Research Jobs at George Mason University with Visa Sponsorship
Research roles at George Mason University span faculty-led projects, sponsored research centers, and interdisciplinary institutes across science, policy, and technology. The university has an established process for sponsoring international researchers, making it a practical target if you're building an academic or applied research career in the U.S.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Department of Social Work is dedicated to advancing holistic human health and well-being by engaging with diverse populations across various systems and throughout the life course. Our internationally recognized faculty bring research expertise in key areas such as substance use, mental health, sexual health, violence prevention, gerontology, family functioning, and child development. The department has a long-standing tradition of faculty-student-community research collaborations that strengthen both social work education and practice. The department is at the forefront of research and training the next generation of social workers using evidence-based practices and leveraging cutting-edge methodologies, including digital technology, computing techniques, creative arts, and trauma-informed holistic approaches to promote community-engaged research and interventions. The department has a strong culture of research collaboration among faculty members within the department and across the College of Public Health.
Offering both BSW and MSW programs, including a fully online MSW option, our curriculum is rooted in social justice, and it provides students with foundational social work knowledge. We emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and preparedness for diverse roles in clinical, organizational, and community settings. Situated within the College of Public Health, our students benefit from unique interprofessional and interdisciplinary opportunities, which deepen their understanding of the root causes of social issues and help shape their career trajectories. Students gain valuable hands-on experience through partnerships with over 300 practicum sites across the nation and are invited to collaborate with faculty on impactful research through initiatives like the Social Work integrative Research Lab (SWiRL). Located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, the department offers an ideal environment to engage with diverse populations and to influence social change at the local, regional, and national levels. Further information about the department may be found at https://socialwork.gmu.edu.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Social Work Postdoctoral Research Fellow will gain research experience related to issues of interpersonal violence, with a focus on under-recognized victims and applications of technology for prevention and intervention. The Postdoctoral Fellow will be funded by the Enochs Endowment and will assist with the administration of the Enochs Interpersonal Violence Research Collaborative, as well as participate in its monthly meetings and larger convenings.
In addition, the Postdoctoral Fellow will have the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of research projects, which may include previously-collected data of men's victimization within the United States and across several countries, data collected on sexual and gender minorities' victimization, an upcoming study on the use of virtual reality for interprofessional training in intimate partner violence response and intervention, and other projects according to the position holder's interests. Responsibilities vary for each project but could include data collection, data management, data analysis, and contributing to the production of deliverables, including grant reports, training programs, manuscripts for publications, and conference presentations. As part of these projects, the Postdoctoral Fellow will collaborate with the relevant faculty team(s), and will also help with mentoring and oversight of Masters-level and Bachelors-level research assistants.
Additionally, the Postdoctoral Fellow will receive various career development and mentorship opportunities, including, but not limited to, submission of peer-reviewed articles, training in statistical and qualitative data analyses, dissemination and translation of findings to diverse audiences, and development of grant proposals.
The position will begin on August 15, 2026.
Responsibilities:
Research:
- Contribute to research projects and research functions of the various interpersonal violence research projects, such as data collection, data analysis, manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and other deliverables.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Terminal degree in a related field; Ph.D. expected at the time of appointment (or other doctoral degree) in social work, psychology, sociology, criminology or criminal justice, public health, or a related discipline;
- Experience in interpersonal violence research;
- Background in qualitative data analysis;
- Experience working on a research team;
- A solid understanding of interpersonal violence research;
- Advanced data analysis skills to be used with both quantitative and qualitative data sets;
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; and
- Proficient in relevant data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, NVivo, Dedoose, etc.).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience in producing scholarly research (manuscripts for publication, conference presentations);
- Experience with surveying software, such as Qualtrics; and
- Experience leading or managing research teams.
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Social Work Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Interpersonal Violence (Req #10003994) at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, one of which should be a most recent supervisor, and provide a detailed letter of application and CV.
