Green Card Research Intern Jobs
Research Intern roles at U.S. universities, federal agencies, and R&D firms can qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship through PERM labor certification when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific scientific or technical field. Securing sponsorship typically depends on your employer's willingness to file and the degree-to-role match USCIS requires.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Kim Laboratory at the University of Utah (Department of Mechanical Engineering and John A. Moran Eye Center) is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative Postdoctoral Research Fellow. The fellow will lead the biological arm of an NIH-funded project on corneal mechanotransduction in keratoconus. This project sits at the intersection of corneal biology, mechanobiology, and organ-on-chip engineering, and builds on the laboratory’s recent work on curvature-dependent regulation of corneal stromal cells (Nature Communications, 2025).
The successful candidate will generate and validate CRISPR/Cas9 knockout corneal stromal cell lines. They will also study how curvature and mechanical load regulate corneal cell behavior in hydraulically controlled organ-chip platforms, and identify the mechanotransduction pathways underlying keratoconus progression. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Vision Science, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field, with a strong track record of first-author publications.
This role requires hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and core molecular and imaging techniques such as qPCR, Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and confocal microscopy. A solid understanding of mechanotransduction signaling, including YAP/TAZ, cytoskeletal remodeling, and ECM regulation, is essential. The preferred candidate will also bring experience with corneal or ocular cell culture, 3D or microfluidic culture systems, and RNA-seq or quantitative image analysis.
Responsibilities
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
PREFERENCES
Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
POSTING SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Do you meet the minimum qualifications of the position as specified in the job posting?
- Yes
- No
APPLICANT DOCUMENTS
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Resume
Cover Letter
* List of References
OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS
OPEN DATE 10/29/2026
REQUISITION NUMBER PRN46629B
JOB TITLE Post Doc Res Assoc
WORKING TITLE Postdoctoral Researcher for Cornea Chip
CAREER PROGRESSION TRACK A00
TRACK LEVEL
FLSA CODE Administrative
PATIENT SENSITIVE JOB CODE? No
STANDARD HOURS PER WEEK 40
FULL TIME OR PART TIME? Full Time
SHIFT Day
WORK SCHEDULE SUMMARY
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
VP AREA Academic Affairs
DEPARTMENT 00068 - Mechanical Engineering
LOCATION Campus
CITY Salt Lake City, UT
TYPE OF RECRUITMENT External Posting
PAY RATE RANGE 65,000-70,000
CLOSE DATE 12/31/2026
PRIORITY REVIEW DATE (NOTE - POSTING MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME)
INTRODUCTION
The Kim Laboratory at the University of Utah (Department of Mechanical Engineering and John A. Moran Eye Center) is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative Postdoctoral Research Fellow. The fellow will lead the biological arm of an NIH-funded project on corneal mechanotransduction in keratoconus. This project sits at the intersection of corneal biology, mechanobiology, and organ-on-chip engineering, and builds on the laboratory’s recent work on curvature-dependent regulation of corneal stromal cells (Nature Communications, 2025).
The successful candidate will generate and validate CRISPR/Cas9 knockout corneal stromal cell lines. They will also study how curvature and mechanical load regulate corneal cell behavior in hydraulically controlled organ-chip platforms, and identify the mechanotransduction pathways underlying keratoconus progression. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Vision Science, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field, with a strong track record of first-author publications.
This role requires hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and core molecular and imaging techniques such as qPCR, Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and confocal microscopy. A solid understanding of mechanotransduction signaling, including YAP/TAZ, cytoskeletal remodeling, and ECM regulation, is essential. The preferred candidate will also bring experience with corneal or ocular cell culture, 3D or microfluidic culture systems, and RNA-seq or quantitative image analysis.
Responsibilities
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
PREFERENCES
Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
POSTING SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Do you meet the minimum qualifications of the position as specified in the job posting?
