Research Jobs at Michigan State University with Visa Sponsorship
Research jobs at Michigan State University span life sciences, social sciences, engineering, and public health, with faculty, postdoctoral, and staff researcher roles spread across dozens of colleges and institutes. MSU has a well-established international hiring process and actively supports researchers at all career stages through multiple visa pathways.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation: East Lansing, Michigan, United States
Position Summary
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University seeks a highly skilled and motivated Research Assistant II to manage the Leonard Laboratory. The Research Assistant will aid the PI in planning and performing ophthalmology research.
Duties for this position will include:
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(70%) Support to laboratory-based research activities: The incumbent Research Assistant will provide high-level technical support to the laboratory-based research activities of the Leonard lab, including assisting in the design, execution, and troubleshooting of experiments and protocols; keeping detailed and accurate laboratory records, including protocols and databases; assisting with data entry and preliminary analysis of results.
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(20%) General laboratory management: The Research Assistant will support the management of the research laboratory, including calendaring, ordering, managing research budgets, writing (grants, manuscripts, and AUFs), and other general lab tasks such as ensuring adequate user laboratory safety training and compliance.
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(10%) Training of students: The Research Assistant will supervise and train graduate, undergraduate, and/or DVM students in research projects.
This is a 12-month assignment with the possibility of extension based on continued availability of funding.
Standard 8-5 with possible weekends.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in the specific field of research employment such as Science, Arts in Scientific discipline (Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related science field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, and designing research experiments in an area related to research being performed; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
Desired: Master of Science degree, area of study: Animal Science, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field.
Minimum of two years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in basic research techniques such as cell/tissue culture, molecular biology (e.g., PCR, DNA/RNA/protein extraction), and/or ELISA; experience with word processing, spreadsheet, database and/or basic statistical software.
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a two-year research-oriented degree program, such as a Master of Science degree; at least five years of related work experience in laboratory research techniques such as cell and molecular biology, microscopy, flow cytometry, transcriptomics; experience organizing and analyzing data using more advanced analysis techniques. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Strong organization capabilities (including calendaring), strong writing and computer skills, good attention to detail, and independent problem-solving skills. Attention to detail is critical, as well as the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, adhere to deadlines, maintain high ethical research standards, accept constructive criticism, and succeed in a team-oriented environment.
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.
Special Instructions
For questions, please get in touch with search committee chair, Dr. Brian Leonard at bleonard@msu.edu
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Description of End Date
This is an off date position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Summary of Health Risks
Works with animals and unfixed animal tissue
Bidding eligibility ends June 2, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.
Location: East Lansing, Michigan, United States
Position Summary
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University seeks a highly skilled and motivated Research Assistant II to manage the Leonard Laboratory. The Research Assistant will aid the PI in planning and performing ophthalmology research.
Duties for this position will include:
-
(70%) Support to laboratory-based research activities: The incumbent Research Assistant will provide high-level technical support to the laboratory-based research activities of the Leonard lab, including assisting in the design, execution, and troubleshooting of experiments and protocols; keeping detailed and accurate laboratory records, including protocols and databases; assisting with data entry and preliminary analysis of results.
-
(20%) General laboratory management: The Research Assistant will support the management of the research laboratory, including calendaring, ordering, managing research budgets, writing (grants, manuscripts, and AUFs), and other general lab tasks such as ensuring adequate user laboratory safety training and compliance.
-
(10%) Training of students: The Research Assistant will supervise and train graduate, undergraduate, and/or DVM students in research projects.
This is a 12-month assignment with the possibility of extension based on continued availability of funding.
Standard 8-5 with possible weekends.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in the specific field of research employment such as Science, Arts in Scientific discipline (Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related science field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, and designing research experiments in an area related to research being performed; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
Desired: Master of Science degree, area of study: Animal Science, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field.
Minimum of two years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in basic research techniques such as cell/tissue culture, molecular biology (e.g., PCR, DNA/RNA/protein extraction), and/or ELISA; experience with word processing, spreadsheet, database and/or basic statistical software.
