H-1B Visa Research Assistant Professor Jobs
Research Assistant Professor roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. Universities and research institutions are among the most active H-1B sponsors, and many are cap-exempt, meaning you can start without waiting for the annual lottery.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division is seeking an innovative Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate the controls of soil carbon and nutrient cycling, and how these cycles are affected by soil temperature and soil depth.
You will contribute to a cutting-edge grassland soil-warming experiment in Point Reyes, California, and advance the mechanistic understanding of soil biogeochemistry and its role in plant-soil feedbacks. They will use field and laboratory measurements, including advanced and emerging techniques such as isotopic analysis, remote sensing, or AL/ML to study and scale the effects of soil warming, depth, moisture, and plant processes on ecosystem cycling of soil carbon, nitrogen, and other nutrients.
Join our dynamic research team of experts in soil biogeochemistry, plant and microbial ecology, geochemistry, and process-rich modeling. The primary advisor is Margaret Torn. If you are fascinated by terrestrial biogeochemistry, excited about fieldwork, and eager to engage with theoretical or predictive models, we encourage you to apply.
This position has an anticipated start date of March 1, 2027 but later dates will be considered.
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Contribute to carrying out a whole-soil warming experiment in collaboration with a multidisciplinary research team.
-
Develop and pursue new research questions and innovative techniques related to soils and plant-soil interactions.
-
Characterize carbon and nutrient cycling (e.g, N, P,) in the warming experiment, including trace gas fluxes.
-
Measure and utilize elemental and isotopic composition of soil, plant, and/or gas samples.
-
Communicate research outcomes in scientific publications and presentations.
-
Set up, operate, and maintain field and laboratory instruments.
-
Contribute to the development of grant proposals and progress reports.
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
-
Evaluate model structures and parameters and contribute to the improvement of model capabilities.
-
Participate in studies of plant physiological responses, proximal remote sensing, microbial carbon use efficiency and microbial community responses, or subsurface water and dissolved organic matter chemistry.
-
Contribute to laboratory investigations of soil organic matter and organo-mineral interactions.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
Recent Ph.D. in ecology, soil science, biogeochemistry, earth sciences, or a related field.
-
Demonstrated expertise in biogeochemistry.
-
Demonstrated experience conducting fieldwork.
-
Experience handling large datasets and applying statistical analyses.
-
Relevant laboratory experience.
-
Ability to spend multiple days per month at a field site, including overnight stays.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Proficiency in R, Matlab, or equivalent software for efficient data handling and organization.
-
Background in modeling soil biogeochemical cycling.
-
Familiarity with manipulative experiments.
-
Experience monitoring microclimates.
-
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
The position will remain open until filled. However, for full consideration, please apply with the following application materials:
-
Cover Letter - Describe why you are interested in this particular position in your own words (1-2 pages).
-
Curriculum Vitae (CV) including publication list
-
PDFs of 1-3 of your relevant publications
-
Contact information for three references
COMPENSATION
- Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $6,790 - $9,234 and is expected to start at $6,790 or above. Postdoc positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
-
Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 1, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
-
Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience.
-
Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
-
Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information).
-
Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
WHY JOIN BERKELEY LAB?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:
-
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
-
Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available
-
24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays
-
Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs
-
Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange
-
A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Berkeley Lab’s mission is to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and play a role in addressing global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, .
INTRODUCTION
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division is seeking an innovative Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate the controls of soil carbon and nutrient cycling, and how these cycles are affected by soil temperature and soil depth.
You will contribute to a cutting-edge grassland soil-warming experiment in Point Reyes, California, and advance the mechanistic understanding of soil biogeochemistry and its role in plant-soil feedbacks. They will use field and laboratory measurements, including advanced and emerging techniques such as isotopic analysis, remote sensing, or AL/ML to study and scale the effects of soil warming, depth, moisture, and plant processes on ecosystem cycling of soil carbon, nitrogen, and other nutrients.
Join our dynamic research team of experts in soil biogeochemistry, plant and microbial ecology, geochemistry, and process-rich modeling. The primary advisor is Margaret Torn. If you are fascinated by terrestrial biogeochemistry, excited about fieldwork, and eager to engage with theoretical or predictive models, we encourage you to apply.
This position has an anticipated start date of March 1, 2027 but later dates will be considered.
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Contribute to carrying out a whole-soil warming experiment in collaboration with a multidisciplinary research team.
-
Develop and pursue new research questions and innovative techniques related to soils and plant-soil interactions.
-
Characterize carbon and nutrient cycling (e.g, N, P,) in the warming experiment, including trace gas fluxes.
-
Measure and utilize elemental and isotopic composition of soil, plant, and/or gas samples.
-
Communicate research outcomes in scientific publications and presentations.
-
Set up, operate, and maintain field and laboratory instruments.
