H-1B Visa Research Scientist Jobs
Research Scientist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field like biology, chemistry, or computer science. Many research positions at universities, pharma companies, and national labs have active H-1B filing histories, and cap-exempt employers can sponsor year-round without the lottery.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Computational Research Scientist to join the Quantitative Modeling Group led by Héctor García Martín!
In this exciting role, you will work towards making biology predictable by integrating artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and synthetic biology. Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), you will leverage current and future funding to build and implement tools, technologies, and infrastructure that advance biomanufacturing through machine learning and automation. You will be expected to secure independent funding and develop a vigorous research program focused on the application of AI to advance scientific discovery and innovation.
This position has an anticipated start date of December 14, 2026.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:
- Exceptional health benefits.
- Generous paid time off, sick time off, and holidays.
- A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!
What You Will Do:
- Apply artificial intelligence and data science to guide and advance biomanufacturing.
- Develop quantitative and predictive models of cell metabolism.
- Integrate transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data into quantitative predictive models of biological systems.
- Develop and orchestrate AI agents to analyze complex scientific data and recommend future research directions and experimental approaches.
- Design and leverage data management systems to effectively organize, represent, and utilize biological data.
- Collaborate closely with experimentalists to identify research opportunities, guide and propose new experiments, and use available data to its full potential.
- Develop, integrate, and utilize robotic systems to automate scientific workflows and advance the development of self-driving labs.
- Prepare research results for publication in scientific journals and presentation at scientific conferences, seminars, and internal meetings.
- Assist with the preparation and submission of grant proposals and other funding applications.
- May be responsible for their team's success and professional development.
WHAT IS REQUIRED:
- A Ph.D. (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Systems Biology, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline and minimum of 3 years of relevant experience applying artificial intelligence to guide and inform biological experiments or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Significant experience with Python or other major programming languages.
- Experience with deep learning techniques and methodologies.
- Experience with lab automation and automated experimental workflows.
- Experience with experimental Synthetic Biology and hands-on bench work.
- A strong mathematical background including the ability to apply quantitative approaches to complex scientific problems.
- Strong analytical skills including experience identifying issues, troubleshooting complex problems, and recommending appropriate solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts and research findings to a variety of audiences.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to conduct collaborative research in an interdisciplinary team environment.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- A Ph.D. in Systems Biology, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise staff, including assigning work, providing coaching and performance feedback, and supporting employee development.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Application Date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume and a cover letter describing their interest in this position by November 16, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
- Appointment Type: This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), career-track term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of 5 years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
- Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
- Salary Information: This position has a budgeted range of $94,740 - $151,580 annually for job code S39.1. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group (if applicable, and union contract agreement).
- 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 performed onsite at the Emeryville Station East (ESE) Operations Center located in Building 978 at 5885 Hollis Street Emeryville, CA 94608. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information).
- Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: 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
Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Computational Research Scientist to join the Quantitative Modeling Group led by Héctor García Martín!
In this exciting role, you will work towards making biology predictable by integrating artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and synthetic biology. Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), you will leverage current and future funding to build and implement tools, technologies, and infrastructure that advance biomanufacturing through machine learning and automation. You will be expected to secure independent funding and develop a vigorous research program focused on the application of AI to advance scientific discovery and innovation.
This position has an anticipated start date of December 14, 2026.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:
- Exceptional health benefits.
- Generous paid time off, sick time off, and holidays.
- A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!
What You Will Do:
- Apply artificial intelligence and data science to guide and advance biomanufacturing.
- Develop quantitative and predictive models of cell metabolism.
- Integrate transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data into quantitative predictive models of biological systems.
- Develop and orchestrate AI agents to analyze complex scientific data and recommend future research directions and experimental approaches.
- Design and leverage data management systems to effectively organize, represent, and utilize biological data.
- Collaborate closely with experimentalists to identify research opportunities, guide and propose new experiments, and use available data to its full potential.
- Develop, integrate, and utilize robotic systems to automate scientific workflows and advance the development of self-driving labs.
- Prepare research results for publication in scientific journals and presentation at scientific conferences, seminars, and internal meetings.
- Assist with the preparation and submission of grant proposals and other funding applications.
- May be responsible for their team's success and professional development.