POSTING OPEN DATE: April 17, 2026
FOR FULL CONSIDERATION, APPLY BY: May 1, 2026
OPEN UNTIL FILLED: Yes
LOCATION:
Location: Fairfax, VA
CLASSIFICATION:
Classification: Post Doc 12 month
JOB CATEGORY:
Job Category: Postdoctoral Faculty
JOB TYPE:
Job Type: Full-Time
WORK SCHEDULE:
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
WORKPLACE TYPE:
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
SPONSORSHIP ELIGIBILITY:
Sponsorship Eligibility: Eligible for visa sponsorship
SALARY:
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
RESTRICTED:
Restricted: Yes
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK:
Criminal Background Check: Yes
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Social Work is dedicated to advancing holistic human health and well-being by engaging with diverse populations across various systems and throughout the life course. Our internationally recognized faculty bring research expertise in key areas such as substance use, mental health, sexual health, violence prevention, gerontology, family functioning, and child development. The department has a long-standing tradition of faculty-student-community research collaborations that strengthen both social work education and practice. The department is at the forefront of research and training the next generation of social workers using evidence-based practices and leveraging cutting-edge methodologies, including digital technology, computing techniques, creative arts, and trauma-informed holistic approaches to promote community-engaged research and interventions. The department has a strong culture of research collaboration among faculty members within the department and across the College of Public Health.
Offering both BSW and MSW programs, including a fully online MSW option, our curriculum is rooted in social justice, and it provides students with foundational social work knowledge. We emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and preparedness for diverse roles in clinical, organizational, and community settings. Situated within the College of Public Health, our students benefit from unique interprofessional and interdisciplinary opportunities, which deepen their understanding of the root causes of social issues and help shape their career trajectories. Students gain valuable hands-on experience through partnerships with over 300 practicum sites across the nation and are invited to collaborate with faculty on impactful research through initiatives like the Social Work integrative Research Lab (SWiRL). Located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, the department offers an ideal environment to engage with diverse populations and to influence social change at the local, regional, and national levels. Further information about the department may be found at https://socialwork.gmu.edu.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Social Work Postdoctoral Research Fellow will gain research experience related to issues of interpersonal violence, with a focus on under-recognized victims and applications of technology for prevention and intervention. The Postdoctoral Fellow will be funded by the Enochs Endowment and will assist with the administration of the Enochs Interpersonal Violence Research Collaborative, as well as participate in its monthly meetings and larger convenings.
In addition, the Postdoctoral Fellow will have the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of research projects, which may include previously-collected data of men's victimization within the United States and across several countries, data collected on sexual and gender minorities' victimization, an upcoming study on the use of virtual reality for interprofessional training in intimate partner violence response and intervention, and other projects according to the position holder's interests. Responsibilities vary for each project but could include data collection, data management, data analysis, and contributing to the production of deliverables, including grant reports, training programs, manuscripts for publications, and conference presentations. As part of these projects, the Postdoctoral Fellow will collaborate with the relevant faculty team(s), and will also help with mentoring and oversight of Masters-level and Bachelors-level research assistants.
Additionally, the Postdoctoral Fellow will receive various career development and mentorship opportunities, including, but not limited to, submission of peer-reviewed articles, training in statistical and qualitative data analyses, dissemination and translation of findings to diverse audiences, and development of grant proposals.
The position will begin on August 15, 2026.
Responsibilities:
Research:
- Contribute to research projects and research functions of the various interpersonal violence research projects, such as data collection, data analysis, manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and other deliverables.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Terminal degree in a related field; Ph.D. expected at the time of appointment (or other doctoral degree) in social work, psychology, sociology, criminology or criminal justice, public health, or a related discipline;
- Experience in interpersonal violence research;
- Background in qualitative data analysis;
- Experience working on a research team;
- A solid understanding of interpersonal violence research;
- Advanced data analysis skills to be used with both quantitative and qualitative data sets;
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; and
- Proficient in relevant data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, NVivo, Dedoose, etc.).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience in producing scholarly research (manuscripts for publication, conference presentations);
- Experience with surveying software, such as Qualtrics; and
- Experience leading or managing research teams.
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Social Work Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Interpersonal Violence (Req #10003994) at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, one of which should be a most recent supervisor, and provide a detailed letter of application and CV.
