Research Associate Jobs at University of Virginia with Visa Sponsorship
Research Associate jobs at University of Virginia sit at the intersection of academic research and professional development, spanning fields from biomedical sciences to social policy. UVA has a consistent track record of sponsoring international researchers, making it a realistic target if you're building a U.S. research career on a work visa.
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Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
Category
Research
The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia
Job Id R0084977
Job Type Full time
About the School
The University of Virginia School of Data Science, the first of its kind in the nation, advances discovery, innovation, and societal impact through collaborative, open, and responsible data science research and education. Founded in 2019, the School brings together expertise across business, computation, engineering, humanities, law, mathematics, social sciences, and statistics to address complex, real-world challenges. Its academic offerings include a B.S. in Data Science, an undergraduate minor, residential and online M.S. in Data Science programs, and a Ph.D. in Data Science, all designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving data-driven world.
About the Position
This position leads the design, execution, and analysis of a large paired human-subjects study that links AI biosecurity benchmark scores to performance on realistic biological protocol-design and troubleshooting tasks. The researcher reports to Associate Professor Stephen D. Turner and coordinates closely with co-investigators Tom Hartvigsen and Chirag Agarwal, and a laboratory partner. The role draws on study design, psychometric and statistical analysis, and management of participant data collection. The researcher will also contribute to a parallel machine unlearning effort, supporting measurement of how capability-mitigation methods affect both benchmark scores and real-world task performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day execution of the paired evaluation study, including benchmark administration, participant recruitment and scheduling, and coordination with the laboratory partner on protocol intake and outcome reporting
- Develop scoring rubrics and instruments for protocol-design, feasibility, and troubleshooting tasks
- Build and run mixed-effects and item-level analyses that estimate how benchmark scores predict real-world task performance, with quantified uncertainty
- Produce the benchmark validity report and the benchmark-to-task crosswalk and calibration framework
- Contribute to the machine unlearning and model editing components through safety-utility analyses, including within-subject comparisons of model variants on shared task batteries
- Prepare manuscripts, preprints, and documentation for open release, and support IRB compliance and data quality
Minimum Qualifications
- Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in data science, statistics, biostatistics, psychometrics, quantitative psychology, a biological or biomedical science, or a related field, completed at the time of hire
- Experience designing and analyzing human subjects studies, including power analysis and study design
- Strong statistical programming in R or Python, including mixed-effects or hierarchical modeling
- Working knowledge of molecular biology or microbiology sufficient to evaluate biological protocols and collaborate with laboratory scientists
Preferred Qualifications
- Research experience in biosecurity, biodefense, or dual-use risk assessment
- Familiarity with AI or large language model evaluation, benchmarking, or psychometric validation of model capabilities
- Experience with machine learning tooling such as PyTorch or Hugging Face Transformers, and with model finetuning workflows
- Prior work under IRB oversight and with controlled or sensitive data
- Record of open-source software or reproducible-research practices
- Experience coordinating academic-industry or multi-site research collaborations
Anticipated Salary
$60,000 - $75,000 per year
Anticipated Start Date
September 1, 2026
Health and Other Benefits
(visit Health and Other Benefits for additional information)
- UVA Health Plan: the choice between 3 different health plans
- Vision Coverage
- Dental Plan
- Benefit Savings Plans
- Life Insurance
- Disability Benefits
- Paid Time Off: starting with 22 days of time off per year, 12 or more holidays, 8 weeks parental leave
Education Benefits
(visit Education Benefits for additional information)
After six months of employment, full-time and part-time (20+ hours) employees in a benefits-eligible position are offered options of:
- Use of up to $5250 per calendar year towards a for-credit degree program or for-credit certificate program
- Use of up to $2000 of the total $5250 noted above per calendar year for professional development including job-related training, conferences, and initial certificate exams.
Position Details
This position will remain open until it is filled. This is a full-time in-person position at the School of Data Science at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. The initial appointment is for one year; however, the appointment may be renewed for an additional year contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance. This is an exempt level, term-limited (restricted), benefited position.
Anticipated Salary
$70,000
Anticipated Start Date
September 1, 2026
Application Process
Please apply online, and search for R0084977.
