H-1B Visa Research Specialist Jobs
Research Specialist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field such as biology, social sciences, or public health. Employers in academia, pharma, and government contracting file H-1B petitions regularly for this title, making it a viable path to long-term U.S. work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsBACKGROUND:
From storms that disrupt daily life to flash floods that threaten homes and infrastructure, the impacts of heavy rainfall are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. Rebuild by Design’s Rainproof NYC is a city-wide initiative to fill the gaps and lead NYC to learn to live with increasingly heavy rainfall. Since 2021, Rebuild has been combining research, global inspiration, and convening hands-on collaboration across agencies, nonprofits, communities, and experts to chart a path to systematically transform our city into a sponge.
THE ROLE:
Rebuild by Design and its partners will soon launch Rainproof University – a multi-sector climate leadership program focused on understanding and responding to New York City’s rapidly increasing heavy rainfall and designing community-based initiatives to save lives and livelihoods. Rebuild by Design is seeking to hire a part-time researcher to help with program development of Rainproof University, as well as other Rainproof NYC projects and Rebuild by Design initiatives. The Program Researcher will work directly with the Rainproof NYC Project Manager and other team members, and will be expected to participate in team meetings, Rainproof University planning meetings, and Rainproof University Sessions. Candidates must be available to work evening and weekend events as needed.
Responsibilities:
- Support research to inform the structure of Rainproof University, including, but not limited to: innovative university models; landscape analysis of what already exists; gaps the University can uniquely fill; agency alignment; and professional value, such as ongoing professional accreditation.
- Develop research briefs, background reports, literature reviews, presentations, and other materials to inform Rainproof University's curriculum, sessions, and participant projects.
- Identify and document best practices, emerging approaches, and lessons learned from communities, practitioners, researchers, and public agencies.
- Translate complex research into accessible content for a range of audiences, including community partners, public agencies, and the broader Rainproof NYC network.
- Lead the development and ongoing research for Rainproof University's digital public library, organizing research, case studies, resources, and relevant data.
- Drive Rainproof University’s program development and implementation forward through research, coordinating timelines, tracking deadlines and action items, and ensuring program logistics and deliverables stay on schedule.
- Research and develop general curriculum templates for modules/sessions.
- Support Rainproof University recruitment by researching organizations, groups, mailing lists, etc. to build out an outreach list. Recruit Rainproof University participants by building bridges to new community partners and sectors. Support current Rainproof NYC relationships to strengthen the Rainproof network.
- Draft and edit content to communicate research, such as website, social media, newsletter, and events.
- Support tracking and evaluating the program’s outcome data. Research best practices for program evaluation.
- Provide general project and administrative support across Rainproof NYC and other Rebuild by Design initiatives, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and notes, maintaining project trackers and shared documents, and supporting event administration.
- Help with additional tasks to support Rebuild by Design as needed.
This position will require approximately 15-20 hours per week for 6 months with possible renewal. Scheduling is flexible in coordination with the Rebuild team.
ABOUT REBUILD BY DESIGN:
As the world faces rising populations, mass migration, climate change, social injustices, and economic challenges, communities can’t afford to wait until after the next crisis to plan for the future. Through regional competitions, local engagements, research, and policy, Rebuild by Design is reimagining the way communities find solutions for today’s large-scale, complex problems by creating collaborations across communities and governments. Rebuild convenes global expertise, regional leadership, and community stakeholders to gain a better understanding of how overlapping environmental and human-made vulnerabilities leave communities at risk. Rebuild’s core belief is that through collaboration, our communities can grow stronger and better prepared to stand up to whatever challenges tomorrow brings.
Rebuild achieves its mission through a four-pronged approach: regional competitions, place-based engagements, research & policy, and education. We are a small team with a passion for social justice and equity in all our work. We recognize that championing true equity and inclusion begins in our own office. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals. If this position speaks to your interest and experiences, we strongly encourage you to apply. If you need any accommodations in the application process, please contact info@rebuildbydesign.org.
COMPENSATION:
- $35 an hour, 15-20 hours a week for six months with possibilities for extension.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have:
- Bachelor of Art, Masters Preferred
- A strong interest in urban planning, architecture, environmental studies, government, ecology, or other relevant fields and a competent understanding of environmental issues, climate adaptation practices, and policies.
