Lead Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia
Lead scientist roles in Virginia are concentrated around Northern Virginia's federal research corridor, the Richmond biotech cluster, and university-affiliated labs at institutions like Virginia Tech and George Mason University. Major employers including Leidos, SAIC, Booz Allen Hamilton, and ManTech regularly sponsor visas for research-intensive positions requiring advanced scientific credentials.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The position is described below. If you want to apply, click the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this page. After you click Apply Now and complete your application, you'll be invited to create a profile, which will let you see your application status and any communications. If you already have a profile with us, you can log in to check status.
Need Help?
If you have a disability and need assistance with the application, you can request a reasonable accommodation. Send an email to Accessibility (accommodation requests only; other inquiries won't receive a response).
Regular or Temporary: Regular
Language Fluency: English (Required)
Work Shift: 1st shift (United States of America)
Please review the following job description:
Perform sophisticated analytics (statistical and predictive analytics, machine learning modeling, etc) to provide actionable insights that improve business outcomes and minimize risk and also provide consultation to business leaders and other stakeholders on how to leverage analytics insights and build strategies around analytics. Lead, guide and educate junior data scientists in the team to enable personal and professional growth as well as help in successful conclusion of various analytics initiatives across the team. This position will sit on-site 5 days a week. No remote option available.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Following is a summary of the essential functions for this job. Other duties may be performed, both major and minor, which are not mentioned below. Specific activities may change from time to time.
-
Perform sophisticated data analytics (encompassing data mining, inferential statistical analysis, and predictive analytics, for example) on structured and unstructured data. Identify actionable insights from various (or multiple) sources of data that measurably improve business outcomes or reduce business risk.
-
Take accountability and ownership of end-to-end data science solution design, technical delivery, and measurable business outcome.
-
Provide analytical consulting and thought leadership to various business areas and fosters strategic and positive relationship with business partners.
-
Co-design the optimal solutions to solve the complex business problems with advanced data science capabilities to create business value.
-
Manage engagement in various analytics initiatives across the team, lead junior teammates, and partner with cross-functional teams.
-
Act first to learn and adopt new analytical capabilities and keeps advancing home-grown solutions towards industry leading benchmark.
-
Exercise sound judgment and foster risk management culture throughout design, development, and deployment practices; partners with cross-functional teams to coordinate rules on data usage, data governance and analytics capabilities; help with overall risk management for the team.
-
Actively mentor and guide junior teammates in order to create an inclusive and energizing environment that empowers teammates to learn, grow and have meaningful careers.
-
Drive overall team standards and take a leading role in hiring, onboarding and continuously coaching new teammates.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-
Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field such as Finance, Mathematics, Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, or Engineering, or equivalent education and related training
-
Six years of related experience
-
Demonstrate domain expertise (SME) in one or more areas relevant to banking, financial services, fin-tech, quantitative risk management, and/or financial regulation; this will be demonstrated by several years of career progression in roles of increasing responsibility
-
In-depth knowledge in practices, theories and methodologies associated with the professional discipline such as statistics, programming (such as Python, R, SAS, etc.), machine learning, model development, business information visualization, etc.
-
Working knowledge of Hadoop, Pig, Hive, and/or NoSQL, Spark
-
Experience in managing multiple projects with tight deadlines and/or leading teams
Preferred Qualifications:
-
Master’s degree or PhD in a quantitative field such as Finance, Mathematics, Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, or Engineering
-
Ten years of relevant work experience if candidate lacks graduate degree
-
Previous experience in the banking or fin-tech industry
-
Regulatory Reporting (FFIEC 031, FR Y-9C, FR Y-14, FR 2052a)
-
Data Lineage & Data Traceability
To comply with the Virginia pay transparency statute and for work locations in Virginia only, the annual base salary for this position is $130,000-$140,000.
OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS
Sitting
Constantly (More than 50% of the time)
Visual / Audio / Speaking
Able to access and interpret client information received from the computer and able to hear and speak with individuals in person and on the phone.
Manual Dexterity / Keyboarding
Able to work standard office equipment, including PC keyboard and mouse, copy/fax machines, and printers.
Availability
Able to work all hours scheduled, including overtime as directed by manager/supervisor and required by business need.