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a two-year research-oriented degree program, such as a Master of Science degree; at least five years of related work experience in laboratory research techniques such as cell and molecular biology, microscopy, flow cytometry, transcriptomics; experience organizing and analyzing data using more advanced analysis techniques. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Strong organization capabilities (including calendaring), strong writing and computer skills, good attention to detail, and independent problem-solving skills. Attention to detail is critical, as well as the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, adhere to deadlines, maintain high ethical research standards, accept constructive criticism, and succeed in a team-oriented environment.
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.
Special Instructions
For questions, please get in touch with search committee chair, Dr. Brian Leonard at bleonard@msu.edu
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Description of End Date
This is an off date position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Summary of Health Risks
Works with animals and unfixed animal tissue
Bidding eligibility ends June 2, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.
See all 42+ Research Jobs at Michigan State University
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Jobs at Michigan State University
Align your CV to MSU grant cycles
MSU research positions are frequently tied to funded grants, so tailor your application materials to the lab's active funding areas. A CV that mirrors the grant's scope signals you can step into a billable role immediately.
Target departments with ongoing external funding
Search MSU's Research Office award announcements and NIH Reporter to identify departments actively receiving federal grants. Principal investigators with multi-year awards are far more likely to initiate visa sponsorship than those between funding cycles.
Clarify OPT cap-gap coverage before your start date
If you're on F-1 OPT and MSU files your H-1B before April 1, your cap-gap extension covers you through September 30. Confirm your OPT expiration date against that window with MSU's Office for International Students and Scholars before accepting an offer.
Ask the hiring PI about their H-1B filing history
Individual principal investigators at MSU often manage their own budget lines for visa filing fees. Ask directly whether the lab has sponsored international researchers before and who in the department coordinates with MSU Human Resources on H-1B petitions.
Use Migrate Mate to filter open MSU research roles by visa type
MSU posts research openings across multiple portals and they move quickly. Use Migrate Mate to surface current Research positions at MSU filtered by the visa sponsorship types you need, so you're applying to roles where sponsorship is already confirmed.
Request your PERM timeline in writing during offer negotiation
If you're pursuing a permanent research position, ask MSU's HR team during offer negotiation whether the role qualifies for PERM-based Green Card sponsorship. DOL requires a minimum 30-day domestic recruitment period before filing, so starting that conversation early protects your timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Michigan State University sponsor H-1B visas for Research roles?
Yes, Michigan State University sponsors H-1B visas for qualifying research positions. MSU is a cap-exempt institution, which means it can file H-1B petitions at any point during the year without waiting for the April lottery. This is a meaningful advantage for researchers who need to start quickly or whose OPT is running out outside the standard cap filing window.
How do I apply for Research jobs at Michigan State University?
MSU posts research openings through its central careers portal at careers.msu.edu, but many postdoctoral and grant-funded positions are also listed directly through individual department or lab websites. Migrate Mate aggregates current MSU research roles filtered by visa sponsorship type, which saves time if you need to confirm sponsorship eligibility before applying. Tailor your application to the lab's active research focus and funding area.
Which visa types does Michigan State University commonly use for Research positions?
MSU supports several visa categories for research staff and faculty, including H-1B, J-1 visa, TN visa, and F-1 OPT and CPT. J-1 visa is frequently used for postdoctoral researchers and visiting scholars, while H-1B is standard for longer-term staff research roles. EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card sponsorship is available for permanent positions, typically initiated after the researcher has been in role for a period of time.
What qualifications are expected for Research roles at Michigan State University?
Requirements vary by role type. Postdoctoral positions require a completed PhD in a relevant field, often with a publication record aligned to the hiring lab's work. Staff research roles may require a master's degree plus demonstrated technical skills in areas like bioinformatics, wet lab methods, or statistical analysis. For H-1B eligibility, the position must qualify as a specialty occupation, meaning a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field is the standard minimum.
How long does the H-1B sponsorship process take at a cap-exempt institution like MSU?
Because MSU qualifies as a cap-exempt institution under USCIS rules, it can file H-1B petitions year-round without waiting for the October 1 cap lottery window. Standard processing at USCIS currently runs three to six months. Premium processing, which MSU or the researcher can request, reduces that to 15 business days. Factor in the time MSU's HR and Office for International Students and Scholars need to prepare the petition before USCIS filing.