- A strong passion for helping communities adapt to growing challenges.
- Knowledge of NYC, its communities, and its climate challenges
- 2-3 years of research experience in a professional setting.
- Highly organized with excellent written and communication skills.
- Project management experience.
- Able to move ideas into action.
- Ability to work independently and meet quick deadlines.
- Experience with logistics, event planning, and coordination of partners
- Experience with designing graphics and other communications collateral to translate research into action, including familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or other design programs
- Strong time management and prioritization of tasks.
- Public speaking experience is preferred.
- Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Interested applicants should submit the following through interfolio. No applications will be reviewed through email.
- Cover Letter demonstrating why you are qualified for this specific role, and why you want to work with Rebuild by Design on this project.
- Resume demonstrating relevant experience. Resumes must be saved as FirstName.LastName.Researcher2026.
NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.
SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT:
NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more at nyu.edu/sustainability.
BACKGROUND:
From storms that disrupt daily life to flash floods that threaten homes and infrastructure, the impacts of heavy rainfall are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. Rebuild by Design’s Rainproof NYC is a city-wide initiative to fill the gaps and lead NYC to learn to live with increasingly heavy rainfall. Since 2021, Rebuild has been combining research, global inspiration, and convening hands-on collaboration across agencies, nonprofits, communities, and experts to chart a path to systematically transform our city into a sponge.
THE ROLE:
Rebuild by Design and its partners will soon launch Rainproof University – a multi-sector climate leadership program focused on understanding and responding to New York City’s rapidly increasing heavy rainfall and designing community-based initiatives to save lives and livelihoods. Rebuild by Design is seeking to hire a part-time researcher to help with program development of Rainproof University, as well as other Rainproof NYC projects and Rebuild by Design initiatives. The Program Researcher will work directly with the Rainproof NYC Project Manager and other team members, and will be expected to participate in team meetings, Rainproof University planning meetings, and Rainproof University Sessions. Candidates must be available to work evening and weekend events as needed.
Responsibilities:
- Support research to inform the structure of Rainproof University, including, but not limited to: innovative university models; landscape analysis of what already exists; gaps the University can uniquely fill; agency alignment; and professional value, such as ongoing professional accreditation.
- Develop research briefs, background reports, literature reviews, presentations, and other materials to inform Rainproof University's curriculum, sessions, and participant projects.
- Identify and document best practices, emerging approaches, and lessons learned from communities, practitioners, researchers, and public agencies.
- Translate complex research into accessible content for a range of audiences, including community partners, public agencies, and the broader Rainproof NYC network.
- Lead the development and ongoing research for Rainproof University's digital public library, organizing research, case studies, resources, and relevant data.
- Drive Rainproof University’s program development and implementation forward through research, coordinating timelines, tracking deadlines and action items, and ensuring program logistics and deliverables stay on schedule.
- Research and develop general curriculum templates for modules/sessions.
- Support Rainproof University recruitment by researching organizations, groups, mailing lists, etc. to build out an outreach list. Recruit Rainproof University participants by building bridges to new community partners and sectors. Support current Rainproof NYC relationships to strengthen the Rainproof network.
- Draft and edit content to communicate research, such as website, social media, newsletter, and events.
- Support tracking and evaluating the program’s outcome data. Research best practices for program evaluation.
- Provide general project and administrative support across Rainproof NYC and other Rebuild by Design initiatives, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and notes, maintaining project trackers and shared documents, and supporting event administration.
- Help with additional tasks to support Rebuild by Design as needed.
This position will require approximately 15-20 hours per week for 6 months with possible renewal. Scheduling is flexible in coordination with the Rebuild team.
ABOUT REBUILD BY DESIGN:
As the world faces rising populations, mass migration, climate change, social injustices, and economic challenges, communities can’t afford to wait until after the next crisis to plan for the future. Through regional competitions, local engagements, research, and policy, Rebuild by Design is reimagining the way communities find solutions for today’s large-scale, complex problems by creating collaborations across communities and governments. Rebuild convenes global expertise, regional leadership, and community stakeholders to gain a better understanding of how overlapping environmental and human-made vulnerabilities leave communities at risk. Rebuild’s core belief is that through collaboration, our communities can grow stronger and better prepared to stand up to whatever challenges tomorrow brings.
