H-1B Visa Research Director Jobs
Research Director roles qualify as H-1B specialty occupations under USCIS definitions, typically requiring a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field. Employers must file a Labor Condition Application before sponsoring you, certifying the role meets prevailing wage standards for the location and SOC code.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Description:
Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.
We’re actively seeking a talented Director of Fundamental Research to join Pacific Life Fund Advisors in Newport Beach, CA. Relocation assistance may be provided.
As the Director of Fundamental Research, you’ll play a key role in Pacific Life’s growth and long-term success by generating investment decisions for the Pacific Life Fund Advisors (PLFA) managed strategies ($30 billion) and providing investment expertise to the divisions to drive company-wide initiatives. The Director will join the asset allocation team responsible for managing over 15 multi-asset portfolios—primarily fund-of-funds—as well as six portable alpha strategies. The role will focus primarily on equity allocations within the multi-asset portfolios, with secondary responsibilities supporting macro/strategic and other intra-asset positioning.
How you’ll help move us forward:
- Act as a Domestic Equity Portfolio Manager within a Multi-Asset Framework
- Serve as a U.S. equities specialist, bringing a clear, differentiated point of view across sectors, styles, and factors (growth, value, quality, momentum)
- Perform industry-leading research to formulate investment views
- Implement views through dynamic asset allocation, portfolio tilts, and position sizing within domestic equities
- Drive Asset Allocation & Portfolio Performance
- Play a key role in asset allocation and portfolio construction decisions across 15+ multi-asset portfolios
- Maintain accountability for risk-adjusted returns and benchmark outperformance, continuously reassessing exposures based on market developments, data, and evolving investment theses
- Contribute across asset classes (international equity, fixed income, alternatives), while maintaining a core focus on U.S. equity alpha generation
- Operate as a Senior Investor & Investment Committee Member
- Present, defend, and implement high-conviction investment views as a voting member of the Investment Committee, directly influencing firm-wide capital allocation decisions
- Partner cross-functionally to support investment communication, strategy positioning, and product development
- Contribute to firm-wide thinking on markets, portfolio construction, and risk management, helping shape the overall investment framework and process
The experience you bring:
- 7–10+ years of experience in fundamental research, portfolio management, or trading
- A deep understanding of U.S. equities, with the ability to connect micro insights to macro context
- Proven ability to form, express, and defend investment views
- Strong grounding in macroeconomics, policy, and market cycles
- Experience with multi-asset frameworks or asset allocation thinking (preferred, not required)
- Comfort working with data; Python or quantitative toolkit is a plus
- Familiarity with mutual funds, ETFs, or 40-Act structures is helpful
- Clear communicator who can translate complex ideas into actionable insights
You can be who you are.
People come first here. We’re committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Learn more about how we create a welcoming work environment through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at www.pacificlife.com. What’s life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife.
LI-KP1
Base Pay Range:
The base pay range noted represents the company’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.
$203,760.00 - $249,040.00
Your Benefits Start Day 1
Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we’re committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we’ve got you covered.
- Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
- Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
- Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation
You Can Be Who You Are
We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
What’s life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife
EEO Statement:
Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.
Job Description:
Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.
We’re actively seeking a talented Director of Fundamental Research to join Pacific Life Fund Advisors in Newport Beach, CA. Relocation assistance may be provided.
As the Director of Fundamental Research, you’ll play a key role in Pacific Life’s growth and long-term success by generating investment decisions for the Pacific Life Fund Advisors (PLFA) managed strategies ($30 billion) and providing investment expertise to the divisions to drive company-wide initiatives. The Director will join the asset allocation team responsible for managing over 15 multi-asset portfolios—primarily fund-of-funds—as well as six portable alpha strategies. The role will focus primarily on equity allocations within the multi-asset portfolios, with secondary responsibilities supporting macro/strategic and other intra-asset positioning.
