Green Card Lead Researcher Jobs
Lead Researcher jobs with green card sponsorship are available through the EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based categories, with most employers filing PERM labor certification through the Department of Labor before sponsoring an I-140 petition. Research institutions, biotech firms, and policy organizations regularly sponsor foreign nationals for permanent residence in this role.
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As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.
Job Location (Full Address):
220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620
Opening:
Worker Subtype:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Department:
400820 Dept of Biomedical Genetics
Work Shift:
UR - Day (United States of America)
Range:
UR URG 112
Compensation Range:
$70,600.00 - $105,800.00
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Responsibilities:
Provides scientific, technical, and operational leadership for the High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Core Facility, supporting the development and expansion of the facility as a shared research resource for research and developmental therapeutics. The position independently develops and oversees high-throughput screening assays, experimental methods, workflows, and quality-control standards, leveraging automated instrumentation, compound libraries, and data analysis tools to support drug discovery and translational research. This position serves as a primary scientific and technical resource for principal investigators and research teams across the cancer center, providing expert consultation on HTS strategies while independently managing complex screening projects from assay development through data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
The position leads the day-to-day scientific and technical operations of the HTS Core Facility, including facility workflows, SOPs, equipment and library management, user training and support, quality control, and development of new technologies, screening approaches and services. This position evaluates research needs and developmental therapeutics priorities to establish and expand HTS capabilities, while contributing to facility planning, operational improvement, collaborations, and the growth of the facility’s user base and research partnerships.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Design, develop, and optimize biochemical, cell-based, and phenotypic assays for high-throughput screening, ensuring robustness, sensitivity, and reproducibility across diverse screening platforms.
- Independently plan and execute large-scale high-throughput screens using automated liquid handling systems, plate readers, and other HTS instrumentation, maintaining and applying appropriate quality control standards throughout the screening process.
- Perform comprehensive data analysis including quality control, hit identification, dose-response curve fitting, and statistical analysis using specialized HTS software; interpret screening data and generate clear reports for collaborating investigators.
- Collaborate with principal investigators and research teams to understand scientific goals, provide expert consultation on HTS strategies, and present screening results effectively to diverse audiences.
- Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot sophisticated HTS equipment to ensure optimal performance and adherence to safety protocols; identify and resolve technical issues related to assays, instrumentation, and data analysis workflows.
- Lead and coordinate day-to-day scientific and operational activities of the HTS Core Facility, including scheduling and user access, onboarding and training, billing, purchasing and inventory, library management, SOPs and documentation, and coordination of safety and compliance activities.
- Co-authors or authors publications and may co-present results with Principal Investigator at meetings and/or conferences. Assists in acquiring research funding, including development of specialized grant proposals.
- Stay current with advancements in HTS technologies and methodologies; evaluate and implement new techniques to enhance core capabilities and improve screening efficiency.
Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Master's degree and 5 years involving direct assistance to researchers required
- PhD preferred
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Unique skill set – will vary with research project need required
- Demand for specific skill set/research outcomes on a national/international/or corporate basis required
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Certification aligned with critical need preferred
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship in Lead Researcher
Document your research contributions precisely
Compile peer-reviewed publications, funded grants, and institutional affiliations into a credentials package before applying. PERM audits often require detailed evidence of your specialized background, and gaps in documentation can stall the labor certification process.
Use OFLC Wage Search to verify prevailing wages
Look up the prevailing wage for Lead Researcher roles at your target SOC code and location before negotiating salary. DOL requires your offered wage to meet or exceed the prevailing wage level, so knowing the floor protects your PERM filing from wage-based challenges.
Find employers with active green card sponsorship history
Search Migrate Mate to identify employers that have filed PERM applications for Lead Researcher or related research roles. Targeting employers with a documented sponsorship track record significantly improves your odds of securing a green card-committed offer.
Distinguish EB-2 and EB-3 fit before you apply
EB-2 requires a master's degree or higher, or a bachelor's plus five years of progressive research experience. EB-3 covers bachelor's-degree holders and skilled workers. Knowing which category your credentials support lets you approach employers whose sponsorship history matches your classification.
Account for per-country priority date backlogs early
If you're from India or China, employment-based green card backlogs can extend your wait significantly even after PERM certification and I-140 approval. Build this timeline into your career planning and ask prospective employers whether they'll maintain your sponsorship through the full process.
Understand AC21 portability before you switch employers
Once your I-485 has been pending 180 days or more, AC21 portability lets you change to a same or similar occupation without losing your place in line. Confirm the new Lead Researcher role falls within your original SOC classification before accepting any counter-offer or new position.
Green Card Lead Researcher: Frequently Asked Questions
Which green card category typically applies to Lead Researcher roles?
Most Lead Researcher positions qualify under EB-2, which covers roles requiring an advanced degree or a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive experience in the field. Candidates with only a bachelor's degree and two or more years of research experience may qualify under EB-3. Your employer's immigration counsel will confirm the correct category based on the specific job requirements and your credentials.
How is green card sponsorship different from H-1B sponsorship for a Lead Researcher?
H-1B visa is a temporary nonimmigrant status requiring periodic renewal, while green card sponsorship results in lawful permanent residence with no expiration. For Lead Researcher roles, the EB-2 or EB-3 process involves PERM labor certification filed with the Department of Labor, a prevailing wage determination, a formal recruitment test, and then an I-140 immigrant petition with USCIS. The timeline is longer, but the outcome is permanent authorization to live and work in the U.S.
How do I find employers willing to sponsor a green card for a Lead Researcher position?
Search Migrate Mate to identify employers with verified PERM filing history for research roles. Many institutions that sponsor H-1B holders also sponsor green cards, but PERM records confirm actual sponsorship activity. Targeting organizations with a documented track record means you're less likely to discover mid-process that an employer won't commit to the full EB-2 or EB-3 filing.
What does the PERM labor certification process involve for a Lead Researcher role?
Your employer files a PERM application with DOL to certify that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the position at the prevailing wage. The process includes a formal recruitment phase with job postings, a prevailing wage determination using OFLC, and documentation of all recruitment results. For specialized Lead Researcher roles, employers must define the minimum requirements carefully, since overly tailored requirements can trigger an audit.
Can I change employers after my green card process has started?
Yes, under two distinct rules. If your I-140 was approved, your priority date can carry over to a new employer's I-140 petition for the same or similar category. Separately, if your I-485 adjustment of status application has been pending for 180 days or more, AC21 job portability lets you move to a same or similar Lead Researcher occupation without restarting the entire process. Confirm the new role falls within your original SOC classification before making any move.