Research Jobs at University of Massachusetts Amherst with Visa Sponsorship
Research jobs at University of Massachusetts Amherst span faculty-adjacent positions, lab coordination, and grant-funded projects across departments. The university has a consistent track record of sponsoring international researchers, with familiarity across academic visa pathways that makes it a realistic target for sponsored candidates.
Find Research Jobs at University of Massachusetts AmherstOverview
Showing 5 of 15+ Research Jobs at University of Massachusetts Amherst
See all Research Jobs at University of Massachusetts Amherst
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Jobs at University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Get Access To All JobsTitle: Research Administrator
Executive Area: Academic Affairs
College/School/MBU: Engineering
Department: Dean - Engineering
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Job Summary
The Research Administrator is responsible for the full life cycle of quality research administration ranging from proposal development to post award administration, award close-out, and award compliance for a group of Principal Investigators in the College of Engineering.
Essential Functions
Pre-award
-
Manages the development and internal approval of research and special project proposals and contracts for submission to federal, state, and private funding sources. Provides expert advice on agency, institutional, and government proposal compliance to assigned University faculty and Principal Investigators.
-
Manages the planning and development of grant or contract supported projects and programs. Provides critical analysis and guidance in the review and interpretation of opportunity announcement documents. Develops budgets and budget narratives sufficient to support project or program activities and consistent with applicable requirements. Drafts, writes, and/or edits proposal documents. Reviews final proposals and ensures commitments (both fiscal and technical) and accountability are in accordance with University and sponsor policies, procedures, and regulations. Works cooperatively with supervisors, UMass Office of Pre-award Services (OPAS) personnel, various University staff and faculty, and funding agencies. Prepares and submits timely routing documentation for internal proposal submission approvals.
-
Provides professional consultation, management, and staff leadership to ensure that faculty investigators have: assistance in the proposal and budget development process for research proposals and progress reports to improve success rates, encourage multi-disciplinary submissions and project development; assistance with system-to-system proposal development and routing requirements; an effective team to package complete, accurate, and competitive proposals; assistance with obtaining all compliance approvals by the appropriate university regulatory committees (e.g. Institutional Review Board, institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Conflict of Interest).
Post Award
-
Manages, advises, reconciles, analyzes, closes out, and reports on spending and budget activity for a number of fund types, including research grants and contracts, gift, general operating, faculty start-up, and program income accounts. Prepares forecasts and makes recommendations about staffing and spending changes to keep projects on track. Meets with faculty and reviews travel, deadlines, new funding sources, etc. and adjusts staffing plans as necessary. Manages PI effort commitments and assists with annual effort certification. Participates in the contract close-out process; compiles information for final reports and certificates.
-
Advises faculty, researchers, and students on purchasing and travel policies; processes and monitors project expenditures and coordinates payments.
General
-
Interprets and applies principles, rules, regulations, policies, precedents, or other guidelines specific to the assigned research project(s) and its sponsor to resolve problems, answer questions, and provide information and advice.
-
Acts as the primary liaison between Principal Investigators and the Office of Pre-Award Services (OPAS) for all pre-award/proposal matters and the Office of Post-Award Management (OPAM) and the Controller's Office for all post-award matters. Is proactive and reactive to problems/concerns and finds appropriate and timely solutions.
-
Assists OPAS, OPAM, and the Controller's Office with compliance with federal and private cost and administrative principles (Uniform Guidance, etc.) and prepares and presents responses to audit findings.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
-
Master's Degree with at least 2 years' financial experience, preferably in sponsored programs and grant management in an academic or equivalent setting, OR
-
Bachelor's Degree and at least 4 years' professional financial management experience, OR
-
Associate's degree with at least 6 years' professional financial management experience.
-
Demonstrated experience developing and managing budgets, preferably related to sponsored programs.
-
Ability to learn program administration guidelines for both federal and non-federal funding agencies.
-
Ability to understand and apply University policies and procedures, as well as the laws, rules and regulations pertaining to grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, sub-awards and subcontracts.
-
Ability to work independently within the College, and to work as a team member with the OPAS, OPAM and other central administrative units of the University.
-
Ability to plan ahead, prioritize, and work under pressure in a deadline-oriented environment in which workload ebbs and flows and can require the management of multiple submissions across multiple PIs in a short span of time with frequent interruptions.
-
Ability to maintain accurate records and to prepare summary reports as required.
-
Ability to analyze complex situations, identify workable solutions, and effectively balance service with regulatory compliance.
-
Ability to work effectively, prioritize, and be flexible in a high-paced, high-volume professional environment.
-
Outstanding organizational skills, ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, capable of self-direction, ability to deal diplomatically with people at all levels, a high degree of personal integrity and discretion, solid decision-making skills, and judgment.
-
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Must have the ability to communicate effectively and serve as a liaison between granting agencies, university administration and the principal investigators.
