H-1B Visa Lead Researcher Jobs
Lead Researcher jobs qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as behavioral science, public health, or social sciences. Employers in academia, pharma, and policy institutes routinely sponsor H-1B petitions for this position, filing a certified LCA with DOL before submitting the I-129 to USCIS.
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Get Access To All JobsAs 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.
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.
See all 2,522+ H-1B Visa Lead Researcher Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Lead Researcher Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Lead Researcher
Align your degree to your research domain
USCIS evaluates whether your degree field directly relates to your specific research area. A PhD in epidemiology supports a public health Lead Researcher role, but a general science degree for a highly specialized neuroscience position may trigger an RFE. Tailor your credential presentation to the exact research domain in the job description.
Look up prevailing wage before negotiating
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your SOC code and work location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to check the Level III or IV rate for your research role before you receive an offer, so you can negotiate from an informed baseline.
Find sponsors through Migrate Mate
Target employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history for research roles using Migrate Mate. Filtering by employers who have already sponsored researchers removes the guesswork of cold-applying to organizations that have never navigated the specialty occupation determination for this position.
Confirm your worksite is on the certified LCA
Each worksite where you'll conduct research needs its own certified LCA. If your role involves fieldwork across multiple sites or a university campus different from the employer's main address, confirm that every location is explicitly covered before the I-129 is filed with USCIS.
Review your O*NET profile with your employer
The O*NET occupation profile for your SOC code defines the duties and education requirements USCIS uses to assess specialty occupation. Walk through it with your sponsoring employer so the job offer letter and support documentation map precisely to the listed degree-level tasks, reducing RFE risk.
Account for H-1B cap timing in your start date
If you're not moving from an already cap-exempt employer, H-1B selection rules have changed recently and the timeline to an October 1 start date affects your offer negotiation. Build at least a six-month buffer into any employment start date discussion to avoid gaps in authorization.
H-1B Visa Lead Researcher: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lead Researcher role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, Lead Researcher roles typically qualify as H-1B specialty occupations when the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as social sciences, public health, life sciences, or behavioral research. The employer must demonstrate in the I-129 petition that the specific duties of the role, not just the job title, require that degree-level knowledge. USCIS evaluates the connection between your degree field and the actual research work you'll perform.
Which employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas for Lead Researcher positions?
Academic institutions, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, federal contractors, think tanks, and policy research organizations are among the most active H-1B sponsors for research roles. These employers have established processes for LCA certification and I-129 filing. You can browse employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history for research positions on Migrate Mate, which lets you focus your applications on organizations already familiar with sponsoring this role.
How long does H-1B status last for a Lead Researcher?
H-1B status is initially granted for up to three years and can be extended to a maximum of six years. Extensions beyond six years are possible only if you have an approved I-140 immigrant petition or a PERM labor certification that has been pending for at least 365 days. Planning your research career timeline around these caps is essential, particularly if your employer wants you in a long-term senior role.
What happens if my Lead Researcher role moves to a different research site or campus?
Each worksite where you perform H-1B-authorized research must be covered by a separately certified LCA. If your role requires work at a field site, partner institution, or satellite campus not listed on your original LCA, your employer must file a new LCA with DOL and post the required public access file at the new location before you begin work there. Failing to do this puts both you and your employer out of compliance.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new research employer mid-status?
Yes, H-1B portability under AC21 lets you start working for a new employer once they file an H-1B transfer petition with USCIS, without waiting for approval. The new employer must file a new LCA certified for your specific role and worksite. Your new position must still qualify as a specialty occupation, so the job description and your degree alignment need to hold up to the same scrutiny as your original petition.