-
Contribute to the development of grant proposals and progress reports.
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
-
Evaluate model structures and parameters and contribute to the improvement of model capabilities.
-
Participate in studies of plant physiological responses, proximal remote sensing, microbial carbon use efficiency and microbial community responses, or subsurface water and dissolved organic matter chemistry.
-
Contribute to laboratory investigations of soil organic matter and organo-mineral interactions.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
Recent Ph.D. in ecology, soil science, biogeochemistry, earth sciences, or a related field.
-
Demonstrated expertise in biogeochemistry.
-
Demonstrated experience conducting fieldwork.
-
Experience handling large datasets and applying statistical analyses.
-
Relevant laboratory experience.
-
Ability to spend multiple days per month at a field site, including overnight stays.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Proficiency in R, Matlab, or equivalent software for efficient data handling and organization.
-
Background in modeling soil biogeochemical cycling.
-
Familiarity with manipulative experiments.
-
Experience monitoring microclimates.
-
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
The position will remain open until filled. However, for full consideration, please apply with the following application materials:
-
Cover Letter - Describe why you are interested in this particular position in your own words (1-2 pages).
-
Curriculum Vitae (CV) including publication list
-
PDFs of 1-3 of your relevant publications
-
Contact information for three references
COMPENSATION
- Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $6,790 - $9,234 and is expected to start at $6,790 or above. Postdoc positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
-
Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 1, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
-
Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience.
-
Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
-
Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information).
-
Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
WHY JOIN BERKELEY LAB?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:
-
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
-
Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available
-
24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays
-
Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs
-
Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange
-
A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Berkeley Lab’s mission is to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and play a role in addressing global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, .
See all 2,178+ H-1B Visa Research Assistant Professor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Research Assistant Professor Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Research Assistant Professor
Verify your degree maps to the role
USCIS requires your degree field to directly match the Research Assistant Professor position. A PhD in a tangential discipline can trigger an RFE, so confirm the connection is explicit before you apply.
Target cap-exempt institutions first
Universities, nonprofit research organizations affiliated with universities, and government research labs can file H-1B petitions year-round outside the annual cap. You can start sooner without waiting for October 1 or surviving the lottery.
Search verified sponsors on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter Research Assistant Professor openings by employers with confirmed H-1B LCA filing history, so you're applying to institutions that have already demonstrated willingness to sponsor this exact role type.
Check prevailing wage before negotiating
Run the Research Assistant Professor SOC code through the OFLC Wage Search before your offer conversation. Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your location, so knowing Level I through IV thresholds strengthens your position.
Clarify start-date timing with your department
Cap-subject offers must align with the October 1 fiscal year start. If your position isn't at a cap-exempt institution, your department needs to submit the I-129 during the April registration window, affecting lab onboarding and grant timelines.
Gather funding documentation before filing
Research Assistant Professor petitions often require evidence of grant funding or institutional salary lines to satisfy the employer's ability-to-pay requirement. Collect offer letters, grant award notices, or budget approvals before USCIS submission.
H-1B Visa Research Assistant Professor: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Research Assistant Professor jobs qualify as H-1B specialty occupations?
Yes. Research Assistant Professor roles require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific academic field, which meets USCIS's specialty occupation definition. The degree field must directly relate to the research duties. USCIS also considers whether the institution normally requires that degree for the position, so job postings that list a PhD as required strengthen the petition considerably.
Are universities and research institutions cap-exempt for H-1B filings?
Most accredited universities, nonprofit research organizations affiliated with higher education institutions, and government research entities qualify as cap-exempt employers. This means they can file H-1B petitions at any time of year without competing in the annual lottery. If you're targeting academic positions, cap-exempt status is one of the most practical advantages of pursuing a Research Assistant Professor role.
How do I find Research Assistant Professor employers with H-1B sponsorship history?
Migrate Mate surfaces Research Assistant Professor openings filtered by employers with confirmed H-1B LCA filing history, so you're not guessing about sponsorship willingness. You can also cross-reference DOL OFLC disclosure data by institution name and job title to see how many petitions an employer has historically filed for this specific role type before you apply.
Can I switch from an F-1 OPT to H-1B as a Research Assistant Professor?
Yes. If your institution is cap-exempt, they can file your H-1B petition while you're on OPT without waiting for a lottery slot or October 1. If it's a cap-subject employer, your OPT must remain valid through April when registrations open, and cap-gap protections can extend your authorization through September 30 if your OPT expires before your H-1B start date.
What documentation does a Research Assistant Professor H-1B petition typically require?
Beyond standard I-129 forms, expect to provide your doctoral degree certificate and transcripts, evidence that the position requires a specific degree field, and grant award letters or institutional budget documentation showing ability to pay. If your PhD is from a non-U.S. institution, a credential evaluation from a NACES-member evaluator is usually required to establish U.S. degree equivalency.