Research Assistant Jobs at Florida International University with Visa Sponsorship
Research Assistant jobs at Florida International University sit at the intersection of active academic research and practical immigration support. FIU has a consistent track record of sponsoring international researchers across multiple visa categories, making it a realistic target for candidates who need work authorization to build a U.S. research career.
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Florida International University is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 340,000. Located in the global city of Miami, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields and include National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars and MacArthur Genius Fellows. A Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health and technology and innovation. Home to the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment, FIU stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. With a focus on student success, economic mobility and community engagement, FIU is redefining what it means to be a public research university.
Job Information
Research Assistant Professor ' Pulmonary Biology, Mucosal Immunity, and Translational Therapeutics
Two Research Assistant Professor positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Peter Di at the Florida International University (FIU) Center for Translational Science in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
The Di Laboratory investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pulmonary diseases, with particular emphasis on lung epithelial biology, mucosal immunity, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. The laboratory's translational research program seeks to identify and validate novel therapeutics, biomarkers, drug targets, and molecular tools for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary diseases.
The successful candidate will lead and contribute to multidisciplinary research projects involving biochemical, cellular, microbiological, computational, and animal-model approaches. The candidate will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively, generate rigorous and reproducible data, contribute to peer-reviewed publications and grant applications, and help advance the laboratory's overall research program.
Primary Responsibilities
- Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret innovative studies related to lung epithelial biology, mucosal immunity, respiratory infection, lung cancer, and therapeutic development.
- Perform biochemical, molecular, cellular, microbiological, and imaging-based experiments using appropriate in vitro and in vivo research models.
- Develop and apply organoid, primary cell, epithelial cell culture, and animal models of pulmonary disease.
- Conduct mechanistic studies to identify and validate therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and molecular pathways relevant to lung diseases.
- Participate in preclinical drug-development studies, including pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic evaluations when appropriate.
- Apply computational, statistical, or bioinformatic approaches to analyze genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, imaging, or other complex biological datasets.
- Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present research findings at laboratory meetings, scientific conferences, and other professional forums.
- Contribute to the preparation of research proposals, progress reports, regulatory documents, and applications for intramural and extramural funding.
- Maintain complete, accurate, well-organized, and reproducible records of experimental procedures, laboratory activities, research data, and analyses.
- Ensure compliance with institutional requirements and applicable laboratory safety, biosafety, animal-research, and research-integrity standards.
- Collaborate effectively with faculty investigators, research staff, trainees, clinicians, computational scientists, and external research partners.
- Provide scientific guidance and technical training to postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students, and research staff.
- Assist with the development and implementation of new laboratory methods, research platforms, standard operating procedures, and quality-control practices.
Required Qualifications
- A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, cancer biology, pulmonary biology, or a closely related field.
- A strong record of scientific productivity, including at least five first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Demonstrated experience designing and conducting hypothesis-driven biomedical research.
- Expertise in relevant biochemical, molecular, cellular, microbiological, computational, or animal-model research methods.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze data rigorously, troubleshoot experiments, and produce high-quality, reproducible research.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience presenting scientific findings and preparing manuscripts for publication.
- Ability to manage multiple research activities, meet project deadlines, and work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Demonstrated commitment to maintaining accurate, detailed, secure, and well-organized laboratory records and research data.
Preferred Qualifications and Expertise
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Lung epithelial cell biology and epithelial host-defense mechanisms.
- Pulmonary immunology and mucosal immunity.
- Respiratory bacterial or viral infections.
- Lung cancer biology, biomarkers, and therapeutic target discovery.
- Three-dimensional culture systems, airway or lung organoids, and primary epithelial cell models.
- Animal models of pulmonary disease, respiratory infection, inflammation, or lung cancer.
- Preclinical drug discovery and development.
- Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies.
- Bioinformatics, computational biology, biostatistics, or analysis of large-scale biological datasets.
- Genomic, transcriptomic, single-cell, spatial, proteomic, or multi-omics analyses.
- Preparation of competitive grant applications and participation in externally funded research.
- Mentoring or supervising students, trainees, or research personnel.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment at the FIU Center for Translational Science and will have opportunities to contribute to high-impact basic, translational, and preclinical research addressing important challenges in pulmonary disease.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for Job Opening ID 538249 at careers.fiu.edu and to attach a current curriculum vitae and a cover letter as a single PDF file. Candidates will be requested to provide the names and contact information of at least two references, who will be contacted as determined by the search committee. To receive full consideration, applications and required materials must be received by November 1, 2026. Review will continue until the position is filled.
