Research Jobs at University of Chicago with Visa Sponsorship
University of Chicago's research enterprise spans basic science, social science, and interdisciplinary programs across its academic divisions and affiliated national laboratories. The university has an established infrastructure for sponsoring international researchers, making it a realistic target if you're pursuing H-1B, E-3, or immigrant visa pathways in academia.
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SSD Development Economics Center: Staff and Temporary Employees
About the Department
The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.
Job Summary
The job manages scientific research projects or scientific research facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Works independently to write articles, reports and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/or conferences.
The Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the University of Chicago is seeking a full-time Research Lead to contribute to development economics research and policy projects across the Lab. Research priorities will be set in conversation with the Faculty Director and DIL senior leadership.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Faculty Director, DIL leaders, and research collaborators to oversee and manage research projects.
- Collaborate and coordinate with researchers on joint research efforts and cross-cutting initiatives.
- Perform advanced data analysis to support research objectives.
- Train, supervise, and support DIL research staff conducting research, including up to 1-2 Research Professionals or Predoctoral Associates.
- Substantially contribute to research publications, protocols, and grant proposals.
- Facilitate and promote advanced research projects by providing scientific and intellectual input.
- Guides data collection activities and manage complex datasets for research and policy projects.
- Serve as a resource for data collection and analytical processes.
- Work with the Faculty Director and DIL Leaders to support and develop DIL’s policy work in countries of operation.
- Support new initiatives (such as weather or education policy) which require knowledge of economic theory and advanced economics training.
- Provide specialized research support to and reviews for the Weiss Fund for Research in Development Economics, including overseeing self nominations for new researchers, compiling committee reviews, and reviewing applicants to the Junior Researcher Fellowship.
- Contribute to cross-lab and Lab priorities such as research and policy staff hiring, organization of research and policy events, and other activities as assigned.
- Mentor junior research and policy staff members.
- Build and maintain relationships crucial to organizational success and research.
- Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.
- Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis. Designs and manages databases. Writes reports, articles and manuscripts.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- PhD in economics or related field.
- PhD level training in the methods of economics.
Experience:
- Seven years of work experience in a related field.
- Knowledge of and experience running randomized control trials.
- Prior experience working on randomized evaluations, development economics research, and/or public policy in developing countries.
- Proven record of writing and publishing rigorous evaluations.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational, time, and project management skills, with the proven ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Curiosity and interest in agriculture, education, and safe water.
- Team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
Working Conditions
- Perform tasks mostly indoors in an office setting.
- Work independently for periods of eight (8) hours or more.
- Candidates must be willing to travel for their respective responsibilities (around 30% internationally).
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Research Statement (required)
- Professional References Contact Information (3)(required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$73,000.00 - $95,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need
Department
SSD Development Economics Center: Staff and Temporary Employees
About the Department
The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.
Job Summary
The job manages scientific research projects or scientific research facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Works independently to write articles, reports and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/or conferences.
The Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the University of Chicago is seeking a full-time Research Lead to contribute to development economics research and policy projects across the Lab. Research priorities will be set in conversation with the Faculty Director and DIL senior leadership.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Faculty Director, DIL leaders, and research collaborators to oversee and manage research projects.
- Collaborate and coordinate with researchers on joint research efforts and cross-cutting initiatives.
- Perform advanced data analysis to support research objectives.
- Train, supervise, and support DIL research staff conducting research, including up to 1-2 Research Professionals or Predoctoral Associates.
- Substantially contribute to research publications, protocols, and grant proposals.
- Facilitate and promote advanced research projects by providing scientific and intellectual input.
- Guides data collection activities and manage complex datasets for research and policy projects.
- Serve as a resource for data collection and analytical processes.
- Work with the Faculty Director and DIL Leaders to support and develop DIL’s policy work in countries of operation.
- Support new initiatives (such as weather or education policy) which require knowledge of economic theory and advanced economics training.
- Provide specialized research support to and reviews for the Weiss Fund for Research in Development Economics, including overseeing self nominations for new researchers, compiling committee reviews, and reviewing applicants to the Junior Researcher Fellowship.
- Contribute to cross-lab and Lab priorities such as research and policy staff hiring, organization of research and policy events, and other activities as assigned.
- Mentor junior research and policy staff members.
