Clinical Research Jobs at Michigan State University with Visa Sponsorship
Clinical Research jobs at Michigan State University span trial coordination, regulatory compliance, and participant-facing study work across a major research institution. MSU has a strong track record of sponsoring international candidates for research-focused positions, making it a viable target if you're navigating work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation: East Lansing, Michigan, United States
Position Summary
A Research Technologist position is available immediately with the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) at Michigan State University. The position will be located in the research laboratory of Dr. Federica Brandizzi.
We seek a motivated candidate to join our lab to support both plant maintenance and experimental research. A major component of this role involves careful cultivation, monitoring, and upkeep of sorghum and Arabidopsis plants in growth chambers, greenhouses, and field settings. In parallel, the candidate will assist with experiments investigating the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying plant performance, with the goal of identifying strategies to improve resilience and productivity under both controlled and natural conditions. The candidate's primary duties include following established protocols/assays to investigate cell wall enzymes and transcription factors by cloning, extracting mixed-linkage glucan, gDNA, and RNA to generate, record, and assist in analyzing data from transgenic Arabidopsis, Brachypodium and Sorghum plants. The candidate will also be responsible for growing research plants, identifying possible pest infection, photographing plants, phenotyping, maintaining clean and organized growth spaces, and other research records necessary for publication. Lastly, the candidate will prepare media and standard stock solutions by mixing appropriate chemicals.
Minimum Requirements
Basic plant biology, genetics, cellular, and molecular biology knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in plant biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field. The candidate should possess up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in basic research techniques; word processing, spreadsheet; database and/or desktop publishing software; presentation software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
This position requires basic knowledge of growing plants, identifying possible pest infection, photographing plants, and maintaining very accurate and detailed phenotyping and other research records.
Desired Qualifications
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and record keeping skills.
- Experience working in the greenhouse/field is highly desirable.
- Experience with DNA/RNA/protein is preferred.
Required Application Materials
Please provide a cover letter describing your interest in and relevant skills for this position, a current resume, and the names and contact information for three references.
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Description of End Date
This is a limited term position funded from date of hire through 11/30/2027, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Bidding eligibility ends on June 23, 2026, at 11: 55 PM
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Location: East Lansing, Michigan, United States
Position Summary
A Research Technologist position is available immediately with the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) at Michigan State University. The position will be located in the research laboratory of Dr. Federica Brandizzi.
We seek a motivated candidate to join our lab to support both plant maintenance and experimental research. A major component of this role involves careful cultivation, monitoring, and upkeep of sorghum and Arabidopsis plants in growth chambers, greenhouses, and field settings. In parallel, the candidate will assist with experiments investigating the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying plant performance, with the goal of identifying strategies to improve resilience and productivity under both controlled and natural conditions. The candidate's primary duties include following established protocols/assays to investigate cell wall enzymes and transcription factors by cloning, extracting mixed-linkage glucan, gDNA, and RNA to generate, record, and assist in analyzing data from transgenic Arabidopsis, Brachypodium and Sorghum plants. The candidate will also be responsible for growing research plants, identifying possible pest infection, photographing plants, phenotyping, maintaining clean and organized growth spaces, and other research records necessary for publication. Lastly, the candidate will prepare media and standard stock solutions by mixing appropriate chemicals.
Minimum Requirements
Basic plant biology, genetics, cellular, and molecular biology knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in plant biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field. The candidate should possess up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in basic research techniques; word processing, spreadsheet; database and/or desktop publishing software; presentation software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
This position requires basic knowledge of growing plants, identifying possible pest infection, photographing plants, and maintaining very accurate and detailed phenotyping and other research records.
Desired Qualifications
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and record keeping skills.
- Experience working in the greenhouse/field is highly desirable.
- Experience with DNA/RNA/protein is preferred.
Required Application Materials
Please provide a cover letter describing your interest in and relevant skills for this position, a current resume, and the names and contact information for three references.