- Yes
- No
APPLICANT DOCUMENTS
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Resume
Cover Letter
* List of References
OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS
OPEN DATE 10/29/2026
REQUISITION NUMBER PRN46629B
JOB TITLE Post Doc Res Assoc
WORKING TITLE Postdoctoral Researcher for Cornea Chip
CAREER PROGRESSION TRACK A00
TRACK LEVEL
FLSA CODE Administrative
PATIENT SENSITIVE JOB CODE? No
STANDARD HOURS PER WEEK 40
FULL TIME OR PART TIME? Full Time
SHIFT Day
WORK SCHEDULE SUMMARY
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
VP AREA Academic Affairs
DEPARTMENT 00068 - Mechanical Engineering
LOCATION Campus
CITY Salt Lake City, UT
TYPE OF RECRUITMENT External Posting
PAY RATE RANGE 65,000-70,000
CLOSE DATE 12/31/2026
PRIORITY REVIEW DATE (NOTE - POSTING MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME)
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Research Intern
Align your degree to the role description
PERM requires your degree field to directly match the job's stated requirements. A biochemistry degree supporting a molecular biology research role clears this bar; a general science degree for a narrowly defined position may not. Review the SOC code the employer plans to use before accepting any offer.
Target employers with existing PERM infrastructure
Universities, national laboratories, and large pharmaceutical or biotech firms already have immigration counsel and PERM filing workflows. Smaller startups often sponsor their first green card with you, which adds months of legal setup time before DOL even receives the application.
Search green card sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Filter Research Intern openings by employers with active EB-2 and EB-3 PERM filing history on Migrate Mate. You'll see which organizations have actually sponsored research roles, not just those that say they're open to it.
Understand the prevailing wage requirement before negotiating
Your employer must pay at least the DOL prevailing wage for your role and location. Look up your position's wage level using the OFLC Wage Search before salary discussions. Accepting below prevailing wage invalidates the PERM filing, regardless of what you agreed to.
Ask about PERM timeline during the offer stage
PERM labor certification at DOL currently averages well over a year for analyst-reviewed applications. Confirm whether your employer plans to start the process during your internship or only after conversion to a full-time role, since most intern PERM filings are tied to a permanent position.
Build a credential file that survives RFE scrutiny
Gather transcripts, published papers, conference presentations, and supervisor letters before your employer files. USCIS issues Requests for Evidence on I-140 petitions for research roles when the specialty occupation connection is unclear, and a strong credential file reduces that risk substantially.
Green Card Research Intern: Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Research Intern role qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship?
Yes, if the position requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as biology, chemistry, computer science, or a related discipline. EB-3 covers professionals meeting that threshold. EB-2 applies when the role requires an advanced degree or the candidate has specialized credentials that place them above the standard degree requirement. The employer's job description and your qualifications both factor into which category applies.
How does EB-3 green card sponsorship differ from H-1B for Research Intern positions?
H-1B visa is a temporary status subject to an annual lottery and a six-year cap; EB-3 leads to permanent residency with no lottery and no annual numerical limit on petitions filed. The tradeoff is time: PERM labor certification, I-140 approval, and visa availability can take two to five years depending on your country of birth. For most nationalities outside India and China, EB-3 priority dates move quickly, making it a more predictable path than H-1B for research professionals.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor green cards for Research Interns?
R1 research universities, federally funded national laboratories, large pharmaceutical companies, and established biotech firms sponsor research roles most consistently because they maintain in-house immigration teams. Federal contractors subject to E-Verify are also accustomed to employment-based sponsorship workflows. Use Migrate Mate to filter Research Intern listings by employers with verified PERM filing history so you can focus your applications on organizations that have actually followed through on sponsorship.
What does PERM labor certification require for a research role?
The employer must conduct a DOL-supervised recruitment process showing no qualified U.S. workers applied for the position. For research roles, this typically includes job postings, campus recruitment steps, and documentation of candidate review. The job duties and minimum requirements in the PERM application must match the actual role exactly. DOL then certifies the application, after which the employer files an I-140 petition with USCIS to establish your priority date.
Can my employer start the PERM process while I am still in an internship position?
PERM is almost always filed for a permanent, full-time position rather than a temporary internship. Most employers begin the process after converting you to a permanent research role. Some employers file concurrently with a conversion offer to save time. Clarify this in writing during your offer negotiation so the timeline is agreed on before you start, not discovered after your internship ends.