WHAT IS REQUIRED:
- A Ph.D. (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Systems Biology, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline and minimum of 3 years of relevant experience applying artificial intelligence to guide and inform biological experiments or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Significant experience with Python or other major programming languages.
- Experience with deep learning techniques and methodologies.
- Experience with lab automation and automated experimental workflows.
- Experience with experimental Synthetic Biology and hands-on bench work.
- A strong mathematical background including the ability to apply quantitative approaches to complex scientific problems.
- Strong analytical skills including experience identifying issues, troubleshooting complex problems, and recommending appropriate solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts and research findings to a variety of audiences.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to conduct collaborative research in an interdisciplinary team environment.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- A Ph.D. in Systems Biology, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise staff, including assigning work, providing coaching and performance feedback, and supporting employee development.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Application Date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume and a cover letter describing their interest in this position by November 16, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
- Appointment Type: This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), career-track term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of 5 years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
- Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
- Salary Information: This position has a budgeted range of $94,740 - $151,580 annually for job code S39.1. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group (if applicable, and union contract agreement).
- 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 performed onsite at the Emeryville Station East (ESE) Operations Center located in Building 978 at 5885 Hollis Street Emeryville, CA 94608. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information).
- Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: 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 1,541+ H-1B Visa Research Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Research Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Research Scientist
Verify your degree field matches the role
USCIS requires your degree to align specifically with the research discipline, not just science broadly. A biochemistry degree supporting a computational biology role can trigger an RFE. Check the O*NET profile for your specialty to confirm the accepted degree fields before applying.
Target cap-exempt research institutions first
Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government-affiliated labs are cap-exempt, meaning they can file your H-1B any time without lottery entry. Prioritizing these employers eliminates registration uncertainty and lets you start sooner.
Search verified H-1B sponsors on Migrate Mate
Filter by research or life sciences roles on Migrate Mate to see employers with confirmed H-1B LCA filing history for Research Scientist positions. This surfaces active sponsors rather than companies that listed sponsorship as a general possibility.
Request the prevailing wage tier before negotiating
Your employer files an LCA certifying your salary meets the DOL prevailing wage for your occupation and location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to check the Level I through Level IV wage tiers for your specific SOC code before your offer conversation.
Document your publications and grants for the petition
USCIS adjudicators assess specialty occupation partly through your academic and research record. Compile a list of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and funded grants before your employer files Form I-129 to support the specialty occupation argument.
Confirm the employer's H-1B filing timeline against your OPT end date
If you're on OPT, your employer must file your H-1B cap-subject petition before your OPT expires or your cap-gap protection kicks in. Confirm your employer's legal team timeline at least 90 days before your EAD expiration to avoid a gap in work authorization.
H-1B Visa Research Scientist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Scientist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, Research Scientist positions qualify when the employer requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific scientific field directly related to the role. The degree must be tied to the research discipline, not just a general science background. USCIS evaluates the job duties and the employer's normal hiring requirements together when adjudicating the petition.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Research Scientists?
Pharmaceutical and biotech companies, university research departments, federal contract research organizations, and national laboratories are among the most consistent H-1B sponsors for Research Scientist roles. University and nonprofit research lab employers are cap-exempt, allowing year-round filing without lottery participation. You can browse employers with confirmed H-1B filing history for research roles on Migrate Mate.
Can I switch research employers while on H-1B status?
Yes. Under AC21 portability, you can change employers if your new employer files an H-1B transfer petition while your current petition is still valid. The new petition must be for a same or similar occupational classification. You can start working for the new employer as soon as the transfer petition is filed, before it's approved.
How does the H-1B prevailing wage work for Research Scientist positions?
Your employer must certify through an LCA that your salary meets the DOL prevailing wage for your specific research occupation code and work location. Prevailing wages are divided into four levels based on experience and responsibility. You can check current wage levels for your SOC code and geographic area using the OFLC Wage Search before evaluating any offer.
Does holding a PhD affect my H-1B petition as a Research Scientist?
A PhD strengthens a Research Scientist petition because it directly demonstrates the specialized theoretical and practical knowledge USCIS looks for in specialty occupation cases. It also makes you eligible for the advanced degree cap, giving you two lottery chances in a cap-subject year. Cap-exempt employers like universities and nonprofit labs aren't affected by this distinction at all.