Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia
Scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Virginia are concentrated around federal research corridors in Northern Virginia, the National Capital Region, and university hubs like Charlottesville and Blacksburg. Major employers include Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, the National Institutes of Health, and various defense contractors that actively sponsor scientists across biology, chemistry, environmental science, and data-driven research disciplines.
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Get Access To All Jobs$7,500 Sign On Bonus for offers accepted by August 31, 2026. Terms and Conditions apply
The Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist provides accurate and timely testing and results to requesting physicians and other healthcare professionals for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Responsible for the analyses of a variety of biological specimens and performs complex lab tests. Consistently utilize excellent customer service skills to both internal and external customers at all times. Position requires a positive and professional interpersonal style with a strong commitment to the team effort.
Essential Job Statements
- Performs laboratory tests according to established procedures.
- Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and validates lab equipment.
- Performs, documents quality control, and follows established quality assurance guidelines.
- Assists in educating and training laboratory personnel, students, and residents.
- Maintains laboratory supplies and inventory.
- May perform specimen collection, specimen processing and phlebotomy as applicable to specific work location.
- Ensures the laboratory is maintaining accreditation standards from College of American Pathologist (CAP), Joint Commission (TJ) and other accrediting agency standards as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Patient Population: Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit. Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures. Neonates (0-4 weeks), Infant (1-12 months), Pediatrics (1-12 years), Adolescents (13-17 years), Adults (18-64 years), Geriatrics (65 years and older).
Employment Qualifications
Education Qualifications
Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (BSCLS) from an accredited program or a Bachelor's Degree in a Biological Science* in addition to graduation from an NAACLS-accredited CLS/MT certificate program OR Bachelor’s Degree in a Biological Science with 5 or more years of on the job training in a hospital health care environment in a specific lab discipline performing high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (categorical or generalist certification required).
- Unless grandfathered under previous hiring requirements
Preferred Education: Master’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (MSCLS) from an accredited program.
Licensing/ Certification
Licensure/Certification Required: MLS graduates that are hired upon graduation must obtain certification within 6 months of their graduation date.
Current Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) by the National Credentialing Agency (NCA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) National Certifying Agency or equivalent ASCP categorical certification.
Individuals with required Credential Maintenance: technical positions that require certification maintenance, team members must obtain the number CE hours as required by The Board of Certification Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).
Individuals with ASCP certification prior to January 1, 2004, are not required to participate in the certification maintenance program.
Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment: Current Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) by the National Credentialing Agency (NCA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) National Certifying Agency or equivalent ASCP categorical certification.
Team Members with required Credential Maintenance: technical positions that require certification maintenance, team members must obtain the number CE hours as required by The Board of Certification Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).
Minimum Qualifications
Years and Type of Required Experience: Minimum: Entry Level Medical Laboratory Scientist Graduate.
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Ability to work rotating weekends as required. Ability to work Holidays scheduling as required. Ability to take on call availability as required and for emergency coverage on any shift.
Cultural Responsiveness: N/A
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Previous Medical Technologist, Clinical Lab Scientist or Medical Lab Scientist experience is preferred.
Working Conditions: Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. General office environment. May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc. Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights. May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. * May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. *May have periods of constant interruptions.
- Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
Physical Requirements:
Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (100+ lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Climbing, Balance, Bending.
Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing.
Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards
Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision, Acuity – far, Acuity – near.
Hazards: Depth perception, Use of Latex Gloves, Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, Exposure to moving mechanical parts, Exposure to dust/fumes, Exposure to potential electrical shock, Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy, Exposure to high pitched noises, Gaseous risk exposure.
Mental/Sensory – Emotional
Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking.
Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change.
Nights
EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran
$7,500 Sign On Bonus for offers accepted by August 31, 2026. Terms and Conditions apply
The Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist provides accurate and timely testing and results to requesting physicians and other healthcare professionals for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Responsible for the analyses of a variety of biological specimens and performs complex lab tests. Consistently utilize excellent customer service skills to both internal and external customers at all times. Position requires a positive and professional interpersonal style with a strong commitment to the team effort.
Essential Job Statements
- Performs laboratory tests according to established procedures.
- Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and validates lab equipment.
- Performs, documents quality control, and follows established quality assurance guidelines.
- Assists in educating and training laboratory personnel, students, and residents.
- Maintains laboratory supplies and inventory.
- May perform specimen collection, specimen processing and phlebotomy as applicable to specific work location.
