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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INTRODUCTION
The Sponsored Programs Billing Supervisor supervises the billing function for sponsored research projects within Sponsored Programs Administration and oversees invoicing and accounts receivable activities for a large and complex portfolio of grant and contract-funded projects. The Sponsored Programs Billing Supervisor ensures invoices are prepared accurately and in accordance with sponsor agreements, federal regulations, and institutional financial policies while supporting the effective financial management of sponsored program funds.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include reviewing and approving billing transactions, preparing and monitoring detailed invoices for complex projects, tracking unbilled receivables, and supporting monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial reporting and audit preparation. The position serves as a technical resource for complex billing questions and works closely with the Controller and campus partners to resolve billing issues, ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, and support consistent billing practices across Sponsored Programs Administration.
The Sponsored Programs Billing Supervisor provides leadership and guidance to billing staff, supports training and workload coordination, and contributes to the development and improvement of billing procedures and operational processes. This role plays an important part in supporting the financial stewardship and timely recovery of sponsored research funds for the university. Experience working with grant or contract billing and familiarity with federal research compliance requirements is beneficial for success in this role.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration, or a related field. Or a bachelor’s degree in one of the aforementioned fields with professional experience equivalent to a master’s degree in a related area.
- Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Word; working knowledge of billing or financial systems preferred.
- Working knowledge of business and management principles, including planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, and coordination of people and resources.
- Considerable knowledge of financial transaction processing, billing practices, and accounts receivable functions, preferably within a grant or contract-funded environment.
- Working knowledge of federal, state, sponsor, and institutional policies related to financial management and billing compliance.
- Considerable organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple deadlines, priorities, and a high-volume workload.
- Considerable logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Considerable attention to detail, including the ability to complete tasks with accuracy and thoroughness across all areas.
- Basic ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial and personnel information with discretion.
- Considerable ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Working or considerable knowledge of sponsored programs administration, including grant or contract billing.
- Considerable experience interpreting and applying federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance).
- Professional certification (e.g., CPA, CGFM, or similar) or progress toward certification.
- Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
LOCATION
Location: Norfolk, VA
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.