Applicants are encouraged to review Florida International University's immigration and visa requirements, if applicable, prior to applying: https://hr.fiu.edu/employees-affiliates/working-at-fiu/immigration-process
Job Category
Faculty
Pre-Employment Requirements
Criminal Background Check
How To Apply
Current Employee
As a current employee, you must log into Employee Self Service (ESS) to apply for this and any other internal career opportunity of interest. In this account, you are able to track your applicant status in "My Applications".
To be considered eligible for the position as an internal candidate, departmental staff must meet minimum requirements of the position and be in good performance standing.
Before you begin the process, we recommend that you are prepared to attach electronic copies of your resume/ curriculum vitae, cover letter or any other documents within the application process. It is recommended that you combine your cover letter and resume into one attachment. Attached documents should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
This posting will close at 12:00 am of the close date.
How To Apply
Prospective Employee
If you have not created a registered account, you will be asked to create a username and password for use of the system. It is recommended that you provide an active/valid e-mail account as that will be the main source of communication regarding your status within the process. In this account, you are able to track your applicant status in "My Applications".
To be considered eligible for the position as an internal candidate, departmental staff must meet minimum requirements of the position and be in good performance standing.
Before you begin the process, we recommend that you are prepared to attach electronic copies of your resume, cover letter or any other documents within the application process. It is recommended that you combine your cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae into one attachment. Attached documents should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format. All applicants are required to complete the online application including work history and educational details (if applicable), even when attaching a resume.
This posting will close at 12:00 am of the close date.
Disclosures
Clery Notice
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, the University Police department at Florida International University provides information on crimes statistics, crime prevention, law enforcement, crime reporting, and other related issues for the past three (3) calendar years. The FIU Annual Security report is available online at: https://police.fiu.edu/download/annual-security-fire-safety-report/.
To obtain a paper copy of the report, please visit the FIU Police Department located at 885 SW 109th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33199 (PG5 Market Station).
Pay Transparency
Florida International University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
FIU is a State University System of Florida member, Equal Opportunity, Equal Access, and Affirmative Action Employer for individuals with disabilities and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment decisions, programs, and events without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination, contact FIU's Office of Civil Rights at 305.348.2785 or email ocr@fiu.edu.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
Should you need an ADA accommodation to participate in a University event, program, or activity or need to request materials in an accessible format, please contact FIU's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at 305-348-2785 or accommodations@fiu.edu. All requests for ADA accommodation or accessible materials for this event must be submitted to OCR at least seven (7) business days prior to the event or at the earliest possible opportunity.
About FIU
Florida International University is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 340,000. Located in the global city of Miami, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields and include National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars and MacArthur Genius Fellows. A Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health and technology and innovation. Home to the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment, FIU stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. With a focus on student success, economic mobility and community engagement, FIU is redefining what it means to be a public research university.
Job Information
Research Assistant Professor ' Pulmonary Biology, Mucosal Immunity, and Translational Therapeutics
Two Research Assistant Professor positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Peter Di at the Florida International University (FIU) Center for Translational Science in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
The Di Laboratory investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pulmonary diseases, with particular emphasis on lung epithelial biology, mucosal immunity, lung cancer, and respiratory infections. The laboratory's translational research program seeks to identify and validate novel therapeutics, biomarkers, drug targets, and molecular tools for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary diseases.
The successful candidate will lead and contribute to multidisciplinary research projects involving biochemical, cellular, microbiological, computational, and animal-model approaches. The candidate will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively, generate rigorous and reproducible data, contribute to peer-reviewed publications and grant applications, and help advance the laboratory's overall research program.
Primary Responsibilities
- Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret innovative studies related to lung epithelial biology, mucosal immunity, respiratory infection, lung cancer, and therapeutic development.
- Perform biochemical, molecular, cellular, microbiological, and imaging-based experiments using appropriate in vitro and in vivo research models.
- Develop and apply organoid, primary cell, epithelial cell culture, and animal models of pulmonary disease.
- Conduct mechanistic studies to identify and validate therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and molecular pathways relevant to lung diseases.