- Ensures the laboratory is maintaining accreditation standards from College of American Pathologist (CAP), Joint Commission (TJ) and other accrediting agency standards as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Patient Population: Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit. Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures. Neonates (0-4 weeks), Infant (1-12 months), Pediatrics (1-12 years), Adolescents (13-17 years), Adults (18-64 years), Geriatrics (65 years and older).
Employment Qualifications
Education Qualifications
Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (BSCLS) from an accredited program or a Bachelor's Degree in a Biological Science* in addition to graduation from an NAACLS-accredited CLS/MT certificate program OR Bachelor’s Degree in a Biological Science with 5 or more years of on the job training in a hospital health care environment in a specific lab discipline performing high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and clinical microscopy (categorical or generalist certification required).
- Unless grandfathered under previous hiring requirements
Preferred Education: Master’s Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science (MSCLS) from an accredited program.
Licensing/ Certification
Licensure/Certification Required: MLS graduates that are hired upon graduation must obtain certification within 6 months of their graduation date.
Current Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) by the National Credentialing Agency (NCA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) National Certifying Agency or equivalent ASCP categorical certification.
Individuals with required Credential Maintenance: technical positions that require certification maintenance, team members must obtain the number CE hours as required by The Board of Certification Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).
Individuals with ASCP certification prior to January 1, 2004, are not required to participate in the certification maintenance program.
Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment: Current Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) by the National Credentialing Agency (NCA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) National Certifying Agency or equivalent ASCP categorical certification.
Team Members with required Credential Maintenance: technical positions that require certification maintenance, team members must obtain the number CE hours as required by The Board of Certification Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).
Minimum Qualifications
Years and Type of Required Experience: Minimum: Entry Level Medical Laboratory Scientist Graduate.
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Ability to work rotating weekends as required. Ability to work Holidays scheduling as required. Ability to take on call availability as required and for emergency coverage on any shift.
Cultural Responsiveness: N/A
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Previous Medical Technologist, Clinical Lab Scientist or Medical Lab Scientist experience is preferred.
Working Conditions: Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. General office environment. May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc. Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights. May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. * May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. *May have periods of constant interruptions.
- Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
Physical Requirements:
Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (100+ lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Climbing, Balance, Bending.
Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing.
Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards
Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision, Acuity – far, Acuity – near.
Hazards: Depth perception, Use of Latex Gloves, Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, Exposure to moving mechanical parts, Exposure to dust/fumes, Exposure to potential electrical shock, Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy, Exposure to high pitched noises, Gaseous risk exposure.
Mental/Sensory – Emotional
Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking.
Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change.
Nights
EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran
Scientist Job Roles in Virginia
See all 155+ Scientist Jobs in Virginia
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Search Scientist Jobs in VirginiaScientist Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for scientists in Virginia?
Virginia's largest visa-sponsoring employers for scientists include Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, SAIC, and Noblis, which hire extensively across research and analytics roles tied to federal contracts. Pharmaceutical and biotech firms operating near the Northern Virginia and Richmond corridors also sponsor scientists. University-affiliated research centers at Virginia Tech, UVA, and George Mason University frequently sponsor postdoctoral and research scientist positions.
Which visa types are most common for scientist roles in Virginia?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for scientists in Virginia, covering specialty occupation roles in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and data science when the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Scientists with advanced degrees may also qualify for the EB-2 National Interest Waiver if their research has national importance. Some research roles at universities or nonprofits use J-1 visa exchange visitor status for postdoctoral researchers.
Which cities in Virginia have the most scientist sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia, particularly Arlington, McLean, Reston, and Fairfax, leads the state for scientist sponsorship jobs due to proximity to federal agencies and major defense contractors. Charlottesville supports research scientist roles connected to the University of Virginia. Blacksburg benefits from Virginia Tech's research enterprise. Richmond has growing biotech and environmental science activity. The DC Metro corridor running through Northern Virginia sees the highest overall volume of sponsored scientific positions.
How to find scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate filters scientist jobs in Virginia specifically by visa sponsorship availability, so you're not sifting through roles that won't support your work authorization. Search for scientist positions on Migrate Mate and filter by Virginia to surface roles at federal contractors, research institutions, and biotech employers that have a demonstrated history of H-1B and other visa sponsorships across scientific disciplines in the state.
Are there any state-specific considerations for scientists seeking visa sponsorship in Virginia?
Virginia's heavy concentration of federal contractors creates a unique factor: many scientist roles require security clearances, which can limit sponsorship options because clearance eligibility is generally restricted to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Non-cleared research and analytical scientist positions are more accessible to sponsored foreign nationals. University research centers and private biotech employers in Virginia offer clearer pathways, as their roles are less likely to require clearance and more commonly support H-1B petitions.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored 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.