Travel
Minimal and up to 10%
General Description of Available Benefits for Eligible Employees of Truist Financial Corporation: All regular teammates (not temporary or contingent workers) working 20 hours or more per week are eligible for benefits, though eligibility for specific benefits may be determined by the division of Truist offering the position. Truist offers medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, accidental death and dismemberment, tax-preferred savings accounts, and a 401k plan to teammates. Teammates also receive no less than 10 days of vacation (prorated based on date of hire and by full-time or part-time status) during their first year of employment, along with 10 sick days (also prorated), and paid holidays. For more details on Truist’s generous benefit plans, please visit our Benefits site. Depending on the position and division, this job may also be eligible for Truist’s defined benefit pension plan, restricted stock units, and/or a deferred compensation plan. As you advance through the hiring process, you will also learn more about the specific benefits available for any non-temporary position for which you apply, based on full-time or part-time status, position, and division of work.
Truist is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, citizenship or national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law. Truist is a Drug Free Workplace.
EEO is the Law E-Verify IER Right to Work
INTRODUCTION
The position is described below. If you want to apply, click the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this page. After you click Apply Now and complete your application, you'll be invited to create a profile, which will let you see your application status and any communications. If you already have a profile with us, you can log in to check status.
Need Help?
If you have a disability and need assistance with the application, you can request a reasonable accommodation. Send an email to Accessibility (accommodation requests only; other inquiries won't receive a response).
Regular or Temporary: Regular
Language Fluency: English (Required)
Work Shift: 1st shift (United States of America)
Please review the following job description:
Perform sophisticated analytics (statistical and predictive analytics, machine learning modeling, etc) to provide actionable insights that improve business outcomes and minimize risk and also provide consultation to business leaders and other stakeholders on how to leverage analytics insights and build strategies around analytics. Lead, guide and educate junior data scientists in the team to enable personal and professional growth as well as help in successful conclusion of various analytics initiatives across the team. This position will sit on-site 5 days a week. No remote option available.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Following is a summary of the essential functions for this job. Other duties may be performed, both major and minor, which are not mentioned below. Specific activities may change from time to time.
-
Perform sophisticated data analytics (encompassing data mining, inferential statistical analysis, and predictive analytics, for example) on structured and unstructured data. Identify actionable insights from various (or multiple) sources of data that measurably improve business outcomes or reduce business risk.
-
Take accountability and ownership of end-to-end data science solution design, technical delivery, and measurable business outcome.
-
Provide analytical consulting and thought leadership to various business areas and fosters strategic and positive relationship with business partners.
-
Co-design the optimal solutions to solve the complex business problems with advanced data science capabilities to create business value.
-
Manage engagement in various analytics initiatives across the team, lead junior teammates, and partner with cross-functional teams.
-
Act first to learn and adopt new analytical capabilities and keeps advancing home-grown solutions towards industry leading benchmark.
-
Exercise sound judgment and foster risk management culture throughout design, development, and deployment practices; partners with cross-functional teams to coordinate rules on data usage, data governance and analytics capabilities; help with overall risk management for the team.
-
Actively mentor and guide junior teammates in order to create an inclusive and energizing environment that empowers teammates to learn, grow and have meaningful careers.
-
Drive overall team standards and take a leading role in hiring, onboarding and continuously coaching new teammates.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-
Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field such as Finance, Mathematics, Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, or Engineering, or equivalent education and related training
-
Six years of related experience
-
Demonstrate domain expertise (SME) in one or more areas relevant to banking, financial services, fin-tech, quantitative risk management, and/or financial regulation; this will be demonstrated by several years of career progression in roles of increasing responsibility
-
In-depth knowledge in practices, theories and methodologies associated with the professional discipline such as statistics, programming (such as Python, R, SAS, etc.), machine learning, model development, business information visualization, etc.
-
Working knowledge of Hadoop, Pig, Hive, and/or NoSQL, Spark
-
Experience in managing multiple projects with tight deadlines and/or leading teams
Preferred Qualifications:
-
Master’s degree or PhD in a quantitative field such as Finance, Mathematics, Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, or Engineering
-
Ten years of relevant work experience if candidate lacks graduate degree
-
Previous experience in the banking or fin-tech industry
-
Regulatory Reporting (FFIEC 031, FR Y-9C, FR Y-14, FR 2052a)
-
Data Lineage & Data Traceability
To comply with the Virginia pay transparency statute and for work locations in Virginia only, the annual base salary for this position is $130,000-$140,000.
OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS
Sitting
Constantly (More than 50% of the time)
Visual / Audio / Speaking
Able to access and interpret client information received from the computer and able to hear and speak with individuals in person and on the phone.
Manual Dexterity / Keyboarding
Able to work standard office equipment, including PC keyboard and mouse, copy/fax machines, and printers.
Availability
Able to work all hours scheduled, including overtime as directed by manager/supervisor and required by business need.
Travel
Minimal and up to 10%
General Description of Available Benefits for Eligible Employees of Truist Financial Corporation: All regular teammates (not temporary or contingent workers) working 20 hours or more per week are eligible for benefits, though eligibility for specific benefits may be determined by the division of Truist offering the position. Truist offers medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, accidental death and dismemberment, tax-preferred savings accounts, and a 401k plan to teammates. Teammates also receive no less than 10 days of vacation (prorated based on date of hire and by full-time or part-time status) during their first year of employment, along with 10 sick days (also prorated), and paid holidays. For more details on Truist’s generous benefit plans, please visit our Benefits site. Depending on the position and division, this job may also be eligible for Truist’s defined benefit pension plan, restricted stock units, and/or a deferred compensation plan. As you advance through the hiring process, you will also learn more about the specific benefits available for any non-temporary position for which you apply, based on full-time or part-time status, position, and division of work.
Truist is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, citizenship or national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law. Truist is a Drug Free Workplace.
EEO is the Law E-Verify IER Right to Work
Lead Scientist Job Roles in Virginia
See all Lead Scientist Jobs in Virginia
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Search Lead Scientist Jobs in VirginiaLead Scientist Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for lead scientists in Virginia?
Virginia's defense and life sciences sectors produce consistent lead scientist sponsorship. Leidos, SAIC, Booz Allen Hamilton, and ManTech sponsor H-1B visa petitions for senior research roles, particularly in Northern Virginia. In the Richmond and Charlottesville areas, biopharmaceutical and genomics firms also file sponsorship petitions. Federal contractors dominate the sponsorship pipeline for lead scientist positions here, often requiring security clearance eligibility alongside visa sponsorship.
Which visa types realistically fit lead scientist roles in Virginia?
Lead scientist roles typically qualify as specialty occupations requiring a directly related bachelor's degree or higher, making the H-1B the primary pathway. Chilean nationals may use the H-1B1 visa and Singaporean nationals the H-1B1 under their respective caps. Australian nationals can pursue the E-3 visa. For senior researchers with international recognition, the O-1A for extraordinary ability is worth exploring. EB-2 and EB-3 green card categories apply for permanent sponsorship, with PERM labor certification required for most cases.
How to find lead scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate lists Virginia lead scientist positions from employers with verified visa sponsorship history, letting you search specifically within the state rather than sorting through national postings manually. Northern Virginia's defense research corridor and the Richmond biotech area each have distinct employer clusters, so filtering by city is especially useful. Migrate Mate's database reflects actual sponsorship activity, so you can focus on employers who have demonstrated willingness to sponsor rather than those who list it as a possibility.
Which cities in Virginia have the most lead scientist sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia, encompassing Arlington, McLean, Reston, and Herndon, generates the highest concentration of lead scientist sponsorship activity due to its proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors. Richmond supports a growing life sciences and pharmaceutical research cluster. Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia, produces academic and clinical research sponsorship. The Hampton Roads area has naval research institutions that sponsor scientific positions, though at lower volume than Northern Virginia.
Are there state-specific factors that affect lead scientist visa sponsorship in Virginia?
Virginia's large federal contracting industry creates a distinctive sponsorship pattern: many lead scientist roles require or prefer security clearance eligibility, which international workers on nonimmigrant visas typically cannot obtain. This narrows the pool of sponsoring employers to those with unclassified research programs or commercial divisions. Virginia's proximity to NIH and other federal research agencies in neighboring Maryland also creates cross-border hiring pipelines that benefit researchers targeting the region broadly, not just positions within state lines.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored lead scientist jobs in Virginia?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.