Science & Research STEM OPT Jobs in Virginia

Science and research F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia are concentrated around Northern Virginia's federal contractor corridor, the research institutions of Charlottesville, and biotech clusters near Richmond. Employers like Leidos, MITRE, and Booz Allen Hamilton regularly hire STEM OPT candidates in research-intensive roles across the state.

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Overview

Open Jobs13+
Work Type92% On-site
Top LocationNorfolk, VA
Most JobsOld Dominion University

Showing 4 of 13+ Science & Research STEM OPT Jobs in Virginia

Old Dominion University
Research Assistant I
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Old Dominion University
Added 2d ago
Research Assistant I
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
$20.00/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Thermo Fisher Scientific
Scientist I, Formulation
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Thermo Fisher Scientific
Added 1w ago
Scientist I, Formulation
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Middletown, Virginia
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Quality Control
$23 - $34/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Swift
Jr. Software Development Engineer in Test
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Swift
Added 1mo ago
Jr. Software Development Engineer in Test
Swift
Manassas, Virginia
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Software Engineering
Automation QA
$82k - $153k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Grifols
Field Service Engineer
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Grifols
Added 2mo ago
Field Service Engineer
Grifols
Norfolk, Virginia
Customer Service & Support
Technical Product & Program Management
Healthcare Administration
Customer Service
Technical Program Management
$29 - $37/hr
Remote (US)
Associate's
10,000+

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STEM OPT Science & Research Job Roles in Virginia

Laboratory Research6 jobs
Biotech & Life Sciences6 jobs
Quality Control3 jobs
Project Management3 jobs
Project & Program Management3 jobs
Clinical Trials & Medical Research3 jobs
Clinical Trials2 jobs
Software Engineering2 jobs
Specialized Engineering2 jobs
Engineering (Non-Software)2 jobs

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Science & Research STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions

Which science and research companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Virginia?

Virginia's federal contractor ecosystem produces some of the most active STEM OPT sponsors in the country. Companies such as Leidos, MITRE Corporation, Booz Allen Hamilton, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), and Noblis have established hiring pipelines for research-focused STEM OPT candidates. University-affiliated employers like the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech Research Division also sponsor STEM OPT extensions for lab and research staff.

Which cities in Virginia have the most science and research F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?

Northern Virginia, particularly the McLean, Reston, and Arlington corridor, holds the highest concentration of science and research STEM OPT roles due to proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors. Charlottesville supports research hiring through the University of Virginia and affiliated institutes. Richmond has a growing biotech and life sciences presence, while Hampton Roads hosts research positions tied to naval and aerospace science.

What types of science and research roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Virginia?

Roles that qualify generally map to STEM degree classifications on the STEM OPT Designated Degree Program List. In Virginia's science and research sector, these include research scientists, data scientists, computational biologists, environmental scientists, materials scientists, systems researchers, and applied physicists. Positions must involve practical training directly related to the graduate's qualifying STEM degree field, and the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.

How do I find science and research F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?

Migrate Mate filters science and research job listings in Virginia by employers with verified STEM OPT sponsorship history, so you're not guessing which companies will support your extension. You can search by role type, location, and STEM degree alignment. This is particularly useful in Virginia's federal contracting sector, where sponsorship eligibility varies significantly by contract vehicle and project classification.

Are there any Virginia-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in science and research?

Virginia's large share of federal contract work introduces a practical factor: some research positions require security clearances, which can delay or limit sponsorship for STEM OPT holders who are not yet eligible to apply. Additionally, Virginia employers receiving federal grants may face E-Verify compliance requirements beyond the standard STEM OPT rule. Candidates should confirm both E-Verify enrollment and clearance eligibility requirements directly with prospective employers before applying.