POSTING OPEN DATE: April 17, 2026
FOR FULL CONSIDERATION, APPLY BY: May 1, 2026
OPEN UNTIL FILLED: Yes
LOCATION:
Location: Fairfax, VA
CLASSIFICATION:
Classification: Post Doc 12 month
JOB CATEGORY:
Job Category: Postdoctoral Faculty
JOB TYPE:
Job Type: Full-Time
WORK SCHEDULE:
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
WORKPLACE TYPE:
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
SPONSORSHIP ELIGIBILITY:
Sponsorship Eligibility: Eligible for visa sponsorship
SALARY:
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
RESTRICTED:
Restricted: Yes
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK:
Criminal Background Check: Yes
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Jobs at George Mason University Jobs
Frame Your CV for U.S. Academic Standards
U.S. research institutions expect a CV that lists publications, grants, conference presentations, and lab affiliations in a specific format. Reformat yours before applying so hiring committees can immediately assess your research output against their program needs.
Target Departments With Active Funded Projects
GMU's sponsored research is concentrated in areas like cybersecurity, public policy, and computational science. Search the university's research institute pages to identify departments with active external funding, since those units are most likely to have both open roles and the budget to support a sponsorship petition.
Clarify OPT and CPT Eligibility Early
If you're completing a degree at a U.S. institution, F-1 OPT or CPT can bridge you into a research role at GMU before an H-1B petition is filed. Confirm with your Designated School Official that your proposed research appointment qualifies under your authorized field of study.
Understand the H-1B Cap-Exempt Advantage
As a university, George Mason qualifies as a cap-exempt H-1B employer, meaning petitions aren't subject to the annual 85,000-cap lottery. You can start in any month of the year, which gives you far more flexibility when negotiating a start date with a hiring department.
Align Your Offer Letter Language With USCIS Requirements
Once you receive an offer, make sure the appointment letter specifies your title, duties, degree requirement, and full-time or part-time status. USCIS scrutinizes research roles to confirm specialty occupation status, and vague offer language is a common reason for Requests for Evidence.
Use Migrate Mate to Find Open Research Roles
Searching for visa-sponsored research positions across university employers takes time. Use Migrate Mate to filter for Research roles at George Mason University specifically, so you're only reviewing positions where sponsorship is a documented part of the hiring process.
Research at George Mason University jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Research at George Mason University JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does George Mason University sponsor H-1B visas for Research roles?
Yes. George Mason University sponsors H-1B visas for qualifying Research positions. As an institution of higher education, GMU is a cap-exempt H-1B employer, so petitions are not subject to the annual lottery and can be filed year-round. Your role must meet USCIS specialty occupation criteria, which research appointments at a university typically satisfy when tied to a specific academic discipline.
Which visa types are commonly used for Research roles at George Mason University?
The most common pathways for research staff and faculty at GMU are H-1B and TN visas for ongoing employment. F-1 OPT and CPT are frequently used by students and recent graduates entering research roles. For permanent positions, GMU has sponsored EB-2 and EB-3 immigrant visas, including PERM labor certification for roles that don't qualify for a national interest waiver.
What qualifications are expected for Research positions at George Mason University?
Most research roles at GMU require at minimum a master's degree in a relevant field, with doctoral credentials expected for principal investigator or senior research scientist positions. Demonstrated publication record, grant experience, or lab management skills strengthen your profile. For H-1B eligibility, your degree must directly relate to the duties of the specific research role you're being hired for.
How do I apply for Research jobs at George Mason University?
Applications are submitted through GMU's official careers portal, where you'll find postings for research faculty, research scientists, and project-specific roles. Tailor your CV and cover letter to the department's funded research priorities. You can also browse visa-sponsored Research openings at George Mason University through Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for positions where sponsorship is available.
How do I plan my timeline if I need H-1B sponsorship to start a Research role at GMU?
Because GMU is cap-exempt, there's no April lottery deadline to plan around. Once you have a signed offer, the department works with GMU's Office of International Programs and Services to prepare the H-1B petition. Standard USCIS processing runs three to five months, though premium processing is available and can reduce adjudication to around 15 business days. Factor in LCA certification with DOL before the petition can be filed.
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