Research Jobs at University of South Carolina with Visa Sponsorship
Research jobs at University of South Carolina span academic, scientific, and grant-funded positions that typically require specialized credentials. The university has a consistent track record of sponsoring international researchers across multiple visa categories, making it a realistic target for candidates who need work authorization.
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Posting Number RTF00128PO26
USC Market Title Research Instructor
Business Title Research Instructor
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division College of Nursing
Department CON Advanced Prof Nursing Practice Ldrshp
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 37.5
Type of Faculty Position Faculty Research Grant (FRGP)
Basis 12 months
Job Search Category Faculty
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below
The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
South Carolina Retirement No
State Insurance Programs Yes
Annual Leave Yes
Sick Leave Yes
Advertised Job Summary
With the continuous nursing faculty shortage, the University of South Carolina (UofSC) College of Nursing (CON) is creating a pipeline program for doctoral students who aspire to become future faculty at the UofSC College of Nursing. Fellows will be employed as Research Instructors with mentoring in research/scholarship, teaching, and College/professional service activities.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
* BSN, MSN or equivalent in Nursing; Eligible to sit for RN licensure in SC. Nursing DNP or PhD student with 2 years remaining until graduation.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
* Knowledge of nursing, health promotion, health services, or other related discipline.
* Ability to collect and analyze data, communicate effectively and professionally both orally and in writing with students, research participants and colleagues.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Work with assigned mentors: Principal investigators, co-investigators, grant staff and others to assist with implementation of research studies and other educational scholarship. Collaborate and assist research team to recruit and schedule participants, execute informed consent, collect and facilitate the management of data; organize findings; provide administrative support, preparing reports, professional presentations and manuscripts.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 30
Job Duty
Execute the assigned teaching development plan including participation in the CON Faculty Academy Program; USC Center for Teaching Excellence programming, Preparing Future Faculty training, guest lectures, teaching assignments and other teaching duties as assigned.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 30
Job Duty
Integrate the nursing perspective and nursing ethics into teaching, research, and service activities under the guidance of your supervisor.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20
Job Duty
Implement your tailored professional service development plan.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20
Position Attributes
Hazardous weather category Non-Essential
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. No
Desired Start Date 08/16/2026
Position End Date 08/15/2028
Job Open Date 06/09/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of forty-five (45) days on our job website. After forty-five (45) days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Tips for Finding Research Jobs at University of South Carolina
Align your credentials with federal requirements
Research roles at universities must qualify as specialty occupations under USCIS standards. Make sure your degree field directly matches the position's stated requirements, not just the broader discipline. A mismatch between your major and the job title is a common petition denial trigger.
Target grant-funded positions in active labs
University of South Carolina research openings tied to active federal or NIH-funded grants are more likely to move quickly through hiring. Principal investigators often have discretion over visa sponsorship decisions, so identifying labs with ongoing funding cycles gives you a stronger entry point.
Clarify J-1 home residency requirements early
J-1 research scholars sponsored through the university may be subject to a two-year home residency requirement. Confirm your J-1 category and whether a waiver applies before accepting an offer, since this affects your ability to change to H-1B status without leaving the U.S.
Understand the OPT cap-gap window if you're on F-1
If you're finishing a degree and targeting a research role, a timely H-1B filing by April 1 can extend your work authorization through cap-gap while USCIS processes the petition. Missing this window means a gap in status, so coordinate your job start date accordingly.
Ask HR specifically about PERM for research roles
University of South Carolina sponsors EB-2 and EB-3 green cards for research staff, but PERM labor certification requires advertising the position publicly. Ask during the offer stage whether the role is eligible and what the typical internal timeline looks like before DOL processing begins.
Use Migrate Mate to find open research postings
Research openings at universities fill through departmental channels that aren't always easy to track. Use Migrate Mate to browse verified Research positions at University of South Carolina filtered by visa sponsorship type, so you're applying to roles where sponsorship is already confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of South Carolina sponsor H-1B visas for Researchs?
Yes, University of South Carolina sponsors H-1B visas for Research positions. The university's international employment office manages petitions directly, and research roles that qualify as specialty occupations under USCIS standards are eligible. If you're moving from F-1 OPT or J-1 visa status, you'll need to coordinate the transition timeline with HR and confirm your role meets the degree-field match requirement.
How do I apply for Research jobs at University of South Carolina?
Research positions at University of South Carolina are posted through the university's official careers portal, and many are also listed on Migrate Mate with visa sponsorship details already verified. Apply directly through the official job listing, and if you need sponsorship, state your visa status clearly in your application. Connecting with the hiring department or principal investigator before applying can also strengthen your candidacy.
Which visa types are commonly used for Research roles at University of South Carolina?
University of South Carolina sponsors several visa categories for Research staff, including H-1B for specialty occupation roles, J-1 for research scholars and visiting scientists, and F-1 OPT and CPT for students completing degrees. TN visas are available for eligible Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying research disciplines. For longer-term employment, the university also supports EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card sponsorship through the PERM process.
What qualifications are expected for Research positions at University of South Carolina?
Most Research roles require at least a master's degree, and many postdoctoral or senior research positions expect a Ph.D. in a relevant field. Your degree must align closely with the specific research area, since USCIS scrutinizes field-of-study matches for H-1B petitions at universities. Prior laboratory experience, publications, or grant involvement strengthen both your application and the visa petition's approval chances.
How does the H-1B sponsorship process timeline work for research hires at universities?
For cap-subject H-1B petitions, USCIS accepts filings starting April 1 for an October 1 start date, meaning your offer needs to be in place by late March. Universities classified as cap-exempt institutions can file H-1B petitions year-round outside the lottery, which is a meaningful advantage for research hires. Confirm with University of South Carolina's HR whether your specific position qualifies for cap-exempt filing, since this affects when you can realistically start.