H-1B Visa Biology Jobs
Biology roles in research, biotech, and pharmaceutical settings qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related biological science. Employers in these sectors have strong H-1B filing histories, and the 85,000-slot annual cap means timing your job search around the April lottery registration window matters.
Find H-1B Visa Biology JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 225+ Biology jobs
See all 225+ Biology Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Biology roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Department of Biology in Jacksonville State University’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences invites applications for an Assistant Professor position in Biology.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This tenure-track faculty member will be expected to teach courses in general biology for majors and non-majors, genetics, molecular biology, upper-level specialty courses, and masters-level graduate courses within their biological field of study. Development of a research program in an area of molecular biology or genetics is required. The successful candidate will be innovative with a strong interest in teaching students through active learning pedagogy and will demonstrate aptitude and inclination for engaging students in research, both through individual-mentored research as well as course-embedded undergraduate research experiences. The applicant must demonstrate the ability to advise students on future careers and have a working knowledge of curriculum requirements, as well as assessment and educational trends in higher education.
Additional requirements include skillful and effective use of English (both oral and written), basic computer skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues as well as professional organizations within their field of expertise outside of JSU.
Some departmental funding to support establishment of a research program is provided.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The department currently maintains a variety of specialized facilities, as well as traditional and modern instrumentation, in support of student/faculty research.
In recent years, student/faculty research has been supported by extramural funding through the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, NASA, Alabama Environmental Council, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, U. S. Forest Service and other agencies/groups.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
An earned doctorate or ABD with completion date by June 1, 2027, in one of the content areas managed within the Department of Biology, with a specialization in genetics, molecular biology, or related biological field(s).
Strong interpersonal skills important for developing relationships with students and peers is required.
Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume or CV, teaching philosophy, research statement, and all earned unofficial transcripts to be considered for the position. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.
The salary range for this position is $60,204.00 - $66,330.00 based on years of direct experience.
This position has an anticipated start date of August 2, 2027.
ABOUT JAX STATE
Located in the Appalachian foothills of northeast Alabama, midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State is home to more than 10,400 students representing 63 countries. As a learning-centered university, it strives to challenge students academically in a responsive environment, meeting their educational, career and personal goals. As an academic institution, it seeks to produce broadly educated graduates prepared for global engagement. As a public, comprehensive university, it promotes excellence in scholarly and service activities consistent with its academic and professional strengths. For a complete list of Goals, Core Values and Strategies to fulfill this Mission, go to the JSU Strategic Plan home page.
Academically Jax State offers 113 academic programs and concentrations, including bachelor's, master's, post-baccalaureate, doctoral and advanced certificate programs in a variety of disciplines that prepare graduates for meaningful careers and ongoing education. More than 40 online programs are offered. The University features six colleges on its 459-acre campus – Arts, Humanities and Sciences; Business and Industry; Education and Professional Studies; Health Professions and Wellness; Social and Behavioral Sciences; and Library. Most academic programs have discipline-specific accreditations, a reflection of their quality and JSU’s commitment to excellence.
Clery Notice: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, the Jacksonville State University Police provide information on crimes statistics, crime prevention, law enforcement, crime reporting, and other related issues for the past three calendar years. The JSU Annual Campus Security and Fire Report is available online.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Jax State is an Equal Employment and Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Biology in Jacksonville State University’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences invites applications for an Assistant Professor position in Biology.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This tenure-track faculty member will be expected to teach courses in general biology for majors and non-majors, genetics, molecular biology, upper-level specialty courses, and masters-level graduate courses within their biological field of study. Development of a research program in an area of molecular biology or genetics is required. The successful candidate will be innovative with a strong interest in teaching students through active learning pedagogy and will demonstrate aptitude and inclination for engaging students in research, both through individual-mentored research as well as course-embedded undergraduate research experiences. The applicant must demonstrate the ability to advise students on future careers and have a working knowledge of curriculum requirements, as well as assessment and educational trends in higher education.
Additional requirements include skillful and effective use of English (both oral and written), basic computer skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues as well as professional organizations within their field of expertise outside of JSU.
Some departmental funding to support establishment of a research program is provided.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The department currently maintains a variety of specialized facilities, as well as traditional and modern instrumentation, in support of student/faculty research.
In recent years, student/faculty research has been supported by extramural funding through the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, NASA, Alabama Environmental Council, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, U. S. Forest Service and other agencies/groups.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
An earned doctorate or ABD with completion date by June 1, 2027, in one of the content areas managed within the Department of Biology, with a specialization in genetics, molecular biology, or related biological field(s).
Strong interpersonal skills important for developing relationships with students and peers is required.
Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume or CV, teaching philosophy, research statement, and all earned unofficial transcripts to be considered for the position. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.
The salary range for this position is $60,204.00 - $66,330.00 based on years of direct experience.
