Research Associate Jobs at Michigan State University with Visa Sponsorship
Research Associate jobs at Michigan State University span a wide range of disciplines, from life sciences and engineering to social science and education research. MSU has a well-established international hiring pipeline and actively supports visa sponsorship for qualified researchers at this level.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation: East Lansing, Michigan, United States
Position Summary
Michigan State actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.
The position supports research on forecasting agricultural production and yields using geospatial data, machine learning, and ground-based measurements to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop predictive capabilities. The project aims to apply deep learning and artificial intelligence to make predictions using imperfect data and partial knowledge, leveraging their ability to continuously learn and adapt for improved forecasting.
Minimum Requirements
The successful candidate is required to have a PhD with a quantitative background by the effective date of hire.
The required degree must be in the fields of agricultural science, machine learning, remote sensing of environment, ecosystem analysis, micrometeorology, quantitative modeling, or relevant fields (agriculture, ecology, natural science, etc.).
Must have at least one first authored publication in the peer reviewed literature.
Required Skills and Experience
- Expertise in machine learning and Google Earth Engine
- Proficiency in satellite data processing and analysis
- Knowledge and experience with flux measurements in agricultural systems
- A strong track record of high-quality publications
- Willingness to continue to write research articles
Desired Qualifications
Experience with interests and experience in quantitative analysis and field research.
- Experience with processing satellite data
- Knowledge on ecosystem processes
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work in a team setting
Required Application Materials
The application should include:
- full current CV;
- cover letter;
- statement of research interests;
- inclusion statement (a statement addressing how your past and/or present potential contributions to inclusion will advance our programming commitment to cultural responsivity and inclusive excellence);
- the names, positions, and contact information for three referees;
- one or two published journal manuscripts with primary authorship by the applicant.
Special Instructions
- Review of applications to begin December 22, 2025
- Position is expected to begin January 12, 2026
- For questions please contact Dr. Jiquan Chen at jqchen@msu.edu
Review of Applications Begins On
12/22/2025
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
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.
Salary
Salary Commensurate with Experience
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time (90-100%)
Group
Fixed Term Academic Staff
Faculty/Academic Staff
Opening on: Dec 8 2025
Closing at: Dec 8 2027 - 23:55 EST
College Of Social Science
1098355
Location: East Lansing, Michigan, United States
Position Summary
Michigan State actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.
The position supports research on forecasting agricultural production and yields using geospatial data, machine learning, and ground-based measurements to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop predictive capabilities. The project aims to apply deep learning and artificial intelligence to make predictions using imperfect data and partial knowledge, leveraging their ability to continuously learn and adapt for improved forecasting.
Minimum Requirements
The successful candidate is required to have a PhD with a quantitative background by the effective date of hire.
The required degree must be in the fields of agricultural science, machine learning, remote sensing of environment, ecosystem analysis, micrometeorology, quantitative modeling, or relevant fields (agriculture, ecology, natural science, etc.).
Must have at least one first authored publication in the peer reviewed literature.
Required Skills and Experience
- Expertise in machine learning and Google Earth Engine
- Proficiency in satellite data processing and analysis
- Knowledge and experience with flux measurements in agricultural systems
- A strong track record of high-quality publications
- Willingness to continue to write research articles
Desired Qualifications
Experience with interests and experience in quantitative analysis and field research.
- Experience with processing satellite data
- Knowledge on ecosystem processes
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work in a team setting
Required Application Materials
The application should include:
- full current CV;
- cover letter;
- statement of research interests;
- inclusion statement (a statement addressing how your past and/or present potential contributions to inclusion will advance our programming commitment to cultural responsivity and inclusive excellence);
- the names, positions, and contact information for three referees;
- one or two published journal manuscripts with primary authorship by the applicant.
Special Instructions
- Review of applications to begin December 22, 2025
- Position is expected to begin January 12, 2026
- For questions please contact Dr. Jiquan Chen at jqchen@msu.edu
Review of Applications Begins On
12/22/2025
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
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.
Salary
Salary Commensurate with Experience
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time (90-100%)
Group
Fixed Term Academic Staff
Faculty/Academic Staff
Opening on: Dec 8 2025
Closing at: Dec 8 2027 - 23:55 EST
College Of Social Science
1098355
Tips for Finding Research Associate Jobs at Michigan State University
Align your credentials to MSU's research priorities
MSU hires Research Associates into active grant-funded labs and institutes. Review current faculty research profiles and funded projects in your field to target departments where your background directly supports ongoing work, not just general openings.
Clarify your OPT or CPT timeline early
If you're on F-1 status, confirm whether your OPT end date gives MSU enough runway to file an H-1B before your authorization lapses. A cap-subject H-1B requires USCIS lottery selection in April, so timing your offer around that window matters.
Ask HR which unit handles your petition
MSU processes sponsored positions through its Office for International Students and Scholars. Confirm early whether your sponsoring department or a central HR unit owns the H-1B or PERM filing, as this affects how quickly paperwork moves after your offer.
Understand how PERM affects Research Associate roles
For EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship, MSU must complete a DOL PERM labor certification. Research Associate positions with highly specific requirements tend to move through PERM more smoothly than broadly defined roles, so the job description wording in your offer letter matters.
Search MSU openings filtered by sponsorship eligibility
Use Migrate Mate to browse Research Associate positions at Michigan State University filtered by visa type, so you're applying to roles where sponsorship is already confirmed rather than discovering eligibility constraints after an interview.
Request a J-1 timeline if H-1B isn't immediately available
MSU sponsors J-1 Research Scholar status for postdoctoral and research-level appointments. If you're between OPT and an H-1B filing window, a J-1 can bridge the gap, though you'll need to check whether the two-year home residency requirement applies to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Michigan State University sponsor H-1B visas for Research Associates?
Yes, Michigan State University sponsors H-1B visas for Research Associate positions. MSU's Office for International Students and Scholars manages the petition process on behalf of hiring departments. Because most Research Associate roles are subject to the annual H-1B cap, your offer timing relative to the USCIS lottery cycle in April directly affects when you can begin work under H-1B status.
Which visa types are commonly used for Research Associate roles at Michigan State University?
Research Associates at MSU are commonly sponsored on H-1B, J-1 visa, and F-1 OPT or CPT, depending on career stage and nationality. TN visa status is an option for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying research occupations. For longer-term positions, MSU also supports EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship through the DOL PERM process for eligible roles.
What qualifications or experience are expected for Research Associate roles at Michigan State University?
Most Research Associate positions at MSU require at minimum a master's degree, and many specify a completed Ph.D. in a relevant discipline. Practical lab skills, data analysis competencies, or field-specific technical experience are frequently required rather than preferred. Roles tied to externally funded grants often specify the exact methodology or equipment experience the hiring faculty member needs for active project work.
How do I apply for Research Associate jobs at Michigan State University?
Applications for Research Associate positions at MSU are submitted through the university's official careers portal. To find roles where visa sponsorship is already confirmed before you apply, Migrate Mate lets you filter MSU Research Associate openings by visa type. Most postings request a CV, cover letter, and contact information for references, with shortlisted candidates typically moving to a video or in-person interview with the hiring faculty member.
How do I plan my timeline if I need MSU to file an H-1B for a Research Associate role?
H-1B cap-subject petitions must be filed with USCIS in early April for an October 1 start date, meaning you need a signed offer letter by late March at the latest. If you're finishing a degree or expiring OPT, work backward from that April deadline when negotiating your start date. MSU can also request premium processing from USCIS to get a faster decision if your department needs certainty on approval before committing resources.