Healthcare STEM OPT Jobs in Virginia
Healthcare F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia are concentrated across Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads region, with major health systems like Inova, VCU Health, and Sentara regularly filing for qualifying roles. Biomedical informatics, health data analytics, and clinical research positions at Virginia's research hospitals and federal health agencies frequently meet STEM OPT designation requirements.
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INTRODUCTION
The Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging at the University of Virginia (UVA) within the School of Medicine (SOM) seeks applications for a tenure-track research faculty position at an Assistant or Associate Professor level. We are seeking applicants whose research focuses on the design, development, translation, production, and/or utilization of precision molecular imaging, PET-based diagnostic agents, radiotheranostics, immuno-PET approaches, targeted imaging probes, and related technologies. The faculty member will have a unique opportunity to work with a diverse, multi-disciplinary clinical and research community and investigate questions and applications related to oncologic, neurologic, cardiovascular and infectious diseases as well as other domains.
The candidate would also have access to the Radiochemistry Core, a well-equipped cGMP (certified Good Manufacturing Practice operating under USP <823>) Radiopharmaceutical laboratory capable of synthesizing novel PET drugs for both preclinical and human trials, and radiotheranostic agents for preclinical use. The Radiochemistry Core and cGMP lab have significantly expanded molecular imaging, radiotheranostic and immuno-oncology research capabilities and allowed multiple research laboratories at UVA to secure federal funding. Additionally, the Radiochemistry Core, a cyclotron and a vivarium are co-located adjacent to extensive research-dedicated imaging technology to support preclinical and human subjects’ studies.
EXPECTATIONS
Expectations associated with this faculty position include:
- Developing an independent and well-funded research program;
- Generating innovative and meaningful scientific data to present at academic conferences and publish in high impact journals;
- Building relationships and working collaboratively with other researchers and clinician scientists within the Department and Institution as well as other organizations;
- Establishing a national and international reputation;
- Helping to educate and train the next generation of research scientists in precision molecular imaging/PET-based diagnostic and theranostic approaches; and
- Inspiring a culture of respect and inclusivity.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctoral degree, preferably PhD in radiochemistry, chemistry, molecular imaging, cancer biology, immunology, nuclear medicine, biomedical sciences, or a related field is required. Candidates should have a strong record of research in molecular imaging, PET imaging, radiotheranostics, radiopharmaceutical sciences, or related disciplines.
- Candidate should be able to work independently and train junior lab personnel.
- Expertise in organic chemistry, radiochemistry, molecular probe development, antibody engineering, imaging agent development, or related translational technologies is preferred.
- Experience with radiopharmaceutical development, molecular imaging agents, PET tracer development, radiotheranostics, or collaborative radiochemistry research is required. Direct experience with radiopharmaceutical synthesis, QC/QA procedures, and 18F, 11C, and/or radiometal radiolabeling is preferred.
- Familiarity with a wide range of laboratory techniques related to molecular imaging and/or radiotheranostics is required.
- The selected candidate should have excellent written and spoken English skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
We offer a competitive salary and benefits plan, relocation assistance, productivity incentives, a professional allotment and a sign-on bonus. For more information about the department, please visit the following website: Join Our Faculty - UVA Radiology and Medical Imaging (virginia.edu). For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit https://hr.virginia.edu/benefits.
The UVA Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging has nine divisions, 60 full-time clinical faculty, 16 research faculty, 47 residents and 23 fellows/instructors. It offers faculty members a positive, supportive and genuinely non-competitive professional community with state-of-the-art facilities and technologies as well as a dedicated marketing team. Our faculty are very well-respected, dynamic educators and highly productive – many are leaders and innovators in their fields. The Department and its faculty and staff are very committed to growing the diversity of all of its team members, imbuing a culture of respect and inclusivity, and supporting efforts to improve work-life balance.
Charlottesville, Virginia, is consistently ranked by media outlets as one of the best places in the United States to live, work and raise a family. This vibrant and enlightened small city is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Charlottesville-area has excellent public and private schools and diverse housing options as well as exceptional food, beverage, music and art scenes. UVA is a top-5 nationally ranked public university founded by Thomas Jefferson and is renowned as one of the most beautiful college campuses in America. The Atlantic Ocean, Washington D.C. and Shenandoah National Park are each a short drive away. Charlottesville is also served by its own regional airport and Amtrak service.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Submit application and include CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references (apply.interfolio.com/188602).
For questions about the position, please contact Dr. James R. Stone, Associate Professor and Vice-Chair of Research, at jrs7r@virginia.edu. For questions about the application, please contact Nicole Vaughan, Faculty Affairs Coordinator at nsv3w@uvahealth.org.
This position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position prior to employment.
STEM OPT Healthcare Job Roles in Virginia
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Search Healthcare Jobs in VirginiaHealthcare STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which healthcare companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Virginia?
Virginia health systems with documented sponsorship activity include Inova Health System in Northern Virginia, VCU Health and Bon Secours Mercy Health in Richmond, and Sentara Healthcare in Hampton Roads. Federal health-adjacent employers near Northern Virginia, including contractors supporting NIH and other agencies, also file for STEM OPT workers in health informatics, biostatistics, and clinical data roles. Sponsorship activity varies by role and fiscal year.
Which cities in Virginia have the most healthcare F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia, including Falls Church, Arlington, and McLean, sees the highest concentration of healthcare STEM OPT roles due to proximity to federal health agencies and large hospital systems. Richmond follows closely, anchored by VCU Health's academic medical center and a growing health-tech corridor. Virginia Beach and Norfolk attract candidates through Sentara's regional network, particularly in health informatics and allied health research.
What types of healthcare roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles most consistently qualifying for STEM OPT in Virginia healthcare include health informatics analysts, biostatisticians, clinical data managers, biomedical engineers, and healthcare data scientists. These positions typically require degrees classified under STEM-designated CIP codes in fields such as biomedical sciences, health informatics, or biostatistics. Purely administrative or patient-facing clinical roles without a STEM degree requirement generally do not qualify. Check O*NET for occupation-level degree alignment.
How do I find healthcare F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate filters job listings by visa type and industry, making it practical to search specifically for healthcare roles in Virginia where employers have F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history. Because not all healthcare postings specify visa support upfront, using a platform that surfaces employer sponsorship patterns saves significant research time. Prioritize roles tied to STEM-designated degree fields and confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying.
Are there any Virginia-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in healthcare?
Virginia's proximity to federal health research institutions means many healthcare employers operate under government contracts, which can affect E-Verify requirements and sponsorship workflows. All STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify as a federal requirement. Virginia does not impose additional state-level visa restrictions, but heavily regulated healthcare settings may have longer credentialing timelines that can intersect with OPT cap-gap and extension periods. Coordinate authorization dates carefully with your DSO.