Agriculture STEM OPT Jobs in Virginia
Agriculture F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia draw from the state's active agricultural research sector, with employers in the Shenandoah Valley, Northern Virginia, and the Tidewater region hiring data scientists, agricultural engineers, and precision agriculture specialists. Companies like Syngenta, Corteva Agriscience, and Virginia Tech-affiliated research operations have filed Labor Condition Applications for STEM-eligible roles.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Johnstone Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC is seeking a Research Assistant to complete general laboratory operations. The focus of the Johnstone Lab includes the study of signaling mechanisms, protein trafficking, regulation of vascular disease, design and testing of novel therapeutics. Techniques used include protein synthesis and analysis, qPCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, calcium imaging, flow cytometry, intravital microscopy and in vivo techniques. The lab uses a combination of cell culture, rodent and human models of disease. The research assistant will be responsible for laboratory maintenance, care of the animal colony, and in-vitro data collection.
This position involves maintaining daily operations while in compliance with university and state regulations. Additional duties will include supply ordering/management, coordination of experiments, assistance with preparing presentation data, and contribution to lab meetings.
This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented person who enjoys interacting with others, being a key part of a diverse and active scientific environment, learning new techniques, and managing multiple project duties. This position will provide an excellent opportunity to gain research experience in Biology and Chemistry.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated organizational skills and acknowledgement of safety protocols.
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
- Demonstrated communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and exceptional time-management skills.
- Previous experience in a biomedical research laboratory.
- Ability to work with small animals and monitor animal welfare.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or equivalent.
- Ability to generate and utilize computer databases.
- Must be able to sit or stand at a lab bench for extended periods of time.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Coursework or degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related field.
- Previous laboratory experience with one or more of the following laboratory techniques: Genotyping, DNA cloning, protein analysis using immunohistochemistry and western blotting, gene expression analysis using qPCR, tissue culture of primary cells, fluorescence microscopy.
- Demonstrated experience working with small animals including handling, restraining, tissue harvesting, genotyping and monitoring animal welfare.
- Certified to or ability to become certified to work in a BSL2 facility.
PAY BAND
3
OVERTIME STATUS
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
APPOINTMENT TYPE
Restricted
SALARY INFORMATION
Starting salary range at $42,000. Commensurate with experience.
HOURS PER WEEK
40
REVIEW DATE
9/16/2026
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Brittany Shelton at sheltb@vtc.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
INTRODUCTION
The Johnstone Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC is seeking a Research Assistant to complete general laboratory operations. The focus of the Johnstone Lab includes the study of signaling mechanisms, protein trafficking, regulation of vascular disease, design and testing of novel therapeutics. Techniques used include protein synthesis and analysis, qPCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, calcium imaging, flow cytometry, intravital microscopy and in vivo techniques. The lab uses a combination of cell culture, rodent and human models of disease. The research assistant will be responsible for laboratory maintenance, care of the animal colony, and in-vitro data collection.
This position involves maintaining daily operations while in compliance with university and state regulations. Additional duties will include supply ordering/management, coordination of experiments, assistance with preparing presentation data, and contribution to lab meetings.
This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented person who enjoys interacting with others, being a key part of a diverse and active scientific environment, learning new techniques, and managing multiple project duties. This position will provide an excellent opportunity to gain research experience in Biology and Chemistry.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated organizational skills and acknowledgement of safety protocols.
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
- Demonstrated communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and exceptional time-management skills.
- Previous experience in a biomedical research laboratory.
- Ability to work with small animals and monitor animal welfare.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or equivalent.
- Ability to generate and utilize computer databases.
- Must be able to sit or stand at a lab bench for extended periods of time.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Coursework or degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related field.
- Previous laboratory experience with one or more of the following laboratory techniques: Genotyping, DNA cloning, protein analysis using immunohistochemistry and western blotting, gene expression analysis using qPCR, tissue culture of primary cells, fluorescence microscopy.
- Demonstrated experience working with small animals including handling, restraining, tissue harvesting, genotyping and monitoring animal welfare.
- Certified to or ability to become certified to work in a BSL2 facility.
PAY BAND
3
OVERTIME STATUS
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
APPOINTMENT TYPE
Restricted
SALARY INFORMATION
Starting salary range at $42,000. Commensurate with experience.
HOURS PER WEEK
40
REVIEW DATE
9/16/2026
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Brittany Shelton at sheltb@vtc.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
STEM OPT Agriculture Job Roles in Virginia
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Search Agriculture Jobs in VirginiaAgriculture STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agriculture companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Virginia?
Virginia-based agriculture employers with documented STEM OPT sponsorship activity include agribusiness firms in the Shenandoah Valley, crop science companies with Mid-Atlantic operations, and agricultural technology companies near Roanoke and Richmond. Corteva Agriscience, Syngenta, and research-affiliated organizations connected to Virginia Tech and Virginia State University have filed Labor Condition Applications for agricultural roles. Sponsorship willingness varies by role type and company size, so verifying each employer's filing history before applying is recommended.
Which cities in Virginia have the most agriculture F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Blacksburg and the New River Valley corridor see strong agricultural STEM activity due to Virginia Tech's research programs and affiliated industry partners. The Shenandoah Valley towns of Harrisonburg and Staunton host poultry science, food technology, and precision agriculture employers. Richmond supports agri-tech and food systems companies with data and engineering roles. The Eastern Shore and Tidewater region offer opportunities in aquaculture and soil science tied to state extension programs.
How do I find agriculture F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate filters agriculture job listings in Virginia specifically for employers with verified F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history, using DOL Labor Condition Application data to surface companies that have sponsored roles in crop science, food technology, precision agriculture, and environmental science. Rather than applying broadly, you can search by STEM-eligible occupation codes and Virginia location to identify employers already familiar with OPT sponsorship requirements in the agricultural sector.
What types of agriculture roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that commonly qualify are those tied to STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs codes, including agricultural engineering, food science, soil science, plant biology, environmental science, and data analytics applied to farming systems. Precision agriculture specialists, bioinformatics analysts supporting crop research, and agricultural technology developers working in software or instrumentation are frequent STEM OPT placements. General farm labor, sales, and non-technical management positions typically do not meet the STEM OPT degree-field alignment requirement.
Are there Virginia-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in agriculture?
Virginia's agriculture employers engaging STEM OPT workers must be enrolled in E-Verify, a federal employment verification program, which is also a Virginia state law requirement for most employers with state contracts. Agricultural research institutions tied to Virginia's land-grant universities operate under different contracting structures than private agribusinesses, which can affect the sponsorship process timeline. STEM OPT extensions require a formal training plan submitted through your Designated School Official, and employers must attest that the role is commensurate with your degree field.