How you’ll help move us forward:
- Act as a Domestic Equity Portfolio Manager within a Multi-Asset Framework
- Serve as a U.S. equities specialist, bringing a clear, differentiated point of view across sectors, styles, and factors (growth, value, quality, momentum)
- Perform industry-leading research to formulate investment views
- Implement views through dynamic asset allocation, portfolio tilts, and position sizing within domestic equities
- Drive Asset Allocation & Portfolio Performance
- Play a key role in asset allocation and portfolio construction decisions across 15+ multi-asset portfolios
- Maintain accountability for risk-adjusted returns and benchmark outperformance, continuously reassessing exposures based on market developments, data, and evolving investment theses
- Contribute across asset classes (international equity, fixed income, alternatives), while maintaining a core focus on U.S. equity alpha generation
- Operate as a Senior Investor & Investment Committee Member
- Present, defend, and implement high-conviction investment views as a voting member of the Investment Committee, directly influencing firm-wide capital allocation decisions
- Partner cross-functionally to support investment communication, strategy positioning, and product development
- Contribute to firm-wide thinking on markets, portfolio construction, and risk management, helping shape the overall investment framework and process
The experience you bring:
- 7–10+ years of experience in fundamental research, portfolio management, or trading
- A deep understanding of U.S. equities, with the ability to connect micro insights to macro context
- Proven ability to form, express, and defend investment views
- Strong grounding in macroeconomics, policy, and market cycles
- Experience with multi-asset frameworks or asset allocation thinking (preferred, not required)
- Comfort working with data; Python or quantitative toolkit is a plus
- Familiarity with mutual funds, ETFs, or 40-Act structures is helpful
- Clear communicator who can translate complex ideas into actionable insights
You can be who you are.
People come first here. We’re committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Learn more about how we create a welcoming work environment through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at www.pacificlife.com. What’s life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife.
LI-KP1
Base Pay Range:
The base pay range noted represents the company’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.
$203,760.00 - $249,040.00
Your Benefits Start Day 1
Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we’re committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we’ve got you covered.
- Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
- Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
- Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation
You Can Be Who You Are
We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
What’s life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife
EEO Statement:
Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.
See all 693+ Research Director jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Director roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Research Director
Verify your degree supports specialty occupation
Research Director petitions face RFE risk when the degree field doesn't align directly with the research domain. A PhD in biology supporting a biomedical research leadership role clears USCIS scrutiny far more cleanly than a general management degree.
Target employers with dedicated research infrastructure
Universities, national laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and federal contractors file H-1B LCAs for Research Directors regularly. These organizations have in-house immigration counsel and established workflows, which shortens your time from offer to petition filing.
Check prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the Level III or IV wage for your SOC code and work location before you negotiate. Your employer's LCA must certify at least that wage, so knowing the floor protects both your offer and your petition.
Search H-1B sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Filter Research Director roles by employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history on Migrate Mate. This surfaces organizations that have already navigated the sponsorship process for this role type, so you're not educating a first-time sponsor during your job search.
Flag O*NET classification in your cover materials
Research Director maps to a specific O*NET occupation code tied to doctoral or master's-level requirements. Referencing this classification in your resume and cover letter helps employers and their counsel build the specialty occupation argument before your petition is drafted.
Request premium processing if your start date is fixed
Research leadership roles often carry specific project launch or fiscal-year start dates. If your employer files your I-129 with premium processing, USCIS issues a decision within 15 business days, giving you a reliable timeline to coordinate relocation and onboarding.
Research Director jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Research Director JobsResearch Director H-1B Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Director role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, provided the position genuinely requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field directly related to the research domain. USCIS evaluates the job duties, not just the title. A role overseeing active research programs in a defined discipline, such as computational biology or materials science, typically satisfies the specialty occupation standard. Generalist leadership roles with no discipline-specific degree requirement are more vulnerable to challenge.
How do I find Research Director jobs at employers that sponsor H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate filters Research Director openings by employers with documented H-1B LCA filing history, so you can focus your applications on organizations that have already committed to sponsoring this role type. This is more reliable than guessing from job postings alone, since many employers don't advertise sponsorship availability upfront for senior research positions.
Can my employer file my H-1B outside the annual lottery for a Research Director role?
Possibly. Research Directors employed directly by universities or affiliated nonprofit research organizations are cap-exempt under H-1B rules, meaning no lottery applies. If you're hired by a private company conducting sponsored research under a government contract, cap-exempt status depends on the specifics of the employer's nonprofit or governmental affiliation, not the nature of your work alone.
What happens to my H-1B if my research grant or contract ends before my visa period expires?
Your H-1B status is tied to your employer, not the specific grant funding your role. If your employer keeps you on payroll, your status remains valid even if one funding source ends. If your position is eliminated, you have a 60-day grace period under USCIS rules to find a new sponsoring employer, change status, or depart. Documenting employer intent early is important in grant-dependent research environments.
Does a Research Director role typically need PERM labor certification for an H-1B?
No. PERM labor certification applies to employment-based green card sponsorship, not H-1B petitions. Your employer files a Labor Condition Application with DOL to certify prevailing wage compliance before filing your H-1B petition with USCIS. These are separate processes. If your employer also wants to sponsor you for permanent residence in an EB-1B or EB-2 category, PERM may be required depending on the green card category pursued.
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