Science & Research OPT Jobs in Washington
Science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Washington draw candidates to institutions like the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and the University of Washington, alongside biotech employers concentrated in Seattle and the Eastside. Washington's density of federally funded labs and life sciences firms makes it one of the stronger states for OPT-authorized researchers and scientists.
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Overview
The Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) in Seattle, WA seeks to recruit several outstanding investigators for new faculty positions at the assistant or associate member level, equivalent to assistant or associate professor. We seek candidates who use innovative experimental and/or computational approaches to study immune system function in health and disease, with a particular emphasis on autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases. We particularly encourage investigators in the following areas to apply: B cell biology, tissue immunity, innate immunity, systems immunology, and stromal-immune interactions. However, candidates from all areas of immunology will be considered.
These positions offer an opportunity to join a non-profit research institute with expertise in fundamental and translational immunology uniquely focused on immune-mediated diseases with a highly interactive and collaborative environment. The Benaroya Research Institute has outstanding, cutting edge core facilities to support a broad range of immunology research, including human sample biorepositories with healthy control and disease samples, genomics, flow cytometry, microscopy, histology and animal use cores. As part of the Seattle research community, BRI benefits from a rich and collaborative academic environment, with multiple major universities, research institutions, hospitals, and industry partners in close proximity. BRI offers highly attractive start-up packages and a scientific environment that supports junior faculty through extensive mentoring. Many BRI faculty have appointments as affiliate faculty in departments at the University of Washington. For physician scientist applicants, clinical time can be requested at our partner Virginia Mason Medical Center, with particular interest in Allergy/Immunology, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Pathology, Pulmonary, and Rheumatology related research.
BRI is devoted to finding causes and cures for immune system diseases and is an international leader in translating discoveries in autoimmune diseases to real life applications. Research at BRI encompasses many approaches, from studies of fundamental immunology processes, genetics and translational immunology, to clinical trials. BRI is powered by excellent laboratory facilities, an extensive biorepository of samples from autoimmune patients and healthy subjects, and houses two international clinical research networks, the Immune Tolerance Network and Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet. Read more about BRI and our research at www.benaroyaresearch.org.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will be an early stage or mid-level investigator holding a PhD and/or MD degree or equivalent, and:
- Have significant research experience in experimental and/or computational immunology.
- Possess an exceptional track record of high impact immunology research related to immune system function or immune-mediated diseases.
- Demonstrate strong potential for obtaining research funding from national and international research agencies or, if at the associate level, a track record of such funding.
- Be expected to maintain an active research program, contribute to the research environment at BRI, collaborate closely with researchers working at BRI, and maintain a network of external collaborators in Seattle, nationally, and internationally.
Application
Qualified candidates should send an application package comprising a single pdf document including their curriculum vitae, a research statement (3 page max.) describing their research plan and goals, a cover letter describing how their research fits with the focus of the Benaroya Research Institute, and the names and contact information for at least three references to FacultyRecruit@benaroyaresearch.org. We welcome prospective applicants to reach out to us with any questions. Application review will begin November 10th, 2025.
Compensation
$130,000 to $200,000 per year
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- Flexible spending accounts: health care, dependent care, commuter
- Short and long-term disability
- Life and AD&D insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan with matching funds after one year of employment
- PTO: 13 holidays, 21.5 days of vacation, and 10 days of sick leave per year
- Employee assistance program
- Educational assistance program
- Subsidized ORCA pass
- Wellness benefits
- Voluntary benefits
About us
Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) has a bold mission: to advance the science to predict, prevent, reverse and cure immune system diseases, from autoimmune disease to cancer to asthma and allergies. We create detailed pictures of the immune system in health and disease, aiming to understand how disorders start and how to rebalance the immune system back to health. Equipped with innovative tools and robust biorepositories, our team chips away at the biggest mysteries behind these conditions to work toward our vision of a healthy immune system for everyone. BRI is a nonprofit research institute based in Seattle and affiliated with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. We collaborate with clinicians and patients to accelerate the path from innovative lab discoveries to life-changing patient care.
At BRI, each individual is valued as an important contributor to our vision and mission. Consider making a difference by joining our team. Because together, we are powering possibility.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. If you need an accommodation or assistance completing the online application, please contact Human Resources at 206-342-6547 or email jobs@benaroyaresearch.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
OPT Science & Research Job Roles in Washington
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Search Science & Research Jobs in WashingtonScience & Research OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
Which science and research companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Washington?
Washington has a range of employers with documented F-1 OPT sponsorship history in science and research, including the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Allen Institute, University of Washington, and biotech firms such as Juno Therapeutics and Adaptive Biotechnologies. Federal contractors and research universities in the state commonly file Labor Condition Applications for OPT holders in lab and research roles.
Which cities in Washington have the most science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Seattle accounts for the largest share of science and research OPT sponsorship activity in Washington, driven by its concentration of research hospitals, biotech firms, and university research centers. Bellevue and Redmond on the Eastside also have research employer presence, while Richland in eastern Washington hosts Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a major federal research employer that routinely hires OPT-authorized scientists and engineers.
What types of science and research roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Washington?
Roles that align directly with a degree in a science or research field are most likely to qualify for F-1 OPT. Common qualifying positions in Washington include research scientist, data scientist, computational biologist, lab technician, environmental scientist, clinical research coordinator, and materials scientist. Roles must involve work directly related to the student's field of study, and STEM-designated roles may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension under USCIS guidelines.
How do I find science & research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Washington?
Migrate Mate lets you filter science and research jobs in Washington specifically by F-1 OPT sponsorship, showing employers with verified Labor Condition Application filing history so you can focus on companies that have actively sponsored visa-authorized candidates. Beyond Migrate Mate, you can cross-reference DOL OFLC disclosure data to confirm which Washington employers have filed LCAs for science and research roles before applying.
Are there any Washington-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in science and research?
Washington has a high proportion of federally funded research institutions, which can affect hiring timelines since federal contractors may have additional compliance requirements for OPT and STEM OPT workers, including E-Verify enrollment obligations. Additionally, Washington's life sciences sector is competitive, and some employers require candidates to already hold valid OPT authorization before extending an offer, making early authorization planning important for F-1 students in science and research programs.