- Build and maintain relationships crucial to organizational success and research.
- Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.
- Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis. Designs and manages databases. Writes reports, articles and manuscripts.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- PhD in economics or related field.
- PhD level training in the methods of economics.
Experience:
- Seven years of work experience in a related field.
- Knowledge of and experience running randomized control trials.
- Prior experience working on randomized evaluations, development economics research, and/or public policy in developing countries.
- Proven record of writing and publishing rigorous evaluations.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational, time, and project management skills, with the proven ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Curiosity and interest in agriculture, education, and safe water.
- Team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
Working Conditions
- Perform tasks mostly indoors in an office setting.
- Work independently for periods of eight (8) hours or more.
- Candidates must be willing to travel for their respective responsibilities (around 30% internationally).
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Research Statement (required)
- Professional References Contact Information (3)(required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$73,000.00 - $95,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Jobs at University of Chicago Jobs
Align your credentials with specialty occupation standards
Research roles at universities require a direct connection between your degree field and the position. If your title is something like 'Research Scientist' or 'Postdoctoral Researcher,' confirm your degree field matches the lab's focus before applying.
Target labs with active external funding
Federally funded research units at UChicago, including those tied to Argonne National Laboratory, are more likely to have budget flexibility for visa sponsorship. Check NIH Reporter and NSF Award Search to identify active grants in your subfield.
Request clarity on sponsorship before accepting an offer
University HR departments often distinguish between sponsoring a new H-1B cap-subject petition and transferring an existing one. Ask directly whether the offer triggers a new filing or a cap-exempt change of employer, since timelines differ significantly.
Prepare your publication record for PERM or EB-2 NIW
UChicago research hires at the postdoctoral or staff scientist level sometimes convert to permanent residency via PERM or the EB-2 National Interest Waiver. Compile citations, grants, and peer-reviewed outputs now so DOL documentation is ready when your supervisor initiates the process.
Use Migrate Mate to filter open Research roles by visa type
UChicago posts research positions across multiple portals and departments. Use Migrate Mate to browse current Research openings filtered by the visa types UChicago actively sponsors, so you're only spending time on roles where sponsorship is confirmed.
Account for USCIS processing time in your start date negotiation
If you need a new H-1B petition rather than a transfer, standard USCIS processing can run three to five months. Negotiate your start date with that window in mind, and ask whether the university covers premium processing to compress the timeline.
Research at University of Chicago jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Research at University of Chicago JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does University of Chicago sponsor H-1B visas for Researchs?
Yes. University of Chicago sponsors H-1B visas for qualifying research positions across its academic divisions, research institutes, and affiliated programs. Research roles typically qualify as specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. The university's international affairs office manages the filing process, and many research hires are cap-exempt given UChicago's status as a nonprofit research institution.
How do I apply for Research jobs at University of Chicago?
Applications go through UChicago's official careers portal, where research positions are posted by department or division. Many roles also appear through individual lab websites or principal investigator recruitment pages. Migrate Mate aggregates current Research openings at UChicago that include visa sponsorship, which can save time if you're filtering specifically for sponsored positions rather than reviewing postings individually.
Which visa types does University of Chicago commonly use for Research roles?
H-1B is the most common pathway for research professionals requiring employer sponsorship. E-3 visas are available for Australian citizens in qualifying specialty occupations. TN status covers Canadian and Mexican nationals in eligible research classifications. UChicago also supports F-1 OPT and CPT for current students in research roles, and initiates EB-2 or EB-3 immigrant visa processes for long-term research staff.
What qualifications are expected for Research positions at University of Chicago?
Requirements vary by level, but most research roles expect at minimum a relevant master's degree, with doctoral degrees required for staff scientist and principal investigator positions. UChicago places significant weight on peer-reviewed publications, grant experience, and technical specialization within the lab's focus area. Postdoctoral appointments typically require a completed PhD and demonstrated research output in the specific subfield.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for a Research hire at University of Chicago?
If you're transferring an existing H-1B, the timeline from offer to start date can be four to eight weeks with standard processing. A new cap-subject H-1B petition requires filing during the April registration window, with employment beginning no earlier than October 1. Premium processing through USCIS reduces the adjudication period to around 15 business days, which many universities use to accelerate research hiring when grant timelines are fixed.
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