Complete an application online and attach:
- Cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience to this position
- Resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation with contact information
Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.
References will be completed via direct reach. Please plan to provide at least three references when applying.
A background check is required and will be conducted per university policy prior to the first day of employment.
For questions about the position, contact Associate Professor Stephen D. Turner at sdt5z@virginia.edu.
For questions about the application process, please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Human Resources Recruiter, at das6zb@virginia.edu.
For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community, please see www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Doctoral degree
Experience: None
Licensure: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
Location
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
Category
Research
The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia
Job Id R0084977
Job Type Full time
About the School
The University of Virginia School of Data Science, the first of its kind in the nation, advances discovery, innovation, and societal impact through collaborative, open, and responsible data science research and education. Founded in 2019, the School brings together expertise across business, computation, engineering, humanities, law, mathematics, social sciences, and statistics to address complex, real-world challenges. Its academic offerings include a B.S. in Data Science, an undergraduate minor, residential and online M.S. in Data Science programs, and a Ph.D. in Data Science, all designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving data-driven world.
About the Position
This position leads the design, execution, and analysis of a large paired human-subjects study that links AI biosecurity benchmark scores to performance on realistic biological protocol-design and troubleshooting tasks. The researcher reports to Associate Professor Stephen D. Turner and coordinates closely with co-investigators Tom Hartvigsen and Chirag Agarwal, and a laboratory partner. The role draws on study design, psychometric and statistical analysis, and management of participant data collection. The researcher will also contribute to a parallel machine unlearning effort, supporting measurement of how capability-mitigation methods affect both benchmark scores and real-world task performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day execution of the paired evaluation study, including benchmark administration, participant recruitment and scheduling, and coordination with the laboratory partner on protocol intake and outcome reporting
- Develop scoring rubrics and instruments for protocol-design, feasibility, and troubleshooting tasks
- Build and run mixed-effects and item-level analyses that estimate how benchmark scores predict real-world task performance, with quantified uncertainty
- Produce the benchmark validity report and the benchmark-to-task crosswalk and calibration framework
- Contribute to the machine unlearning and model editing components through safety-utility analyses, including within-subject comparisons of model variants on shared task batteries
- Prepare manuscripts, preprints, and documentation for open release, and support IRB compliance and data quality
Minimum Qualifications
- Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in data science, statistics, biostatistics, psychometrics, quantitative psychology, a biological or biomedical science, or a related field, completed at the time of hire
- Experience designing and analyzing human subjects studies, including power analysis and study design
- Strong statistical programming in R or Python, including mixed-effects or hierarchical modeling
- Working knowledge of molecular biology or microbiology sufficient to evaluate biological protocols and collaborate with laboratory scientists
Preferred Qualifications
- Research experience in biosecurity, biodefense, or dual-use risk assessment
- Familiarity with AI or large language model evaluation, benchmarking, or psychometric validation of model capabilities
- Experience with machine learning tooling such as PyTorch or Hugging Face Transformers, and with model finetuning workflows
- Prior work under IRB oversight and with controlled or sensitive data
- Record of open-source software or reproducible-research practices
- Experience coordinating academic-industry or multi-site research collaborations
Anticipated Salary
$60,000 - $75,000 per year
Anticipated Start Date
September 1, 2026
Health and Other Benefits
(visit Health and Other Benefits for additional information)
- UVA Health Plan: the choice between 3 different health plans
- Vision Coverage
- Dental Plan
- Benefit Savings Plans
- Life Insurance
- Disability Benefits
- Paid Time Off: starting with 22 days of time off per year, 12 or more holidays, 8 weeks parental leave
Education Benefits
(visit Education Benefits for additional information)
After six months of employment, full-time and part-time (20+ hours) employees in a benefits-eligible position are offered options of:
- Use of up to $5250 per calendar year towards a for-credit degree program or for-credit certificate program
- Use of up to $2000 of the total $5250 noted above per calendar year for professional development including job-related training, conferences, and initial certificate exams.
Position Details
This position will remain open until it is filled. This is a full-time in-person position at the School of Data Science at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. The initial appointment is for one year; however, the appointment may be renewed for an additional year contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance. This is an exempt level, term-limited (restricted), benefited position.
