Research Assistant Jobs at University of Kentucky with Visa Sponsorship
Research Assistant jobs at University of Kentucky span faculty-led labs, grant-funded projects, and graduate research programs across disciplines from biomedical sciences to social policy. UK has an established international hiring process and routinely supports visa sponsorship for qualified Research Assistant candidates, including those on student work authorization and employment-based pathways.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Graduate Research Assistant
Requisition Number: DU14224
Department Name: 7H700:Dept of Pharmacology & Nutritional Scien
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Salary Range: 34,230
Type of Position: Student
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education
BS in science-related field
Required Related Experience
N/A
Required License/Registration/Certification
N/A
Physical Requirements
Sitting for long periods of time
Shift
Days and some weekends
Job Summary
The Graduate Research Assistant will work on a research project under the mentorship of a Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences faculty member towards completion of their degree requirements
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
N/A
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
BS in science-related field
Deadline to Apply: 06/22/2026
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Job Title: Graduate Research Assistant
Requisition Number: DU14224
Department Name: 7H700:Dept of Pharmacology & Nutritional Scien
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Salary Range: 34,230
Type of Position: Student
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education
BS in science-related field
Required Related Experience
N/A
Required License/Registration/Certification
N/A
Physical Requirements
Sitting for long periods of time
Shift
Days and some weekends
Job Summary
The Graduate Research Assistant will work on a research project under the mentorship of a Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences faculty member towards completion of their degree requirements
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
N/A
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
BS in science-related field
Deadline to Apply: 06/22/2026
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
See all Research Assistant Jobs at University of Kentucky
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Assistant Jobs at University of Kentucky
Align your degree field to the research area
UK Research Assistant postings typically require a degree directly related to the lab or project focus. A biomedical engineering degree supports a life sciences role; an economics degree supports a policy research position. Match matters more than rank when USCIS evaluates specialty occupation.
Target faculty-posted positions over HR-only listings
Many UK Research Assistant openings are driven by individual principal investigators with active grants. Reaching out to faculty whose published work aligns with your background can surface positions before they appear on the central careers portal.
Use OPT early to build your UK employment record
Starting as a Research Assistant on F-1 OPT gives UK's international office time to build your sponsorship file before your OPT window closes. STEM OPT extensions allow up to 36 months total, creating a realistic runway for H-1B cap registration.
Confirm grant funding status before accepting an offer
UK Research Assistant roles are often tied to external grant cycles. A position funded through a multi-year NIH or NSF grant is more likely to support a full H-1B petition and PERM process than one funded on a single-year departmental budget.
File H-1B registration in October for an April start
USCIS opens H-1B cap registration each March. Coordinate with UK's Visa and Immigration Services office by October the prior year so your employer registration, prevailing wage determination, and Labor Condition Application are ready before the window opens.
Search Research Assistant openings through Migrate Mate
UK posts Research Assistant roles across multiple systems and departments. Use Migrate Mate to filter for currently open positions at UK that are eligible for visa sponsorship, so you're applying to roles already structured to support international candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Kentucky sponsor H-1B visas for Research Assistants?
Yes. University of Kentucky sponsors H-1B visas for Research Assistant positions where the role qualifies as a specialty occupation and funding supports the full petition process. UK's Visa and Immigration Services office coordinates the Labor Condition Application with the DOL and files the I-129 petition with USCIS. Roles tied to long-term grant funding are the most consistent pathway to H-1B sponsorship.
How do I apply for Research Assistant jobs at University of Kentucky?
Applications go through UK's central careers portal at uky.edu/hr/jobs, where Research Assistant openings are listed by department and funding source. Some positions are posted by individual faculty labs and may require a direct expression of interest alongside the formal application. Migrate Mate also aggregates UK Research Assistant roles filtered by sponsorship eligibility, which simplifies the search if you need work authorization support.
Which visa types does University of Kentucky commonly use for Research Assistant roles?
UK supports several visa categories for Research Assistant hires. F-1 OPT and CPT are common entry points for current students and recent graduates. J-1 visa exchange visitor status is used for research scholars in specific programs. H-1B is the primary path for longer-term employment. For roles leading to permanent positions, UK has supported EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card sponsorship, and TN visa status is available for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying research fields.
What qualifications are expected for Research Assistant roles at University of Kentucky?
Requirements vary by department, but most Research Assistant roles expect at least a relevant bachelor's degree, with graduate-level positions typically requiring active enrollment in or completion of a master's or doctoral program. Lab-specific technical skills, familiarity with research methodologies in the relevant field, and prior research experience, whether through coursework, capstone projects, or previous lab work, are weighted heavily in the selection process.
How do I time my application if I need H-1B sponsorship to start a Research Assistant role at UK?
The H-1B cap registration opens each March for an October 1 start date. To meet that timeline, you need an offer and a completed Labor Condition Application filed with the DOL several weeks before USCIS registration opens. Starting conversations with UK's Visa and Immigration Services office by the prior fall gives enough lead time. F-1 OPT can bridge the gap if your work authorization allows you to begin before cap-subject H-1B status takes effect.