Clinical Research Jobs at Columbia University with Visa Sponsorship
Clinical Research jobs at Columbia University span investigator-initiated trials, epidemiological studies, and translational science programs across its medical center and affiliated hospitals. The university has an established international hiring posture for this function, supporting candidates across multiple work authorization pathways from OPT through permanent residence.
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The Department of Epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Scientist with interest on the role of nutrition and the gut microbiome in infectious diseases and/or maternal-child health outcomes. The Postdoctoral Research Scientist will work with the faculty mentor, the research team, and various internal and external collaborators on projects such as 1) investigating the impact of nutritional interventions on the gut microbiome and metabolome in children who are HIV-exposed uninfected, 2) determine how maternal HIV infection and its treatment affects diet, appetite and the gut microbiome in mother-infant populations, and 3) study the relationship of gut microbiome with alcohol intake and TB treatment outcomes in adults.
The Postdoctoral research scientist will have the opportunity to learn and gain experience in the design and conduct of epidemiological studies related to nutrition, microbiome and health outcomes. They will also have opportunities to lead and co-author manuscripts, and the postdoctoral research scientist will also be supported to develop and pursue their own research projects and grant proposals. There is access to samples and data from multiple well-characterized cohorts and clinical trials to develop future projects (e.g. K grants). The postdoctoral research scientist is expected to have relevant expertise in microbiome and metabolomics data processing and statistical analysis, and will be expected to prepare manuscripts, present at scientific meetings, and work on relevant grant proposals.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Required Applicant Documents: CV, cover letter, 2 references, 2 writing samples/publications, and 1-page research statement. Please contact Dr. Rupak Shivakoti at rs3895@cumc.columbia.edu for any questions or clarifications prior to applying.
QUALIFICATIONS
Requirements
- PhD or equivalent degree in Epidemiology/Biostatistics, Nutrition/Metabolism, Computational Biology or related disciplines (e.g. Microbiology with strong analytical skills)
- Proficiency in R or related programming language
- Experience and publications in microbiome bioinformatics and data analysis; experience in metabolomics and multi-omics data analysis preferred
- Knowledge of nutrition/metabolism/biology for data interpretation preferred
- Strong motivation to develop new epidemiologic research projects related to nutrition and microbiome
- Excellent communication and quantitative skills
- Ability to conduct self-directed and collaborative research
PAY TRANSPARENCY DISCLOSURE
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
PAY
- Pay: $78,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
BENEFITS
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
LOCATION
Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10032
Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
DESCRIPTION
The Department of Epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Scientist with interest on the role of nutrition and the gut microbiome in infectious diseases and/or maternal-child health outcomes. The Postdoctoral Research Scientist will work with the faculty mentor, the research team, and various internal and external collaborators on projects such as 1) investigating the impact of nutritional interventions on the gut microbiome and metabolome in children who are HIV-exposed uninfected, 2) determine how maternal HIV infection and its treatment affects diet, appetite and the gut microbiome in mother-infant populations, and 3) study the relationship of gut microbiome with alcohol intake and TB treatment outcomes in adults.
The Postdoctoral research scientist will have the opportunity to learn and gain experience in the design and conduct of epidemiological studies related to nutrition, microbiome and health outcomes. They will also have opportunities to lead and co-author manuscripts, and the postdoctoral research scientist will also be supported to develop and pursue their own research projects and grant proposals. There is access to samples and data from multiple well-characterized cohorts and clinical trials to develop future projects (e.g. K grants). The postdoctoral research scientist is expected to have relevant expertise in microbiome and metabolomics data processing and statistical analysis, and will be expected to prepare manuscripts, present at scientific meetings, and work on relevant grant proposals.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Required Applicant Documents: CV, cover letter, 2 references, 2 writing samples/publications, and 1-page research statement. Please contact Dr. Rupak Shivakoti at rs3895@cumc.columbia.edu for any questions or clarifications prior to applying.
