Research Jobs at University of Tennessee with Visa Sponsorship
Research jobs at University of Tennessee encompass faculty-adjacent positions, postdoctoral work, and lab-based scientific inquiry across a broad range of disciplines. The university has an established process for sponsoring international researchers, making it a practical target if you're building an academic or research career in the U.S.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Research Consultant is a high-level position responsible for independently leading the design, development, testing and scientific publishing of a cutting-edge robotic inventory system. Primarily, the incumbent will be responsible for leading 1) development of complex computer programs with expert-level Python programming, integrate sensors, robots and GPS-based navigation for automatically counting trees, measuring tree structures, and identifying tree locations; 2) planning and executing laboratory, virtual environment, and field experiments to validate and improve system accuracy, and writing test reports; and 3) evaluation of experimental successes and failures, troubleshooting, and making appropriate course corrections to achieve project success within the project timeline. The incumbent will serve as the primary author on multiple scientific manuscripts. The Research Consultant is responsible for the success of this project.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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Provides high-level expertise and knowledge in experimental procedures that are needed for planning, coding, and troubleshooting based on the unique needs of unmanned autonomous ground vehicles systems in real and virtual environments including navigation and targeting, identifying, and counting trees for inventory. Specific expertise is needed to design experiments, develop novel experimental protocols and data collect techniques, and evaluate progress and plan modifications to address challenges and achieve project success.
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Responsible for complete design and development of software including databases and computer programming to geo-map and compile tree inventory data.
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Independently develop a model for tree growth for multiple tree species and anticipate dates by which crops reach their target size.
-
Autonomously develop cloud-base storage solutions that interface with industry-accessible inventory, workflow, and financial software.
-
Provide project leadership for planning, organizing and conducting novel experiments including decision-making responsibility for scheduling, resource allocation, and work flow to conduct experiments on time, efficiently and effectively.
-
Directly responsible for designing protocols and utilizing and/or developing novel methods to create advanced protocols, i.e., interoperate with other Python packages from the ROS 2 ecosystem, with the goal of developing increasing the efficiency of future experiments in virtual environments.
-
Reviews, independently interprets results from his or her ongoing experiments, and makes adjustments to improve experimental test subjects, test conditions, payload, programming and experimental methods of future experiments.
-
Decides the test materials for inclusion in new experiments in the field and in virtual environments.
-
Provides technical expertise and direction for experiments including determining experimental design, developing coding solutions, methods and timing for collecting data, methods to statistically analyze, summarize and present data, and criteria with which to measure the success of experiments to other researchers on the research team.
-
Mentor and develop young scientists (post docs, graduate and undergraduate students) in the program.
-
Serve as lead author of research reports, present research to academic peers and industry audiences.
-
Provide leadership and guidance to junior research team members on scientific writing.
-
Serve as lead author of white papers, present results to government agencies and national stakeholder boards.
-
Serve as lead author on scientific manuscripts from their independent research and contribute as coauthor to other manuscripts from the broader research project, as appropriate.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
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Master’s degree – Computer Information Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Programming
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At least three years of experience providing design, development, methods, and data analysis for research projects as a scientist or research analyst.
-
At least two years providing consultative services for research projects as a scientist or research analyst.
-
At least three years of experience programming with Python.
-
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Four or more years participating in the design, development, methods, and data analysis of research projects.
-
Three or more years providing consultative services for research projects.
-
Four or more years of experience programming in Python.
WORK LOCATION
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Location: Office space is available in Knoxville, TN and Wooster, OH. Remote employment will be considered.
-
Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote: Onsite, Remote employment will be considered.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
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UT market range: MR 13
-
Anticipated hiring range:
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before July 16, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found.
-
Resume
-
Cover Letter
ABOUT THE COLLEGE/DEPARTMENT/DIVISION
The Department of Plant Sciences, part of the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, addresses agricultural and environmental challenges through teaching, research, and Extension. We offer programs in plant sciences and landscape design, conduct research in crop production, genetics, plant physiology, and sustainable agriculture, and support growers and industry partners across Tennessee.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
INTRODUCTION
The Research Consultant is a high-level position responsible for independently leading the design, development, testing and scientific publishing of a cutting-edge robotic inventory system. Primarily, the incumbent will be responsible for leading 1) development of complex computer programs with expert-level Python programming, integrate sensors, robots and GPS-based navigation for automatically counting trees, measuring tree structures, and identifying tree locations; 2) planning and executing laboratory, virtual environment, and field experiments to validate and improve system accuracy, and writing test reports; and 3) evaluation of experimental successes and failures, troubleshooting, and making appropriate course corrections to achieve project success within the project timeline. The incumbent will serve as the primary author on multiple scientific manuscripts. The Research Consultant is responsible for the success of this project.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Provides high-level expertise and knowledge in experimental procedures that are needed for planning, coding, and troubleshooting based on the unique needs of unmanned autonomous ground vehicles systems in real and virtual environments including navigation and targeting, identifying, and counting trees for inventory. Specific expertise is needed to design experiments, develop novel experimental protocols and data collect techniques, and evaluate progress and plan modifications to address challenges and achieve project success.
-
Responsible for complete design and development of software including databases and computer programming to geo-map and compile tree inventory data.
-
Independently develop a model for tree growth for multiple tree species and anticipate dates by which crops reach their target size.
-
Autonomously develop cloud-base storage solutions that interface with industry-accessible inventory, workflow, and financial software.
-
Provide project leadership for planning, organizing and conducting novel experiments including decision-making responsibility for scheduling, resource allocation, and work flow to conduct experiments on time, efficiently and effectively.
