Research Jobs at North Carolina State University with Visa Sponsorship
Research jobs at North Carolina State University encompass faculty-adjacent positions, postdoctoral work, and staff scientist appointments across a wide range of disciplines. NC State has an established infrastructure for sponsoring international researchers, supporting visa pathways that cover both temporary work authorization and longer-term permanent residency routes.
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Posting Information
Posting Number PG194932EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Strategy and Programs
Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with education and experience
Work Schedule Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm (Hybrid flexible work arrangement possible)
Job Location Raleigh, NC
Department 068201 - ORI - Research Initiatives
About the Department
The Office of Research Initiatives, housed within the Office of Research and Innovation, drives the strategic growth and long‑term competitiveness of the university’s research enterprise. RI identifies, develops, and advances major research opportunities and institutionally aligned initiatives, working across colleges, faculty, research centers, institutes, and external partners to position NC State for success in large‑scale, high‑impact funding opportunities.
Through strategic research development, complex proposal coordination, and oversight of centers and institutes administered within ORI, RI strengthens institutional research capacity, builds a pipeline of transformative initiatives, and ensures that research investments align with emerging federal priorities and institutional goals.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Flexible Spending Account
Retirement Programs
Disability Plans
Life Insurance
Accident Plan
Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
12 Holidays Each Year
Tuition and Academic Assistance
And so much more!
Attain work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
As the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Strategy & Programs, you will provide strategic leadership for the Research Strategy & Programs unit within the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI). Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Initiatives, you will advance NC State’s research priorities by strengthening early-stage concept development, strategic research planning, and alignment with emerging federal priorities. You will lead research development activities that support cross-university individuals and teams, coordinate research strategy and federal engagement efforts within ORI, and assist with the coordination and oversight of Centers and Institutes administered by ORI. Working closely with the Associate Vice Chancellor, Proposal Development Unit, colleges, centers, and institutes, you will help advance institutional research priorities and strengthen the university’s competitiveness for research opportunities.
Essential Job Duties:
Research Strategy & Programs Leadership
Lead strategic planning and concept development for the Research Strategy & Programs unit, with a focus on institutional research priorities, emerging federal priorities, and high-impact research opportunities.
Direct the unit’s strategic research development and federal engagement activities, ensuring coordination with ORI priorities and university research strategy.
Lead and support staff responsible for research development, federal engagement, and proposal readiness activities.
Establish priorities and coordinate activities across ORI divisions, colleges, centers, and institutes to advance institutional research goals.
Strategic Research Development & Federal Alignment
Monitor and analyze emerging federal research priorities, multi-agency initiatives, and funding opportunities to identify areas of strategic opportunity for NC State.
Guide development of competitive research concepts, teams, and strategies in high-impact and emerging research areas.
Partner with colleges, centers, and institutes to strengthen research concepts and align institutional capabilities with federal priorities and sponsor expectations.
Coordinate with the Proposal Development Unit to connect strategic research planning with proposal development and institutional positioning.
Institutional Coordination & Centers and Institutes
Advance cross-university coordination of strategic research initiatives involving ORI divisions, colleges, centers, and institutes.
Support the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Initiatives in coordinating and overseeing activities for Centers and Institutes administered by ORI.
Contribute to enterprise-level planning and strategic alignment for ORI-affiliated Centers and Institutes.
Represent the Research Strategy & Programs portfolio in institutional planning, working groups, and ORI-wide strategic initiatives.
Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Communication
Build relationships with faculty, research leaders, and external partners to identify and advance strategic research opportunities.
Communicate federal priorities, institutional research strengths, and emerging opportunities to internal and external stakeholders.
Develop and contribute to briefings, presentations, and other materials supporting research strategy, federal engagement, and institutional priorities.
Represent the unit in meetings and discussions with internal and external stakeholders as delegated by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Initiatives.
In this role, you will help shape NC State’s research strategy and strengthen the university’s position for future research opportunities. If you are a strategic research leader who can connect emerging federal priorities with institutional research strengths, build effective partnerships across a complex research environment, and advance high-impact opportunities, we welcome you to apply.
Other Responsibilities
In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the Office of Research and Innovation’s mission and institutional research priorities.
Minimum Education and Experience
Master’s degree in a relevant field and significant experience in research execution, administration, strategic research development, federal research engagement, or related areas.
Demonstrated experience leading research strategy, program development, or large-scale research initiatives in a university, federal, or research-intensive environment.