- Participate in preclinical drug-development studies, including pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic evaluations when appropriate.
- Apply computational, statistical, or bioinformatic approaches to analyze genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, imaging, or other complex biological datasets.
- Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present research findings at laboratory meetings, scientific conferences, and other professional forums.
- Contribute to the preparation of research proposals, progress reports, regulatory documents, and applications for intramural and extramural funding.
- Maintain complete, accurate, well-organized, and reproducible records of experimental procedures, laboratory activities, research data, and analyses.
- Ensure compliance with institutional requirements and applicable laboratory safety, biosafety, animal-research, and research-integrity standards.
- Collaborate effectively with faculty investigators, research staff, trainees, clinicians, computational scientists, and external research partners.
- Provide scientific guidance and technical training to postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students, and research staff.
- Assist with the development and implementation of new laboratory methods, research platforms, standard operating procedures, and quality-control practices.
Required Qualifications
- A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, cancer biology, pulmonary biology, or a closely related field.
- A strong record of scientific productivity, including at least five first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Demonstrated experience designing and conducting hypothesis-driven biomedical research.
- Expertise in relevant biochemical, molecular, cellular, microbiological, computational, or animal-model research methods.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze data rigorously, troubleshoot experiments, and produce high-quality, reproducible research.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience presenting scientific findings and preparing manuscripts for publication.
- Ability to manage multiple research activities, meet project deadlines, and work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Demonstrated commitment to maintaining accurate, detailed, secure, and well-organized laboratory records and research data.
Preferred Qualifications and Expertise
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Lung epithelial cell biology and epithelial host-defense mechanisms.
- Pulmonary immunology and mucosal immunity.
- Respiratory bacterial or viral infections.
- Lung cancer biology, biomarkers, and therapeutic target discovery.
- Three-dimensional culture systems, airway or lung organoids, and primary epithelial cell models.
- Animal models of pulmonary disease, respiratory infection, inflammation, or lung cancer.
- Preclinical drug discovery and development.
- Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies.
- Bioinformatics, computational biology, biostatistics, or analysis of large-scale biological datasets.
- Genomic, transcriptomic, single-cell, spatial, proteomic, or multi-omics analyses.
- Preparation of competitive grant applications and participation in externally funded research.
- Mentoring or supervising students, trainees, or research personnel.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment at the FIU Center for Translational Science and will have opportunities to contribute to high-impact basic, translational, and preclinical research addressing important challenges in pulmonary disease.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for Job Opening ID 538249 at careers.fiu.edu and to attach a current curriculum vitae and a cover letter as a single PDF file. Candidates will be requested to provide the names and contact information of at least two references, who will be contacted as determined by the search committee. To receive full consideration, applications and required materials must be received by November 1, 2026. Review will continue until the position is filled.
Applicants are encouraged to review Florida International University's immigration and visa requirements, if applicable, prior to applying: https://hr.fiu.edu/employees-affiliates/working-at-fiu/immigration-process
Job Category
Faculty
Pre-Employment Requirements
Criminal Background Check
How To Apply
Current Employee
As a current employee, you must log into Employee Self Service (ESS) to apply for this and any other internal career opportunity of interest. In this account, you are able to track your applicant status in "My Applications".
To be considered eligible for the position as an internal candidate, departmental staff must meet minimum requirements of the position and be in good performance standing.
Before you begin the process, we recommend that you are prepared to attach electronic copies of your resume/ curriculum vitae, cover letter or any other documents within the application process. It is recommended that you combine your cover letter and resume into one attachment. Attached documents should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
This posting will close at 12:00 am of the close date.
How To Apply
Prospective Employee
If you have not created a registered account, you will be asked to create a username and password for use of the system. It is recommended that you provide an active/valid e-mail account as that will be the main source of communication regarding your status within the process. In this account, you are able to track your applicant status in "My Applications".
To be considered eligible for the position as an internal candidate, departmental staff must meet minimum requirements of the position and be in good performance standing.
Before you begin the process, we recommend that you are prepared to attach electronic copies of your resume, cover letter or any other documents within the application process. It is recommended that you combine your cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae into one attachment. Attached documents should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format. All applicants are required to complete the online application including work history and educational details (if applicable), even when attaching a resume.
This posting will close at 12:00 am of the close date.
