- Contact Information for Professional References
- Statement of Research Interests
Optional Documents
Job Title: Associate or Full Professor of AI Security (Tenure Track/Tenured, F0144A)
Department: AI CLUSTER HIRE INITIATIVE
Position Number: F0144A
Job Description
The School of Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University (ODU) invites applicants for an Associate/ Full Professor of AI Security to begin in Fall 2027. This is a Tenure Track/Tenured appointment as part of a cluster hire in Trustworthy AI. We seek exceptional candidates whose research will complement ODU’s areas of strategic emphasis, including fundamental issues related to security, safety, and privacy of AI systems. Successful candidates are expected to develop a vigorous, high impact, externally funded multidisciplinary research program; work closely with other members of the cluster and existing faculty; mentor graduate students; effectively support our teaching mission at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The candidate will be part of the newly established AI Security Institute (AISI), an interdisciplinary university-wide initiative dedicated to advancing the science, technology, and education of AI security and safety. This cluster hire is part of ODU’s Centennial Cluster Initiative which supports the expansion of transdisciplinary research efforts by prioritizing the hiring of multiple faculty positions targeting specific research areas. The Trustworthy AI cluster hire involves interdisciplinary collaboration among the School of Cybersecurity, Department of Computer Science, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice, and builds on existing interdisciplinary strengths at ODU.
About ODU: Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, is Virginia’s forward-focused public doctoral research university with more than 24,000 students, a top R1 research ranking, rigorous academics, an energetic residential community, and initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia’s economy.
Old Dominion University was founded in 1930. In preparation for our centennial anniversary, the institution initiated the Centennial Cluster Initiative, a hiring program designed to hire interdisciplinary clusters of faculty around emerging themes. As the first step of that initiative, we seek to hire 25 scholars who can contribute to the university’s growing research and teaching portfolio in the area of artificial intelligence. Those scholars will be housed in departments across campus and work together on scholarly activities related to artificial intelligence.
Position Type: Full Time
Type of Recruitment: General Public
Minimum required education and/or special licenses, registrations, trainings, or certifications
A Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or any field closely related to Cybersecurity is required.
Minimum required level and type of experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Ability to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary settings
- A strong research record in AI security demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications, a sustained stream of externally funded multidisciplinary research program
- Ability to transfer existing funded projects, when feasible, upon appointment and be prepared to pursue new externally funded research opportunities immediately
Preferred Qualifications
- Substantial expertise, experience with recognized scholarship and research in AI security
- Ability to provide a clear vision and plan for establishing and sustaining a successful externally funded research program through interdisciplinary collaboration with other members of the cluster, faculty in the School of Cybersecurity, Interdisciplinary Schools, and across ODU
- Ability to mentor junior faculty
Conditions of Employment
Location: Norfolk, VA
Job Open Date: 11/01/2026
Application Review Date: 12/15/2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Application Instructions
Interested candidates must complete the online application at https://jobs.odu.edu/postings/27439 and include the following:
- A cover letter describing your relevant qualifications and indicating the rank you would like to be considered for.
- A curriculum vitae.
- A statement of research interests.
- A statement of teaching philosophy.
- Unofficial graduate transcripts.
- Contact information for 3-5 professional references.
Applications should be submitted by December 15, 2026 for full consideration. The position will remain open until it is filled. Questions about the position should be directed to Daniel Takabi, takabi@odu.edu, Chair of the Trustworthy AI Cluster Hire Initiative.
Telework Friendly: No
Reasonable Accommodation Request
If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at (757) 683-3141.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
About the College
About the Department
The School of Cybersecurity at ODU was established in 2020 and houses one of the largest cybersecurity programs in the nation with a total of about 1700 students. It represents an interdisciplinary effort bringing together over 40 faculty members with a wide range of expertise in computer science, electrical and computer engineering, information technology, criminal justice, cyber laws, psychology, and philosophy. The school offers a BS in Cybersecurity with majors in cybersecurity, cyber operations, cyber risk management, AI for cybersecurity, MS in Cybersecurity with 4 concentrations including AI Security, AI for Cybersecurity, risk management and Cyber Crime, and newly launched PhD in Cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity research is flourishing in the school. Diversity of research projects have been developed by and housed in the school with a total of over $15 million in active research funding from highly competitive programs at the National Science Foundation (NSF), Office of Naval Research (ONR), National Security Agency (NSA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Commonwealth of Virginia, and industry.
ODU has been designated by NSA as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R), a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO), and a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). ODU is among a handful of elite universities that have received all three CAE designations. ODU is also home to the Coastal Virginia Center for Cybersecurity Innovation (COVA CCI), an engine for research, innovation, and commercialization of next-generation cybersecurity technologies, which is part of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative and funded by the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is also home to the AI Security Institute and the newly established ODU National Security Institute (ODU-NSI) which serves as the central connector of university-wide expertise for advancing national security innovation through research, partnerships, and workforce development.
For more information, visit: https://www.odu.edu/cyber.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
- The Chronicle of Higher Education (website or print)
- Higheredjobs.com
- DiverseJobs.com
- InsightIntoDiversity.com
- Jobs.Virginia.gov
- Old Dominion University website
- Virginia Pilot (website or print)
- Richmond Times Dispatch (website or print)
- Academic Keys
- Other
- If you selected "Other," how did you hear about this employment opportunity?
(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Curriculum Vitae
- Teaching Philosophy
- Unofficial Graduate Transcripts
- Contact Information for Professional References
- Statement of Research Interests
Optional Documents
OPT Science & Research Job Roles in Virginia
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Search Science & Research Jobs in VirginiaScience & Research OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which science and research companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Virginia?
Federal defense and technology contractors are among the most active F-1 OPT sponsors in Virginia's science and research sector. Companies such as Leidos, SAIC, Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrop Grumman, and ManTech regularly file Labor Condition Applications for research and scientific roles. University-affiliated research centers at George Mason University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Virginia also sponsor OPT students for positions in applied sciences, data analysis, and engineering research.
Which cities in Virginia have the most science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia, particularly Tysons Corner, Reston, and Arlington, hosts the highest concentration of science and research OPT sponsorship roles due to proximity to federal agencies and major contractors. Charlottesville supports research positions tied to the University of Virginia, while Blacksburg offers opportunities connected to Virginia Tech's research enterprise. The Hampton Roads area also has science and research roles linked to naval and aerospace research institutions.
How do I find science & research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT job seekers and surfaces verified science and research roles in Virginia where employers have a documented history of sponsoring work authorization. You can filter by OPT status, industry, and Virginia location to identify contractors, labs, and research institutions actively hiring. This is more targeted than general job searches, which do not filter by sponsorship history or visa compatibility.
What types of science and research roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Virginia?
Roles that align directly with a qualifying STEM degree field are most commonly sponsored under F-1 OPT in Virginia's research sector. These include research scientist, data scientist, bioinformatics analyst, environmental scientist, laboratory analyst, and research engineer positions. Many Virginia employers also sponsor roles in computational modeling, materials science, and geospatial analysis. STEM OPT extension eligibility applies to roles at E-Verify enrolled employers, which is common among Virginia's federal contractors.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in science and research roles in Virginia?
Virginia's large federal contracting sector means that many science and research positions require security clearances or clearance eligibility, which can affect OPT holders since clearances are tied to citizenship or permanent residency status. F-1 OPT candidates should confirm clearance requirements before applying. Virginia has no state-level OPT restrictions, but applicants should verify that their employer is enrolled in E-Verify if they intend to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension after their initial OPT period.