QUALIFICATIONS
Requirements
- PhD or equivalent degree in Epidemiology/Biostatistics, Nutrition/Metabolism, Computational Biology or related disciplines (e.g. Microbiology with strong analytical skills)
- Proficiency in R or related programming language
- Experience and publications in microbiome bioinformatics and data analysis; experience in metabolomics and multi-omics data analysis preferred
- Knowledge of nutrition/metabolism/biology for data interpretation preferred
- Strong motivation to develop new epidemiologic research projects related to nutrition and microbiome
- Excellent communication and quantitative skills
- Ability to conduct self-directed and collaborative research
PAY TRANSPARENCY DISCLOSURE
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
PAY
- Pay: $78,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
BENEFITS
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
LOCATION
Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10032
Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Tips for Finding Clinical Research Jobs at Columbia University
Align your credentials to Columbia's IRB requirements
Columbia's Office of Research requires CITI Program certification for human subjects research. Complete the relevant modules before applying so your application reflects readiness to work within their IRB infrastructure from day one.
Target postings tied to funded grants
Roles attached to NIH or foundation-funded studies are more likely to include sponsorship because the budget is already allocated. Look for job descriptions that reference specific grant numbers or named principal investigators in the Columbia clinical trials portfolio.
Clarify OPT cap-gap eligibility before your offer lapses
If you're on F-1 OPT and your authorization expires before an H-1B is approved, Columbia's cap-gap extension covers you through September 30 of that fiscal year. Confirm this timeline with Columbia's Office of International Students and Scholars before signing.
Ask Columbia HR about E-3 versus H-1B routing early
Australian nationals have a faster path through the E-3 visa, which skips the lottery entirely. Raise this with Columbia's sponsored programs or HR team during the offer stage so the LCA is filed under the correct category before your start date.
Use Migrate Mate to surface Columbia Clinical Research openings that list sponsorship
Not every Columbia posting flags sponsorship in the job description. Browse Columbia University's Clinical Research listings on Migrate Mate to filter specifically for roles where visa support has been confirmed, saving time you'd otherwise spend emailing HR.
Request a PERM timeline estimate if you need permanent residence
EB-2 and EB-3 PERM filings through DOL can take well over a year before an I-140 is even submitted. Ask Columbia's immigration counsel at the offer stage how the department handles PERM sponsorship and whether a role is eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Columbia University sponsor H-1B visas for Clinical Researchers?
Yes, Columbia University sponsors H-1B visas for Clinical Research roles. The university's research enterprise spans its Irving Medical Center and multiple affiliated hospitals, and the institution has a track record of supporting international hires through the H-1B process. Sponsorship is typically coordinated through Columbia's Office of International Students and Scholars alongside departmental HR, so early communication with your hiring contact about your authorization status is important.
Which visa types are commonly used for Clinical Research roles at Columbia University?
Columbia supports several pathways for Clinical Research staff. F-1 OPT and CPT are common entry points for recent graduates, particularly those in STEM-designated programs whose 24-month extension applies. H-1B is the standard long-term option for specialty occupation roles. Australian nationals can pursue the E-3 visa, which bypasses the H-1B lottery. TN visa status is available for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying research classifications. For senior or long-term roles, Columbia has also pursued EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card sponsorship.
What qualifications and experience are expected for Clinical Research positions at Columbia University?
Most Clinical Research Coordinator and Associate roles require a bachelor's degree in a life science, public health, or related field, along with CITI Program certification in human subjects research. Research Associate and senior positions often expect prior IRB protocol experience, familiarity with REDCap or similar data capture platforms, and in some cases GCP certification. Roles supporting investigator-initiated trials may also require experience with CTMS systems and regulatory submissions to the FDA or sponsor.
How do I apply for Clinical Research jobs at Columbia University?
Columbia posts open positions through its central careers portal at columbia.edu/careers. You can also browse Clinical Research openings that have confirmed visa sponsorship on Migrate Mate, which filters listings specifically for internationally sponsored roles. When applying, tailor your materials to the study type listed in the posting, highlight any IRB or regulatory experience, and note your work authorization status clearly. Columbia's hiring process for research roles typically includes a department interview and may involve a conversation with the principal investigator.
How long does the H-1B sponsorship process take at Columbia University?
The H-1B process begins with Columbia filing a Labor Condition Application with DOL, which typically takes seven business days. USCIS standard processing for the I-129 petition runs three to five months after the cap lottery in April. Premium processing reduces USCIS adjudication to 15 business days for an additional fee. If you're transitioning from F-1 OPT, your cap-gap protection through September 30 gives you a buffer while the petition is pending, provided your application was timely filed.