H-1B Visa Director Of Research Operations Jobs
Director of Research Operations roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations, typically requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in a research-related field. Universities, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutes are among the most active H-1B sponsors for this title, making institutional and industry employers your strongest targets.
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Posting Number S06783P
Position Title Director of Research Infrastructure
Department Research Infrastructure Office
Location Arlington
Position Status Full-time
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm* Hybrid eligible.
Salary Salary is commensurate based on qualifications and relevant experience.
Pay Basis Monthly
Job Summary
The Director of Research Infrastructure is responsible for ensuring the UTA’s shared research facilities and other research infrastructure are aligned with the needs of the research community; with a keen focus on maximizing scientific outputs and creating scalable, auditable operational efficiencies. Serving as a central point of contact, the Director leads the Research Infrastructure Office (RIO), providing research infrastructure planning and strategic support on behalf of the ORI. The Director works closely with ORI and campus leaders as well as researchers across the campus, to provide leadership and guidance on strategic, administrative, and operational activities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversee utilization and user support for specialized research cores, shared research facilities, as well as research buildings. This includes managing shared instrumentation and equipment facilities, scientific recharge units/ research service centers that provide access to technologies, equipment, services, and expert consultation to enable, facilitate, and enhance the research mission of UTA.
- Ensures appropriate implementation of effective business practices.
- Develop and implement processes and procedures to support faculty and their research needs in specialized research cores, shared research facilities, as well as research buildings.
- Develop and implement processes and procedures for research space management for centrally managed buildings (ex. SEIR, Research Fort Worth).
- Partner with Colleges on overall management of research space across the campus.
- Serve as the point person regarding planning, renovation, equipment acquisition, construction, and operation of specialized research cores, shared research facilities, as well as research buildings.
- Support research infrastructure needs and concerns throughout the research faculty life cycle (i.e. interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and ongoing).
- Partner with required UTA divisions (EH&S, OFM, Research Administration, RTaP, Purchasing, etc.) to ensure these needs are met. Extend this role to focused support for senior faculty hires.
- Collaborate with faculty leads and faculty advisory groups to build affiliated research communities around specialized research cores and shared research facilities to position RIO as a key enabler of collaborative research efforts, education and training activities, and intellectual creation.
- Work with affiliated research communities to ensure support of the research facilities through equipment acquisition proposals, development of external collaborators, and research symposiums, etc.
- Collaborate closely with faculty leads and faculty advisory groups for each specialized research core to understand the research and business processes in each facility that will support the institutional research enterprise.
- Coordinate with faculty leads in the development of business plans for each specialized research core, including menus of services offered and a sustainable operation model.
- Designs, establishes, and maintains an organizational structure and staffing for specialized research cores, shared research facilities, as well as research buildings to effectively accomplish the organization’s goals and objectives; oversees recruitment, training, supervision, and staff evaluation.
- Manages RIO communications, including website, researcher interactions and feedback, print materials as well as conducting tours, demonstrations, and instructional workshops.
- Facilitate the Core Facility Steering Committee to formulate broad-use capabilities around space, instrumentation, and other key areas of UTA’s research enterprise.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Masters degree in a scientific, technology, engineering or math (STEM) field.
- Seven (7) years of progressive research facility management experience in a higher education, academic setting, or research, health, and science environment.
- Three (3) years of supervisory experience leading, managing, motivating, and developing technical staff.
- Knowledge of creating scalable research services and related auditable finances.
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in a STEM field.
- Ten or more years of experience.
- Five (5) or more years of progressive leadership responsibility and supervisory experience.
- Broad familiarity with management of specialized research facilities and laboratories, including Vivariums, Cleanrooms, Biosafety Laboratories, and Restricted Access Facilities.
- Experience in oversight role at an institutional level in creating customer-focused services with business processes, data modeling, etc.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Understanding of laws and regulations that impact sponsored research.
- Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence senior stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.
- Strong analytical with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Other Requirements
Workplace and Eligibility Conditions
Benefits Eligible Yes
Benefits at UTA
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University.
To help you understand the full value of these benefits, we have created a tool that calculates the total worth of your compensation package. This tool takes into account all of the benefits that you are eligible for, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. To access this tool and learn more about the total value of your benefits, please click on the following link:
CBC Requirement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.