Disclosures
Clery Notice
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, the University Police department at Florida International University provides information on crimes statistics, crime prevention, law enforcement, crime reporting, and other related issues for the past three (3) calendar years. The FIU Annual Security report is available online at: https://police.fiu.edu/download/annual-security-fire-safety-report/.
To obtain a paper copy of the report, please visit the FIU Police Department located at 885 SW 109th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33199 (PG5 Market Station).
Pay Transparency
Florida International University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
FIU is a State University System of Florida member, Equal Opportunity, Equal Access, and Affirmative Action Employer for individuals with disabilities and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment decisions, programs, and events without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination, contact FIU's Office of Civil Rights at 305.348.2785 or email ocr@fiu.edu.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
Should you need an ADA accommodation to participate in a University event, program, or activity or need to request materials in an accessible format, please contact FIU's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at 305-348-2785 or accommodations@fiu.edu. All requests for ADA accommodation or accessible materials for this event must be submitted to OCR at least seven (7) business days prior to the event or at the earliest possible opportunity.
Tips for Finding Research Assistant Jobs at Florida International University
Align Your Degree to Your Research Area
H-1B sponsorship at a university requires your degree field to directly match the research specialty. If you studied biomedical engineering but the posting is in environmental science, the specialty occupation case weakens, so target roles where your degree maps cleanly.
Identify Faculty Principal Investigators Early
Most Research Assistant positions at FIU originate with a faculty PI who controls lab funding. Connecting with the right professor before a formal posting appears puts you ahead of the applicant pool and signals genuine research alignment.
Use OPT Strategically During FIU Review
Universities move through internal HR approval before USCIS sees anything. Starting on OPT while FIU processes the H-1B petition internally is standard practice. Factor in that USCIS cap-subject H-1B petitions follow the October 1 start date, so timing your OPT end date matters.
Confirm TN Eligibility for Canadian and Mexican Applicants
If you hold Canadian or Mexican citizenship, TN status can cover certain research roles without lottery exposure. DOL's USMCA occupation list defines qualifying categories, and universities like FIU are experienced employers for TN filings.
Request a Formal Employment Verification Letter
Once FIU extends an offer, ask the hiring department for a letter confirming your title, duties, and degree requirement. USCIS scrutinizes specialty occupation evidence for research roles, and this letter becomes a core exhibit in your I-129 petition.
Browse Open Roles Through Migrate Mate
Research Assistant openings at FIU cycle frequently across departments and grant periods. Search Migrate Mate to filter active positions by visa sponsorship type so you're applying to roles where sponsorship is already confirmed rather than negotiating it after an offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida International University sponsor H-1B visas for Research Assistants?
Yes, FIU sponsors H-1B visas for Research Assistant roles where the position qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. The university's international services office handles the I-129 petition process. Cap-subject applicants need to plan around the April lottery registration window and the October 1 fiscal year start date.
How do I apply for Research Assistant jobs at Florida International University?
Applications go through FIU's official careers portal, but many Research Assistant roles are filled through direct faculty connections before they're formally posted. Identify the department or lab aligned with your research background, reach out to the relevant PI, and follow up through the HR application system once a position is opened for you or publicly listed.
Which visa types are commonly used for Research Assistant roles at Florida International University?
FIU sponsors H-1B for long-term research hires and supports F-1 OPT and CPT for current students in qualifying programs. TN visa status is an option for Canadian and Mexican nationals in eligible research occupations under USMCA. For roles leading toward permanent residence, FIU has also pursued EB-2 and EB-3 immigrant visa sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process.
What qualifications does FIU look for in Research Assistant candidates who need visa sponsorship?
Most sponsored Research Assistant positions require at minimum a bachelor's degree in the specific field tied to the research project, since this is a USCIS requirement for H-1B specialty occupation classification. Graduate enrollment or a completed master's degree strengthens your profile significantly. Lab experience, familiarity with grant-funded research environments, and proficiency with discipline-specific tools or methodologies are consistently valued across FIU departments.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for a Research Assistant position at FIU?
Internal HR and international services review at FIU typically takes several weeks before an H-1B petition reaches USCIS. Standard USCIS processing runs three to six months, though premium processing can reduce that to around 15 business days for an additional fee. If you're on OPT, factor in your authorization end date when evaluating whether the timeline works. Use Migrate Mate to find roles where sponsorship is already established, which can cut the internal approval phase significantly.