-
Directly responsible for designing protocols and utilizing and/or developing novel methods to create advanced protocols, i.e., interoperate with other Python packages from the ROS 2 ecosystem, with the goal of developing increasing the efficiency of future experiments in virtual environments.
-
Reviews, independently interprets results from his or her ongoing experiments, and makes adjustments to improve experimental test subjects, test conditions, payload, programming and experimental methods of future experiments.
-
Decides the test materials for inclusion in new experiments in the field and in virtual environments.
-
Provides technical expertise and direction for experiments including determining experimental design, developing coding solutions, methods and timing for collecting data, methods to statistically analyze, summarize and present data, and criteria with which to measure the success of experiments to other researchers on the research team.
-
Mentor and develop young scientists (post docs, graduate and undergraduate students) in the program.
-
Serve as lead author of research reports, present research to academic peers and industry audiences.
-
Provide leadership and guidance to junior research team members on scientific writing.
-
Serve as lead author of white papers, present results to government agencies and national stakeholder boards.
-
Serve as lead author on scientific manuscripts from their independent research and contribute as coauthor to other manuscripts from the broader research project, as appropriate.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
Master’s degree – Computer Information Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Programming
-
At least three years of experience providing design, development, methods, and data analysis for research projects as a scientist or research analyst.
-
At least two years providing consultative services for research projects as a scientist or research analyst.
-
At least three years of experience programming with Python.
-
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Four or more years participating in the design, development, methods, and data analysis of research projects.
-
Three or more years providing consultative services for research projects.
-
Four or more years of experience programming in Python.
WORK LOCATION
-
Location: Office space is available in Knoxville, TN and Wooster, OH. Remote employment will be considered.
-
Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote: Onsite, Remote employment will be considered.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
-
UT market range: MR 13
-
Anticipated hiring range:
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before July 16, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found.
-
Resume
-
Cover Letter
ABOUT THE COLLEGE/DEPARTMENT/DIVISION
The Department of Plant Sciences, part of the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, addresses agricultural and environmental challenges through teaching, research, and Extension. We offer programs in plant sciences and landscape design, conduct research in crop production, genetics, plant physiology, and sustainable agriculture, and support growers and industry partners across Tennessee.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
See all Research Jobs at University of Tennessee
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Jobs at University of Tennessee.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Jobs at University of Tennessee
Align your CV to U.S. research norms
U.S. academic CVs for research positions include publications, grants, conference presentations, and lab affiliations in a specific order. Formatting your CV to match these expectations signals fluency with U.S. research culture before the interview starts.
Target departments with active grant funding
Sponsored research positions at universities are often tied to external grant budgets, not general headcount. Departments at UT Knoxville with active NSF, NIH, or DOE awards are more likely to have the budget and institutional willingness to initiate an H-1B petition.
Understand how university H-1B timelines work
Universities file H-1B petitions under the cap-exempt category, meaning they aren't bound by the April lottery window. UT can file at any point in the year, which gives you more flexibility when negotiating a start date after receiving an offer.
Clarify OPT or J-1 bridge options early
If you're transitioning from a postdoc or graduate program, confirm with UT's international office whether your current status can bridge to H-1B sponsorship. J-1 researchers with a two-year home residency requirement will need a waiver before H-1B is an option.
Use Migrate Mate to find open Research roles at UT
Research positions at universities often appear across multiple internal and external boards simultaneously. Use Migrate Mate to filter for Research jobs at University of Tennessee that include visa sponsorship, so you're only applying where sponsorship is already confirmed.
Prepare for PERM if permanent residency is your goal
UT has sponsored EB-2 and EB-3 Green Cards for research staff, but the PERM labor certification process through DOL requires the employer to document a recruitment effort. Ask your hiring contact early whether the role is structured to support a permanent residency pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Tennessee sponsor H-1B visas for Researchs?
Yes, University of Tennessee sponsors H-1B visas for qualifying Research positions. As a university, UT files petitions under the cap-exempt category, which means sponsorship isn't tied to the annual H-1B lottery. Petitions can be filed year-round, and the university's international office typically manages the process in coordination with the hiring department.
How do I apply for Research jobs at University of Tennessee?
Applications for Research roles at University of Tennessee are submitted through the university's official jobs portal. Most positions require a CV, cover letter, and a list of references. For roles that involve a faculty or department committee review, the process can take several weeks. Migrate Mate lets you browse current Research openings at UT that include visa sponsorship in one place.
Which visa types does University of Tennessee commonly use for Research roles?
H-1B is the most common visa for Research positions at UT, particularly for roles requiring a specialty occupation and a relevant degree. For longer-term or permanent hires, UT has also pursued EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card sponsorship through the PERM process. Postdoctoral researchers may initially enter on J-1 visa exchange visitor status before transitioning to H-1B.
What qualifications are typically expected for Research roles at University of Tennessee?
Most Research positions at UT require at minimum a master's degree in a relevant field, with many roles expecting a Ph.D., particularly for senior or principal researcher titles. Published work, demonstrated lab or project experience, and familiarity with grant-funded research environments strengthen your application significantly. Roles tied to specific grants may also require domain expertise in the funded subject area.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for Research positions at UT?
Because UT files H-1B petitions cap-exempt, the standard USCIS processing window applies, typically three to five months for regular processing. Premium processing is available for a faster decision, usually within 15 business days. PERM-based Green Card sponsorship takes considerably longer, often 12 to 24 months or more depending on backlog and audit risk. Factor these timelines into any offer negotiation.