This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA-48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.
University Information
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.
UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community. Furthermore, UTA has launched the RISE 100 initiative, aiming to recruit 100 new tenure-system faculty to strengthen its research enterprise and leadership in key academic areas.
This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.
ADA Accommodations
The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email ADADocs@uta.edu.
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Open Until Filled
Minimum Number of References Required 3
Maximum Number of References Accepted 3
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must include in their online resume the following information:
1) Employment history: name of company, period employed (from month/year to month/year), job title, summary of job duties and
2) Education: school name, degree type, and major.
Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents
- Resume or CV
- Cover/Interest Letter
Optional Documents
Position Information
Posting Number S06783P
Position Title Director of Research Infrastructure
Department Research Infrastructure Office
Location Arlington
Position Status Full-time
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm* Hybrid eligible.
Salary Salary is commensurate based on qualifications and relevant experience.
Pay Basis Monthly
Job Summary
The Director of Research Infrastructure is responsible for ensuring the UTA’s shared research facilities and other research infrastructure are aligned with the needs of the research community; with a keen focus on maximizing scientific outputs and creating scalable, auditable operational efficiencies. Serving as a central point of contact, the Director leads the Research Infrastructure Office (RIO), providing research infrastructure planning and strategic support on behalf of the ORI. The Director works closely with ORI and campus leaders as well as researchers across the campus, to provide leadership and guidance on strategic, administrative, and operational activities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversee utilization and user support for specialized research cores, shared research facilities, as well as research buildings. This includes managing shared instrumentation and equipment facilities, scientific recharge units/ research service centers that provide access to technologies, equipment, services, and expert consultation to enable, facilitate, and enhance the research mission of UTA.
- Ensures appropriate implementation of effective business practices.
- Develop and implement processes and procedures to support faculty and their research needs in specialized research cores, shared research facilities, as well as research buildings.
- Develop and implement processes and procedures for research space management for centrally managed buildings (ex. SEIR, Research Fort Worth).
- Partner with Colleges on overall management of research space across the campus.
- Serve as the point person regarding planning, renovation, equipment acquisition, construction, and operation of specialized research cores, shared research facilities, as well as research buildings.
- Support research infrastructure needs and concerns throughout the research faculty life cycle (i.e. interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and ongoing).
- Partner with required UTA divisions (EH&S, OFM, Research Administration, RTaP, Purchasing, etc.) to ensure these needs are met. Extend this role to focused support for senior faculty hires.
- Collaborate with faculty leads and faculty advisory groups to build affiliated research communities around specialized research cores and shared research facilities to position RIO as a key enabler of collaborative research efforts, education and training activities, and intellectual creation.
- Work with affiliated research communities to ensure support of the research facilities through equipment acquisition proposals, development of external collaborators, and research symposiums, etc.
- Collaborate closely with faculty leads and faculty advisory groups for each specialized research core to understand the research and business processes in each facility that will support the institutional research enterprise.
- Coordinate with faculty leads in the development of business plans for each specialized research core, including menus of services offered and a sustainable operation model.
- Designs, establishes, and maintains an organizational structure and staffing for specialized research cores, shared research facilities, as well as research buildings to effectively accomplish the organization’s goals and objectives; oversees recruitment, training, supervision, and staff evaluation.
- Manages RIO communications, including website, researcher interactions and feedback, print materials as well as conducting tours, demonstrations, and instructional workshops.
- Facilitate the Core Facility Steering Committee to formulate broad-use capabilities around space, instrumentation, and other key areas of UTA’s research enterprise.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Masters degree in a scientific, technology, engineering or math (STEM) field.
- Seven (7) years of progressive research facility management experience in a higher education, academic setting, or research, health, and science environment.
- Three (3) years of supervisory experience leading, managing, motivating, and developing technical staff.
- Knowledge of creating scalable research services and related auditable finances.
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in a STEM field.
- Ten or more years of experience.
- Five (5) or more years of progressive leadership responsibility and supervisory experience.
- Broad familiarity with management of specialized research facilities and laboratories, including Vivariums, Cleanrooms, Biosafety Laboratories, and Restricted Access Facilities.