Anticipated Salary
$70,000
Anticipated Start Date
September 1, 2026
Application Process
Please apply online, and search for R0084977.
Complete an application online and attach:
- Cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience to this position
- Resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation with contact information
Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.
References will be completed via direct reach. Please plan to provide at least three references when applying.
A background check is required and will be conducted per university policy prior to the first day of employment.
For questions about the position, contact Associate Professor Stephen D. Turner at sdt5z@virginia.edu.
For questions about the application process, please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Human Resources Recruiter, at das6zb@virginia.edu.
For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community, please see www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Doctoral degree
Experience: None
Licensure: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
Tips for Finding Research Associate Jobs at University of Virginia
Tailor your CV to UVA research priorities
UVA Research Associate postings frequently specify lab affiliations or funded project areas. Align your CV to the department's active grants and research themes, not just the generic job description, to signal you're a fit for the specific work being sponsored.
Confirm your degree meets specialty occupation standards
USCIS requires a direct relationship between your degree field and the Research Associate role. A degree adjacent to the position's core discipline can trigger a Request for Evidence, so document how your academic background maps precisely to the listed research duties.
Identify which UVA department is actively hiring internationally
UVA's Schools of Medicine, Engineering, and Arts and Sciences each hire Research Associates at different volumes. Target departments with active federal grants, since externally funded projects are more likely to carry budget for H-1B or E-3 petition filing fees.
Use Migrate Mate to filter verified UVA Research Associate openings
Not every UVA Research Associate listing includes visa sponsorship language. Use Migrate Mate to surface roles where UVA has confirmed sponsorship intent, so you spend your application effort where the path to a petition is already open.
Ask about LCA filing timelines before accepting an offer
Your start date depends on DOL certifying a Labor Condition Application before UVA can file the H-1B petition. Clarify with UVA's International Faculty and Scholars office how far in advance they initiate LCA filings to avoid gaps in your authorization.
Understand how E-3 eligibility affects your UVA application strategy
If you're an Australian citizen, the E-3 visa processes faster and avoids the H-1B lottery entirely. Raise your eligibility with UVA's HR team early, since some departments default to H-1B workflows without realizing E-3 is a simpler path for qualifying candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Virginia sponsor H-1B visas for Research Associates?
Yes, University of Virginia sponsors H-1B visas for Research Associates. UVA's International Faculty and Scholars office manages petitions, and sponsorship is most common for roles tied to externally funded research projects. Because H-1B cap-subject petitions depend on the annual lottery, some positions may instead use cap-exempt status if the role is based at a qualifying research unit within the university.
How do I apply for Research Associate jobs at University of Virginia?
Applications go through UVA's official jobs portal at jobs.virginia.edu. Research Associate postings typically require a CV, cover letter, and contact information for references. You can also browse verified UVA Research Associate openings filtered by visa sponsorship status on Migrate Mate, which helps you identify which roles are actively open to international candidates before you apply.
Which visa types does University of Virginia commonly use for Research Associates?
UVA most commonly sponsors Research Associates on H-1B and E-3 visas for nonimmigrant work authorization. For permanent residency pathways, EB-2 and EB-3 classifications are used, often after a period of employment. Australian citizens are eligible for the E-3 visa, which bypasses the H-1B lottery and typically processes faster through the consular route.
What qualifications does University of Virginia expect for Research Associate roles?
Most UVA Research Associate positions require at minimum a master's degree, though a Ph.D. is expected for roles with significant independent research responsibilities. Lab-specific technical skills, familiarity with the department's research methodology, and prior publications or project experience are common differentiators. USCIS also requires that your degree field directly corresponds to the duties listed in the position description for H-1B specialty occupation approval.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for a UVA Research Associate role?
For H-1B petitions, UVA must first file a Labor Condition Application with the DOL, which takes up to seven business days under standard processing. The USCIS petition review adds several months under regular processing, or two to three weeks with premium processing. E-3 visas for Australian citizens can move faster through consular processing. Plan for a minimum of three to four months from offer acceptance to authorized start date under standard timelines.