Other Required Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to lead strategic planning and research development activities.
Knowledge and understanding of federal research priorities, sponsor expectations, and emerging research domains.
Previous experience supervising professional staff and managing unit-level operations.
Ability to effectively communicate complex research strategies and priorities, collaborate across organizational levels, and build productive stakeholder relationships.
Preferred Qualifications
Doctoral degree in a relevant field.
Demonstrated experience leading research strategy, program development, or large-scale research initiatives in a university, federal, or research-intensive environment.
Experience supporting or leading large-scale federal proposals or multi-agency initiatives as a staff or faculty member.
Familiarity with advanced technology research domains (e.g., advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, quantum, AI, defense and security).
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required No
Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 10/13/2026
Anticipated Close Date 10/27/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for at least three professional references.
Position Details
Position Number 00112332
Position Type EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0
Appointment 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID 068201 - ORI - Research Initiatives
EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Tips for Finding Research Jobs at North Carolina State University
Align your credentials to NC State's research areas
NC State's research enterprise spans agriculture, engineering, life sciences, and data analytics. Tailor your CV to the specific lab or department you're targeting, making the connection between your prior research output and their active grant portfolios explicit.
Identify positions tied to external grant funding
Research roles funded by federal grants often have more flexibility to support visa sponsorship than unfunded positions. Look for postings that reference NIH, NSF, or USDA funding directly, as those labs typically have dedicated budgets that cover filing costs.
Search open Research roles at NC State on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters Research openings at NC State by visa type, so you can quickly identify which roles align with your H-1B, E-3, or OPT status before you invest time in a full application.
Clarify sponsorship scope before accepting an offer
NC State sponsors multiple visa categories, but not every Research role supports every pathway. Ask the hiring department directly whether the position budget covers PERM or only temporary work authorization, so you're not caught off guard after an offer.
Time OPT applications around NC State's hiring cycles
Research hiring at universities often follows the academic calendar, with many positions filling in spring for a summer or fall start. File your OPT application with USCIS at least 90 days before your target start date to avoid authorization gaps.
Request a cap-exempt H-1B filing if you're between roles
As a nonprofit research university, NC State qualifies as a cap-exempt H-1B employer under USCIS rules. If you missed the lottery or are transferring from another employer, you can file year-round without waiting for the next registration period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does North Carolina State University sponsor H-1B visas for Researchs?
Yes, NC State sponsors H-1B visas for Research roles and qualifies as a cap-exempt employer under USCIS rules, meaning petitions can be filed at any time of year without entering the annual lottery. This is a significant advantage for researchers who missed the cap or are transitioning between positions and need continuous work authorization.
How do I apply for Research jobs at North Carolina State University?
Applications go through NC State's WorkWolf hiring portal, where each Research posting lists the required materials, typically a CV, cover letter, and research statement for academic-adjacent roles. Review the position description carefully for citizenship or export control language, as some federally funded projects restrict eligibility. Migrate Mate lists open NC State Research roles filtered by visa sponsorship type, which can help you prioritize where to apply first.
Which visa types does NC State commonly use for Research positions?
NC State regularly sponsors H-1B, J-1 visa, TN visa, E-3 visa, and F-1 OPT or CPT for Research roles, depending on your nationality and career stage. J-1 visa is common for postdoctoral researchers and visiting scholars. H-1B is the standard path for longer-term staff scientist and research scientist appointments. Australians are often sponsored on the E-3 visa. Green Card sponsorship through EB-2 or EB-3 is available for qualifying permanent Research positions.
What qualifications does NC State expect for Research roles?
Requirements vary by level, but most Research positions expect at minimum a relevant master's degree, with many staff scientist and principal researcher roles requiring a completed PhD and a demonstrated publication record. For lab-based roles, hands-on experience with specific methodologies or instrumentation is often listed as required rather than preferred. Postdoctoral appointments typically require a PhD completed within the last few years and a research focus that aligns with the supervising faculty member's current grants.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for NC State Research hires?
Timeline depends on the visa type. H-1B standard processing through USCIS takes three to six months from petition filing, though NC State can use premium processing to reduce that to 15 business days. PERM labor certification for Green Card sponsorship typically adds 18 to 24 months before the I-140 petition stage. J-1 sponsorship can move faster, often within four to six weeks if the DS-2019 is issued promptly. Build these timelines into your offer negotiation to align your start date with realistic authorization dates.