-
Intermediate level of experience with Excel and Word and the willingness to learn new technology.
Preferred Qualifications
-
Familiarity and experience with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, and cooperative agreements.
-
Demonstrated experience in the interpretation and application of regulations pertaining to sponsored programs.
-
Experience preparing/submitting scientific research proposals and budgets under tight deadlines. Proficient with electronic grants management systems (i.e. grants.gov, NIH eRA Commons, NSF Fastlane, Proposal Central, etc.) and experience with enterprise research administration systems.
-
Ability to interpret and translate programmatic needs into cost effective budget proposals to maximize funding opportunities.
-
Experience managing finances and/or projects with an institution of higher education, including knowledge of government and fund accounting.
-
Experience with Cost Accounting Standards and Uniform Guidance Requirements.
-
Certification in Research Administration such as CRA, CPRA, CFRA.
-
Membership in professional organizations such as SRA and/or NCURA.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Monday - Friday within standard working hours.
This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.
Salary Information
Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26
Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with the online application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide the names and contact information for three (3) professional references.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
Title: Research Administrator
Executive Area: Academic Affairs
College/School/MBU: Engineering
Department: Dean - Engineering
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Job Summary
The Research Administrator is responsible for the full life cycle of quality research administration ranging from proposal development to post award administration, award close-out, and award compliance for a group of Principal Investigators in the College of Engineering.
Essential Functions
Pre-award
-
Manages the development and internal approval of research and special project proposals and contracts for submission to federal, state, and private funding sources. Provides expert advice on agency, institutional, and government proposal compliance to assigned University faculty and Principal Investigators.
-
Manages the planning and development of grant or contract supported projects and programs. Provides critical analysis and guidance in the review and interpretation of opportunity announcement documents. Develops budgets and budget narratives sufficient to support project or program activities and consistent with applicable requirements. Drafts, writes, and/or edits proposal documents. Reviews final proposals and ensures commitments (both fiscal and technical) and accountability are in accordance with University and sponsor policies, procedures, and regulations. Works cooperatively with supervisors, UMass Office of Pre-award Services (OPAS) personnel, various University staff and faculty, and funding agencies. Prepares and submits timely routing documentation for internal proposal submission approvals.
-
Provides professional consultation, management, and staff leadership to ensure that faculty investigators have: assistance in the proposal and budget development process for research proposals and progress reports to improve success rates, encourage multi-disciplinary submissions and project development; assistance with system-to-system proposal development and routing requirements; an effective team to package complete, accurate, and competitive proposals; assistance with obtaining all compliance approvals by the appropriate university regulatory committees (e.g. Institutional Review Board, institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Conflict of Interest).
Post Award
-
Manages, advises, reconciles, analyzes, closes out, and reports on spending and budget activity for a number of fund types, including research grants and contracts, gift, general operating, faculty start-up, and program income accounts. Prepares forecasts and makes recommendations about staffing and spending changes to keep projects on track. Meets with faculty and reviews travel, deadlines, new funding sources, etc. and adjusts staffing plans as necessary. Manages PI effort commitments and assists with annual effort certification. Participates in the contract close-out process; compiles information for final reports and certificates.
-
Advises faculty, researchers, and students on purchasing and travel policies; processes and monitors project expenditures and coordinates payments.
General
-
Interprets and applies principles, rules, regulations, policies, precedents, or other guidelines specific to the assigned research project(s) and its sponsor to resolve problems, answer questions, and provide information and advice.
-
Acts as the primary liaison between Principal Investigators and the Office of Pre-Award Services (OPAS) for all pre-award/proposal matters and the Office of Post-Award Management (OPAM) and the Controller's Office for all post-award matters. Is proactive and reactive to problems/concerns and finds appropriate and timely solutions.
-
Assists OPAS, OPAM, and the Controller's Office with compliance with federal and private cost and administrative principles (Uniform Guidance, etc.) and prepares and presents responses to audit findings.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
-
Master's Degree with at least 2 years' financial experience, preferably in sponsored programs and grant management in an academic or equivalent setting, OR
-
Bachelor's Degree and at least 4 years' professional financial management experience, OR
-
Associate's degree with at least 6 years' professional financial management experience.
-
Demonstrated experience developing and managing budgets, preferably related to sponsored programs.
-
Ability to learn program administration guidelines for both federal and non-federal funding agencies.
-
Ability to understand and apply University policies and procedures, as well as the laws, rules and regulations pertaining to grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, sub-awards and subcontracts.
-
Ability to work independently within the College, and to work as a team member with the OPAS, OPAM and other central administrative units of the University.
-
Ability to plan ahead, prioritize, and work under pressure in a deadline-oriented environment in which workload ebbs and flows and can require the management of multiple submissions across multiple PIs in a short span of time with frequent interruptions.
-
Ability to maintain accurate records and to prepare summary reports as required.
