University of Illinois TN Visa Sponsorship Jobs USA
University of Illinois hires TN visa professionals across research, engineering, and academic roles at its flagship Urbana-Champaign campus and regional campuses. As a major public research university, it regularly supports TN admission for Canadian and Mexican nationals in USMCA-listed occupations, making it a solid target for qualified TN candidates.
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INTRODUCTION
Automation Engineer - National Institute for Biofoundry Applications (NIBA)
The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) is an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, built on a team-science approach. Its mission is to advance life sciences research, engage the public in understanding the impact of genomic discoveries, and foster bioeconomic development across Illinois. IGB researchers lead groundbreaking genomic studies that tackle critical societal challenges in food security, energy, health, technology, and environmental sustainability. The institute’s administrative infrastructure is designed to support dynamic research themes, enabling them to evolve with emerging discoveries, innovative methods, and changing needs.
JOB SUMMARY
Provide various automation services in the NSF iBioFoundry which is part of the National Institute for Biofoundry Applications (NIBA) in the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Lead the efforts to design, develop, standardize, and deploy automated workflows for synthetic biology applications on the NSF iBioFoundry and iBioFAB.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide biofoundry services to external users such as defining service specifications, scope, and quality standards, designing and implementing reproducible automated workflows for users’ research projects, and implementing cost and resource models for service pricing.
- Develop, modify, and improve automated workflows for various synthetic biology applications at the NSF iBioFoundry and iBioFAB.
- Generate and maintain documentation of automation protocols, project specifications, project design materials, and other documentation.
- Collaborate with internal and external software developers to define, develop, and implement the AI/ML, data, and logistics management needs of the facility.
- Participate in education, outreach, and workforce development activities such as facility tours, summer schools, certificate programs, developing educational tools and programs, working with industrial partners, and updating website content.
- Represent the facility at conferences and presentations, prepare publications and other written communications as necessary.
- Assist the center leadership team with various duties in ensuring smooth operation of the NSF iBioFoundry and iBioFAB.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in a life sciences or biological field, chemistry or chemical engineering, computer science, engineering, or other related STEM fields.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, engineering, or related fields of study.
- Four or more years of relevant experience in a research setting.
- Experience in synthetic biology combined with biofoundry and laboratory automation workflow design and development as well as AI/ML.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Experience with complex analytical instrumentation, automation equipment, or development of automated processes.
- Experience with laboratory automation equipment, especially liquid handlers such as Tecan liquid handler and Echo acoustic liquid handler, is preferred.
- Prior experience in automation of biological workflows is highly valued.
- Experience with developing workflows involving various biological workflows such as DNA cloning, protein engineering, and natural product discovery is highly valued.
- Previous experience with programming such as Python is preferred.
- Experience with project or lab management.
- Ability to supervise others, encouraging success of team members.
- Ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally with internal and external parties.
- Must be organized, meticulous, self-directed, can handle a variety of tasks in a matrix environment.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative when needed.
- Ability to identify problems and develop solutions.
- Ability to communicate effectively with others.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 6/18/2025. The budgeted salary range for this position is $60,000 to $85,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements (if necessary), and budget constraints.
This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on June 1, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jana Lenz at janalenz@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
LOCATION
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
REQUISITION ID: 1036104
JOB CATEGORY: Research
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding University of Illinois TN Visa Sponsorship Jobs USA
Match your degree to USMCA occupations
University of Illinois evaluates TN candidates against the USMCA professions list, not a broad hiring preference. Pull your O*NET occupation profile and confirm your degree field directly maps to the listed profession before applying to any specific role.
Target research and engineering departments first
Research universities like University of Illinois concentrate TN hires in labs, engineering departments, and computer science units. Focus your search on posted faculty, research scientist, and systems engineer roles, where TN-eligible occupation categories appear most consistently across campuses.
Confirm offer letter specifics before your border crossing
University of Illinois issues the support letter you present at the port of entry or consulate. Verify it states your job title using USMCA occupation language, your start date, and your wage before you travel, since CBP officers assess TN eligibility on the spot.
Use Migrate Mate to identify active TN employers
Before applying, search Migrate Mate to see University of Illinois's visa sponsorship history by role type. This helps you target departments that have actively supported TN professionals rather than cold-applying to units with no relevant hiring pattern.
Prepare your credentials for Canadian border admission
Canadian nationals don't file a petition in advance. Arrive at a land port or preclearance airport with your degree transcripts, the University of Illinois offer letter, and professional license if your occupation requires one. CBP processes TN status on the same day in most cases.
Understand TN renewal timing inside the university cycle
University of Illinois hires on academic-year and grant-funded contracts. TN status is granted in increments and must be renewed before expiration. Coordinate your renewal timeline with your department administrator at least 60 days before your current TN period ends to avoid gaps.
University of Illinois TN Visa Sponsorship: Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Illinois sponsor TN visas?
Yes. University of Illinois supports TN admission for Canadian and Mexican nationals in USMCA-listed occupations. It issues the offer or support letter you present at the border or consulate. The university doesn't file a petition with USCIS, TN status is granted directly by CBP or a consular officer based on your credentials and the offer letter.
Which roles and departments at University of Illinois typically support TN admission?
TN-eligible roles at University of Illinois appear most often in engineering, computer science, research laboratories, and academic departments that hire on project or faculty tracks. Occupations such as engineer, computer systems analyst, scientist, and economist align with USMCA categories and appear regularly in the university's postings.
How do I start the TN process after receiving a job offer from University of Illinois?
After you accept an offer, work with the university's international services office to obtain a formal offer letter that uses USMCA occupation language. Canadian nationals present that letter at a port of entry or pre-clearance airport. Mexican nationals use it to apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate. USCIS is not involved in either path.
How long does the TN admission process take at University of Illinois?
For Canadian nationals, CBP typically adjudicates TN status at the border on the same day, so the timeline depends on how quickly University of Illinois issues your offer letter. Mexican nationals wait for a consular appointment, which varies by location. Plan for the letter issuance process to take one to three weeks on the university's end.
How do I find open TN-eligible jobs at University of Illinois?
Search Migrate Mate to filter for University of Illinois roles with documented visa sponsorship history, which helps you focus on departments that have actively supported TN professionals. Cross-reference open postings against the USMCA professions list and confirm your degree field qualifies before applying, since TN eligibility depends on occupation and credential match, not employer discretion.
How does TN visa admission work at University of Illinois?
TN status is granted under the USMCA treaty — there is no USCIS petition or Labor Condition Application required. Canadian citizens can apply directly at a U.S. port of entry with an offer letter from University of Illinois, while Mexican citizens must first obtain a TN visa at a U.S. consulate. The role must match one of the professions listed in USMCA Appendix 1603.D.1. Migrate Mate filters TN job listings to roles that fall within the eligible profession list.