- Experience in oversight role at an institutional level in creating customer-focused services with business processes, data modeling, etc.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Understanding of laws and regulations that impact sponsored research.
- Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence senior stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.
- Strong analytical with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Other Requirements
Workplace and Eligibility Conditions
Benefits Eligible Yes
Benefits at UTA
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University.
To help you understand the full value of these benefits, we have created a tool that calculates the total worth of your compensation package. This tool takes into account all of the benefits that you are eligible for, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. To access this tool and learn more about the total value of your benefits, please click on the following link:
CBC Requirement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.
This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA-48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.
University Information
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.
UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community. Furthermore, UTA has launched the RISE 100 initiative, aiming to recruit 100 new tenure-system faculty to strengthen its research enterprise and leadership in key academic areas.
This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.
ADA Accommodations
The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email ADADocs@uta.edu.
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Open Until Filled
Minimum Number of References Required 3
Maximum Number of References Accepted 3
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must include in their online resume the following information:
1) Employment history: name of company, period employed (from month/year to month/year), job title, summary of job duties and
2) Education: school name, degree type, and major.
Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents
- Resume or CV
- Cover/Interest Letter
Optional Documents
See all H-1B Visa Director Of Research Operations Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Director Of Research Operations Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Director Of Research Operations
Align your credentials to specialty occupation standards
USCIS requires your degree field to directly relate to the role. A Director of Research Operations position supported by a degree in public health, biomedical science, or research administration strengthens your petition against RFE risk.
Target research-intensive institutions with LCA history
Universities, hospital systems, and pharma companies file LCAs regularly for research operations roles. Search Migrate Mate to filter employers with verified H-1B filing history specifically for research and operations management positions.
Verify the prevailing wage tier before accepting an offer
Run the OFLC Wage Search using the correct SOC code for your role before negotiating compensation. Your offered salary must meet the DOL prevailing wage, and a lower-tier offer can delay LCA certification.
Confirm your employer's E-Verify enrollment early
H-1B sponsors must be enrolled in E-Verify. Directors stepping into roles at smaller research nonprofits or startups should ask HR to confirm enrollment status before your petition is filed, not after.
Document your oversight scope for the specialty occupation test
USCIS scrutinizes operations and management titles. A detailed job duties letter showing you direct research methodology, manage IRB compliance, or oversee grant administration builds the specialty occupation case more effectively than a generic job description.
Time your petition filing around the cap and grace period
If you're transitioning from OPT or another status, your H-1B start date can't precede October 1. The 60-day grace period after your prior status ends sets a hard deadline for your employer to file.
H-1B Visa Director Of Research Operations: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Director of Research Operations role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, provided the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as research administration, life sciences, public health, or a related discipline. USCIS will review the job duties, not just the title. Roles with broad generalist duties and no degree field requirement are more likely to receive an RFE challenging specialty occupation status.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for research operations directors?
Research universities, academic medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, government contractors, and large nonprofit research institutes are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for this title. These organizations file LCAs routinely and have established HR processes for sponsorship. You can browse employers with verified H-1B filing history for research operations roles on Migrate Mate.
What SOC code applies to Director of Research Operations for H-1B prevailing wage purposes?
The most commonly applied SOC code is 11-9121 (Natural Sciences Managers) or 11-1021 (General and Operations Managers), depending on how your employer characterizes the role. The DOL prevailing wage is tied to the SOC code selected on the LCA, so confirming the correct code with your employer before filing affects both compliance and compensation benchmarking.
Can a research operations director role face H-1B RFEs, and what triggers them?
Yes. USCIS frequently issues RFEs for operations and management titles when the job duties appear administrative rather than requiring specialized theoretical knowledge. Vague descriptions referencing general oversight, budgeting, or staff management without grounding them in a specific research domain increase RFE risk. A detailed duties letter tied explicitly to a scientific or technical field reduces that exposure significantly.
How does O*NET classify Director of Research Operations for H-1B purposes?
O*NET classifies closely related roles under Natural Sciences Managers and Management Analysts, both of which fall in Job Zone 4 or 5, supporting the specialty occupation argument. Referencing the O*NET profile in your petition documentation helps demonstrate that the position routinely requires advanced knowledge and a degree in a specific field, which is central to USCIS's specialty occupation analysis.