-
Ability to analyze complex situations, identify workable solutions, and effectively balance service with regulatory compliance.
-
Ability to work effectively, prioritize, and be flexible in a high-paced, high-volume professional environment.
-
Outstanding organizational skills, ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, capable of self-direction, ability to deal diplomatically with people at all levels, a high degree of personal integrity and discretion, solid decision-making skills, and judgment.
-
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Must have the ability to communicate effectively and serve as a liaison between granting agencies, university administration and the principal investigators.
-
Intermediate level of experience with Excel and Word and the willingness to learn new technology.
Preferred Qualifications
-
Familiarity and experience with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, and cooperative agreements.
-
Demonstrated experience in the interpretation and application of regulations pertaining to sponsored programs.
-
Experience preparing/submitting scientific research proposals and budgets under tight deadlines. Proficient with electronic grants management systems (i.e. grants.gov, NIH eRA Commons, NSF Fastlane, Proposal Central, etc.) and experience with enterprise research administration systems.
-
Ability to interpret and translate programmatic needs into cost effective budget proposals to maximize funding opportunities.
-
Experience managing finances and/or projects with an institution of higher education, including knowledge of government and fund accounting.
-
Experience with Cost Accounting Standards and Uniform Guidance Requirements.
-
Certification in Research Administration such as CRA, CPRA, CFRA.
-
Membership in professional organizations such as SRA and/or NCURA.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Monday - Friday within standard working hours.
This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.
Salary Information
Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26
Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with the online application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide the names and contact information for three (3) professional references.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
See all Research Jobs at University of Massachusetts Amherst
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Jobs at University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Jobs at University of Massachusetts Amherst
Align your credentials to federal specialty occupation standards
H-1B eligibility for Research roles requires your degree to directly relate to the position. For UMass postings, match your transcript field to the job's research domain before applying, not after receiving an offer.
Target grant-funded positions for stronger sponsorship likelihood
Research roles tied to external grants at UMass Amherst tend to have clearer hiring timelines and dedicated funding for visa costs. Look for postings that reference NSF, NIH, or DOE funding in the job description.
Ask HR about their preferred visa pathway early
UMass handles sponsorship through its international office, and their process differs for H-1B, J-1, and TN candidates. Clarify which visa type they intend to file before you receive a formal offer to avoid surprises during onboarding.
Use Migrate Mate to filter open Research roles by visa type
UMass Amherst posts Research positions across multiple departments with varying sponsorship eligibility. Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically by visa category so you're only spending time on roles that match your authorization status.
Prepare your PERM documentation before the offer stage
If you're targeting a permanent Research role and eventual Green Card sponsorship, UMass may pursue PERM labor certification. Gather degree transcripts, prior employment records, and any publications early, since DOL requires extensive documentation from both you and the employer.
Account for academic hiring cycles when planning your timeline
UMass Research positions frequently open in the fall and spring semesters, tied to grant renewal periods. If you're on OPT, confirm your expiration date against the expected start date before applying, since H-1B cap-subject petitions must be filed by April 1 for an October 1 start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Massachusetts Amherst sponsor H-1B visas for Researchs?
Yes, UMass Amherst sponsors H-1B visas for qualifying Research positions. As a higher education institution, UMass is cap-exempt, meaning petitions can be filed year-round without waiting for the annual H-1B lottery. This is a significant practical advantage for international candidates who missed the general cap or are changing employers mid-year.
How do I apply for Research jobs at University of Massachusetts Amherst?
Applications go through UMass Amherst's HR portal, where Research positions are listed by department. Tailor your application to the specific research area and funding context of each posting. If you need visa sponsorship, address your authorization status in your cover letter so hiring managers aren't left to guess. Migrate Mate also aggregates open Research roles at UMass filtered by visa type, which can simplify your search.
Which visa types does UMass Amherst commonly use for Research roles?
UMass Amherst sponsors H-1B, J-1 visa, TN visa, F-1 OPT, and F-1 CPT for Research positions, and supports EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card pathways for longer-term hires. J-1 visa is common for postdoctoral researchers and visiting scholars. H-1B is the primary route for non-postdoc Research staff seeking multi-year employment. TN visa is available for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying research occupations.
What qualifications are expected for Research roles at UMass Amherst?
Most Research positions require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a directly related field, with many roles expecting a master's or doctorate depending on the research focus and funding source. Lab-based or STEM-heavy positions often require hands-on technical experience. For H-1B sponsorship, your degree must align specifically with the job duties under USCIS specialty occupation standards, not just the broader field.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for a UMass Amherst Research role?
For H-1B filings, UMass as a cap-exempt employer can submit petitions at any time, with standard USCIS processing taking three to six months. Premium processing is available from USCIS for a faster decision. J-1 sponsorship through the university's international office typically moves faster, often within four to eight weeks. Build buffer time into your start date negotiation to account for government processing delays.