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Description of End Date
This is a limited term position funded from date of hire through 11/30/2027, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Bidding eligibility ends on June 23, 2026, at 11: 55 PM
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
See all 45+ Clinical Research Jobs at Michigan State University
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Clinical Research Jobs at Michigan State University.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Clinical Research Jobs at Michigan State University
Align your credentials to MSU's IRB requirements
MSU's Office of Human Research Protections requires clinical research staff to hold current CITI Program certification. Complete your human subjects training before applying so your credentials are ready when hiring managers screen candidates.
Target roles tied to funded grant cycles
Clinical Research positions at MSU are frequently attached to external grant funding. Roles posted mid-fiscal-year often have faster hiring timelines because PIs need to deploy funding before award expiration, which can accelerate the sponsorship filing decision.
Browse open MSU clinical positions through Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters Clinical Research jobs at MSU by visa type, so you can see which roles have active sponsorship. Search by your visa category before applying to avoid pursuing positions that won't support your work authorization.
Clarify OPT cap-gap coverage before your start date
If you're transitioning from F-1 OPT to H-1B at MSU, confirm your cap-gap period covers your intended start date. USCIS extends OPT authorization automatically once a timely H-1B petition is filed, but the paperwork sequence with MSU's HR must align precisely.
Distinguish clinical coordinator from research assistant classifications
MSU posts Clinical Research roles under multiple job families. The classification affects which visa pathway HR pursues, so confirm whether your target role is designated as a specialty occupation before negotiating your offer to ensure H-1B eligibility applies.
Request the PERM timeline upfront for permanent residency
MSU sponsors EB-2 and EB-3 pathways for clinical research staff, but PERM labor certification timelines with DOL can run 12 to 18 months or longer. Ask HR during the offer stage whether your role is eligible and what the department's standard practice is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Michigan State University sponsor H-1B visas for Clinical Researchs?
Yes, Michigan State University sponsors H-1B visas for Clinical Research positions that qualify as specialty occupations, typically requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as clinical science, public health, or a biomedical discipline. MSU's International Faculty and Staff Services office manages the petition process, and your hiring department works with them to initiate the filing once an offer is extended.
How do I apply for Clinical Research jobs at Michigan State University?
Applications go through MSU's central careers portal at careers.msu.edu. Search under job categories like Research or Health and Medical to find Clinical Research postings. Your application should include a resume tailored to the specific study area, relevant certifications such as CITI training, and any regulatory experience. If you need visa sponsorship, address your work authorization status clearly in your application materials so recruiters can route your file appropriately from the start.
Which visa types does Michigan State University commonly use for Clinical Research roles?
MSU sponsors several visa categories for Clinical Research staff. H-1B is the most common pathway for full-time specialty occupation roles. F-1 OPT and CPT are available for students in qualifying degree programs conducting research as part of their academic plan. TN visas apply to Canadian and Mexican nationals in eligible clinical or scientific occupations. J-1 visa exchange visitor status is also used for research scholars and short-term clinical appointments within sponsored exchange programs.
What qualifications does Michigan State University expect for Clinical Research positions?
Most Clinical Research roles at MSU require a bachelor's degree at minimum, with fields like clinical research administration, life sciences, public health, or nursing being strongly preferred. Regulatory experience with FDA-governed trials, familiarity with electronic data capture systems, and current CITI Program certification are commonly listed requirements. Senior coordinator or manager-level roles often expect prior experience managing IRB submissions and sponsor audits within an academic medical or research institution setting.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for a Clinical Research role at MSU?
For H-1B sponsorship, MSU must file during the annual cap period with an October 1 start date, meaning the process typically begins six to eight months before your intended start. If you're already in H-1B status with another employer, an H-1B transfer can happen outside the cap and move faster. For permanent residency through EB-2 or EB-3, expect the PERM labor certification stage alone to take 12 to 18 months with DOL before MSU can file the I-140 petition. Use Migrate Mate to identify which open Clinical Research positions at MSU are actively sponsoring so you can plan your timeline accordingly.