H-1B Visa Research Jobs
Research roles in the U.S. span academia, biopharma, think tanks, and federal contractors, and most require at least a master's degree in a directly related field to qualify as a specialty occupation under H-1B. Many research positions also fall under cap-exempt institutions, which means no lottery and faster timelines.
See All Research JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 13,860+ Research jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 13,860+ Research jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
Stanford University is seeking a Life Science Research Professional 1 to perform basic functions and activities involved in defined research projects, and independently conduct and analyze experiments.
DUTIES INCLUDE:
- Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory.
- Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
- Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher.
- Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
- Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals.
- Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.
- Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.
- Other duties may also be assigned.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor's degree in related scientific field.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
- General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
- Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work.
- Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
- General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
- Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
- Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds.
- Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders, sort and file paperwork or parts.
- Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls.
- Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job.
- Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
- Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.
- Position may require repetitive motion.
- Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- May require working in close proximity to blood borne pathogens.
- May require work in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research.
- Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.
- Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, and possibly a respirator.
- May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.
WORK STANDARDS:
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
The expected pay range for this position is $32.58 to $38.48 per hour. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
See all 13,860+ Research jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Research
Align your credentials to specialty occupation
Pull your role's O*NET job zone classification before applying. Research positions often require a specific discipline, so a degree in biology won't support a materials science role. Gather credential evaluation letters now if your degree is from outside the U.S.
Search verified H-1B sponsors on Migrate Mate
Filter by research job titles on Migrate Mate to find employers with active H-1B LCA filing history for your specific occupation code, so you're not guessing about sponsorship willingness before you apply.
Verify prevailing wage before negotiating an offer
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the Level I through Level IV prevailing wages for your research title and work location. Your offered salary must meet the certified LCA wage, so knowing the floor before negotiations protects your petition.
Ask about H-1B timing during the offer stage
Confirm whether the employer files cap-subject or cap-exempt petitions, and whether they cover premium processing. Research grant-funded roles sometimes have start-date constraints tied to funding cycles that compress the standard USCIS processing window.
Document publications and grants for the specialty occupation case
USCIS scrutinizes research roles closely, particularly when job duties span multiple disciplines. Peer-reviewed publications, grant awards, and institutional affiliations strengthen the employer's evidence that the position requires a specific degree in a directly related field.
Research jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Research JobsResearch H-1B Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Do research positions at universities qualify as cap-exempt H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, if the employer is an institution of higher education, a nonprofit affiliated with one, or a nonprofit research organization, the H-1B petition is cap-exempt. That means no lottery, no October 1 start-date requirement, and the employer can file at any point in the year. Confirm the institution's cap-exempt status with HR before accepting an offer, since affiliated entities don't always qualify automatically.
What makes a research role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B?
USCIS requires that the position normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific and directly related field. For research roles, that means the job description must tie the degree requirement to a particular discipline, not just any science or engineering background. Positions where a range of degrees could satisfy the requirement are vulnerable to Requests for Evidence, so specificity in the job description matters.
How do I find employers who actually sponsor H-1B visas for research jobs?
Migrate Mate surfaces employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history filtered by occupation code, so you can identify which institutions and companies have sponsored research roles matching your background. This is more reliable than assuming sponsorship based on employer size or reputation, since filing patterns vary widely even among large research organizations.
Can I switch research employers mid-H-1B without losing my status?
Yes, H-1B portability under AC21 lets you start working for a new employer as soon as the new H-1B petition is filed, provided your current petition has been approved and you've maintained lawful status. The new employer files an H-1B transfer petition with USCIS, and you don't need to wait for approval before starting. Grant-funded positions require extra attention because the petition must reflect the actual employing institution, not just the principal investigator's lab.
What happens to my H-1B if my research grant funding runs out?
If your position is eliminated because the grant ends, you enter the 60-day grace period from your last day of employment. During those 60 days, you can file for a change of status, a new H-1B with a different employer, or departure. Research roles tied to specific grants are higher-risk in this regard, so it's worth clarifying whether the employer has a history of bridging researchers to institutional funding when external grants expire.
See which Research employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Research Jobs