Nonprofit F-1 STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Washington
Nonprofit F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Washington are concentrated around Seattle, where organizations like PATH, the Allen Institute, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center regularly hire international talent in data, research, and technology roles. The state's dense public health and research mission-driven sector makes it one of the stronger nonprofit markets for STEM OPT candidates on the West Coast.
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INTRODUCTION
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science. We have an outstanding opportunity for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the lab team of Dr. Alison Feder, Freeman Hrabowski Scholar, based in the Department of Genome Sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. The Feder lab investigates the dynamics of rapidly evolving populations, especially viruses and bacteria evolving within their hosts and solid tumors progressing to malignancy. In particular, they are characterizing how spatial organization shapes these evolutionary outcomes and developing approaches to leverage spatial data to better understand evolutionary histories. More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting https://federlab.github.io/
ABOUT THE POSTDOCTORAL SCIENTIST ROLE
This role is an ideal fit for an intellectually curious, creative, and driven scientist ready to gain further professional training while bringing passion for discovery and enthusiasm for contributing to the Feder lab’s goals. The ideal candidate thrives on collaboration, demonstrates strong communication skills, and is committed to professional growth and development.
WHAT WE PROVIDE:
- A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
- Full access to HHMI’s on-demand online training courses and skill-building seminars.
- Generous and stable research funding from HHMI.
- Joining the vibrant UW research community.
- Mentorship from a leader with a growth mindset who values scientific curiosity and cross-disciplinary thinking.
- Opportunities to develop an independent research portfolio and mentor junior scientists.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
- Based on your career interests, you will have the opportunity to either develop your own research project in the lab or work on an established research project involving rapid evolutionary dynamics in viruses, bacteria, and cancer contexts.
- Write scientific manuscripts describing research findings.
- Attend local and national meetings to present research findings, learn about the latest advances in the field, and develop a scientific network.
WHAT YOU BRING:
- A PhD in the life sciences, computer science, or applied mathematics is required. Focus on genetics, genomics, evolutionary biology, or computational biology is preferred.
- Experience with Python, R, or a different scripting language is required. Experience with mathematical modeling and/or the analysis of next generation sequencing data would be a plus.
- A self-motivated mindset with the persistence to explore innovative research and address challenging scientific problems.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to tackle challenges creatively.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to present and discuss findings clearly in diverse settings.
- A flexible and adaptive approach, willing to learn new techniques, share expertise, and contribute to the collective success of the team.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Meticulous approach to work with a high level of attention to detail.
- Ability to work successfully within a collaborative and congenial environment.
- Strong commitment to research integrity.
Physical Requirements
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
PLEASE NOTE:
This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
Compensation Range
$70,000.00 (minimum) - $80,500.00 (midpoint) - $91,000.00 (maximum)
Pay Type: Annual
HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.
Nonprofit Job Roles in Washington
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Search Nonprofit Jobs in WashingtonNonprofit Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
Which nonprofit organizations in Washington sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Washington nonprofits with strong hiring track records for international STEM talent include PATH, the Allen Institute for Brain Science and Cell Science, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. University-affiliated research nonprofits tied to the University of Washington are also active sponsors. These organizations regularly hire in data science, bioinformatics, computational research, and public health informatics, roles that commonly qualify for STEM OPT authorization.
Which cities in Washington have the most nonprofit F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Seattle accounts for the large majority of nonprofit STEM OPT sponsorship activity in Washington, driven by its concentration of global health organizations, medical research centers, and technology-focused nonprofits. Bellevue and Redmond have a smaller but growing nonprofit presence. Spokane has regional nonprofits in healthcare and social services, though STEM-specific sponsorship roles are less frequent there compared to the Seattle metro.
What types of nonprofit roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify for STEM OPT must fall under a STEM-designated degree field as listed by the Department of Homeland Security. In the nonprofit sector, common qualifying positions include data analyst, research scientist, biostatistician, software developer, public health informatics specialist, and GIS analyst. Program coordinator and policy roles generally do not qualify unless the position's core functions are technical and tied to a STEM degree. Review the O*NET occupation profile for a role to confirm alignment.
How do I find nonprofit F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Washington?
Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for nonprofit employers in Washington that have sponsored F-1 STEM OPT candidates, using DOL Labor Condition Application filing data to verify employer sponsorship history. This is more reliable than searching general job boards, where sponsorship status is often unclear or self-reported. You can narrow results by city, role type, and organization size to focus on Seattle-area nonprofits most likely to support STEM OPT extensions.
Are there any Washington-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship at nonprofits?
Washington nonprofits must be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor STEM OPT extensions, which is a federal requirement regardless of state. Washington state has no additional licensing layer that affects STEM OPT eligibility, but some research nonprofits receive federal grant funding that may influence hiring timelines. Candidates should confirm that the nonprofit employer's E-Verify enrollment is active and that their role's SOC code aligns with a STEM-designated field recognized by USCIS before accepting an offer.