This position has an anticipated start date of August 2, 2027.
ABOUT JAX STATE
Located in the Appalachian foothills of northeast Alabama, midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State is home to more than 10,400 students representing 63 countries. As a learning-centered university, it strives to challenge students academically in a responsive environment, meeting their educational, career and personal goals. As an academic institution, it seeks to produce broadly educated graduates prepared for global engagement. As a public, comprehensive university, it promotes excellence in scholarly and service activities consistent with its academic and professional strengths. For a complete list of Goals, Core Values and Strategies to fulfill this Mission, go to the JSU Strategic Plan home page.
Academically Jax State offers 113 academic programs and concentrations, including bachelor's, master's, post-baccalaureate, doctoral and advanced certificate programs in a variety of disciplines that prepare graduates for meaningful careers and ongoing education. More than 40 online programs are offered. The University features six colleges on its 459-acre campus – Arts, Humanities and Sciences; Business and Industry; Education and Professional Studies; Health Professions and Wellness; Social and Behavioral Sciences; and Library. Most academic programs have discipline-specific accreditations, a reflection of their quality and JSU’s commitment to excellence.
Clery Notice: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, the Jacksonville State University Police provide information on crimes statistics, crime prevention, law enforcement, crime reporting, and other related issues for the past three calendar years. The JSU Annual Campus Security and Fire Report is available online.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Jax State is an Equal Employment and Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
See all 225+ H-1B Visa Biology Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Biology Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Biology
Verify your degree meets specialty occupation requirements
Your biology degree must directly relate to the specific role, not just the broad field. A cell biology degree supporting a molecular diagnostics position is a strong match. A general biology degree for a highly specialized genomics role may trigger an RFE from USCIS.
Target employers with active LCA filing histories
Use Migrate Mate to filter biology roles by employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for your occupation code. This surfaces companies already set up to sponsor H-1B petitions rather than those encountering the process for the first time.
Distinguish research institution from industry timelines
Universities and nonprofit research institutions are cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round with no lottery. Biotech and pharma employers are cap-subject and must register in March for an October 1 start date.
Confirm your SOC code before the prevailing wage step
Biology roles span multiple Standard Occupational Classification codes: microbiologists, biochemists, medical scientists, and zoologists each have distinct wage levels. Run your specific SOC code through the OFLC Wage Search before your employer files the LCA to catch any misclassification early.
Ask about postdoc-to-H-1B transition timing explicitly
Many postdoctoral appointments are funded through J-1 visa or F-1 OPT status. If you're converting from a postdoc to a permanent research position, confirm with your employer whether they'll file for a change of status or require consular processing, since two-year home residency requirements on some J-1 visa waivers affect eligibility.
Document publication and grant records for specialty occupation evidence
USCIS increasingly requests evidence that a biology role genuinely requires degree-level expertise. Peer-reviewed publications, grant co-investigator credits, and patent contributions strengthen the specialty occupation argument in your employer's I-129 petition beyond the job description alone.
H-1B Visa Biology: Frequently Asked Questions
Do biology jobs qualify as H-1B specialty occupations?
Most professional biology roles qualify as specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific biological science. Roles such as research scientist, microbiologist, biochemist, and clinical research associate routinely meet the standard. The exact SOC code matters: USCIS evaluates whether the specific position, not the general field, requires that degree as a minimum entry requirement.
Which types of biology employers sponsor H-1B visas most frequently?
Pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, biotech firms, hospital research divisions, and universities are the most frequent H-1B sponsors for biology roles. University and nonprofit research employers are cap-exempt and can file petitions at any time of year. For-profit biotech and pharma employers are subject to the annual 85,000-slot cap and the April lottery registration window. You can browse employers by their LCA filing history on Migrate Mate.
Can my employer file an H-1B petition while I'm still on OPT?
Yes, and timing is critical. If your OPT authorization expires before October 1 and your employer files during the regular cap season, you'll need cap-gap protection under federal regulations to stay authorized between OPT expiration and your H-1B start date. Your employer should file in April so USCIS receives the petition before your OPT end date for cap-gap coverage to apply automatically.
What documentation should I gather before a biology employer files my H-1B petition?
Prepare certified transcripts showing your degree in a specific biological discipline, any credential evaluations if your degree is from outside the U.S., a current resume with your full employment history, and copies of any publications or patents if your role involves research. Your employer's attorney will also need your passport, current immigration status documents, and a detailed job description tied to your SOC code.
How does the H-1B prevailing wage requirement affect biology job offers?
The DOL requires employers to pay at least the prevailing wage for your specific biology occupation, SOC code, and work location before certifying the LCA. Wage levels run from Level I (entry) to Level IV (fully competent). A research associate role in a high-cost metro typically falls at a higher wage level than the same title in a rural area. You can verify the applicable wage using the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating your offer.