Rebuild achieves its mission through a four-pronged approach: regional competitions, place-based engagements, research & policy, and education. We are a small team with a passion for social justice and equity in all our work. We recognize that championing true equity and inclusion begins in our own office. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals. If this position speaks to your interest and experiences, we strongly encourage you to apply. If you need any accommodations in the application process, please contact info@rebuildbydesign.org.
COMPENSATION:
- $35 an hour, 15-20 hours a week for six months with possibilities for extension.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have:
- Bachelor of Art, Masters Preferred
- A strong interest in urban planning, architecture, environmental studies, government, ecology, or other relevant fields and a competent understanding of environmental issues, climate adaptation practices, and policies.
- A strong passion for helping communities adapt to growing challenges.
- Knowledge of NYC, its communities, and its climate challenges
- 2-3 years of research experience in a professional setting.
- Highly organized with excellent written and communication skills.
- Project management experience.
- Able to move ideas into action.
- Ability to work independently and meet quick deadlines.
- Experience with logistics, event planning, and coordination of partners
- Experience with designing graphics and other communications collateral to translate research into action, including familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or other design programs
- Strong time management and prioritization of tasks.
- Public speaking experience is preferred.
- Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Interested applicants should submit the following through interfolio. No applications will be reviewed through email.
- Cover Letter demonstrating why you are qualified for this specific role, and why you want to work with Rebuild by Design on this project.
- Resume demonstrating relevant experience. Resumes must be saved as FirstName.LastName.Researcher2026.
NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.
SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT:
NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more at nyu.edu/sustainability.
See all 2,155+ H-1B Visa Research Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Research Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Research Specialist
Align your degree to the role
Your degree field must directly correspond to Research Specialist duties. A general science degree supporting a highly specialized lab role can trigger an RFE from USCIS, so tailor your resume to make the degree-to-job connection explicit before applying.
Target E-Verify enrolled research employers
Universities, NIH-funded labs, and federal contractors must be enrolled in E-Verify, which also signals routine H-1B sponsorship infrastructure. Filter your search to these employer types to avoid organizations that have never navigated the sponsorship process.
Check the prevailing wage before negotiating
Your employer must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your role and location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the Level I through Level IV wage ranges for Research Specialist before your offer conversation.
Verify your role qualifies using O*NET
Not every Research Specialist position meets the specialty occupation threshold. Pull the O*NET profile for your specific occupation code and confirm the listed education requirement is a bachelor's degree in a specific field, not just any field.
Use Migrate Mate to find sponsors with LCA history
Search Migrate Mate to filter Research Specialist openings by employers with verified DOL Labor Condition Application filing history. This removes guesswork about whether a company has actually sponsored this role before.
Start the LCA process before your OPT expires
Your employer files the LCA with DOL before submitting Form I-129 to USCIS. Build at least three to four weeks of LCA certification time into your timeline so the petition reaches USCIS before your work authorization lapses.
H-1B Visa Research Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Specialist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
It depends on how the position is defined. A Research Specialist role qualifies when the employer requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field directly related to the job, such as biology, epidemiology, or psychology. Roles where any degree satisfies the requirement regardless of field are more vulnerable to USCIS RFEs on specialty occupation grounds. Your offer letter and job description should spell out the degree requirement precisely.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Research Specialists?
Universities and academic medical centers are the most consistent sponsors because many qualify as cap-exempt institutions, meaning they can file H-1B petitions outside the annual lottery. Pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, government contractors, and public health organizations also sponsor regularly. You can browse verified sponsoring employers for this role on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with active LCA filing history for Research Specialist positions.
What does cap-exempt H-1B sponsorship mean for Research Specialist jobs?
Cap-exempt employers, primarily universities, nonprofit research organizations affiliated with universities, and government research entities, can file H-1B petitions at any time of year without entering the lottery. If you're hired directly by a qualifying institution, your petition bypasses the 65,000 and 20,000 cap slots entirely. This matters significantly for Research Specialists, since a large share of research roles sit within cap-exempt academic or nonprofit settings.
How does the H-1B lottery affect Research Specialist job seekers at for-profit employers?
For-profit employers in biotech, pharma, and private research firms are cap-subject, meaning your petition enters the annual lottery held each April for an October 1 start date. USCIS first selects from the advanced degree pool, then from the regular cap. Registrations are submitted in March, so you need a job offer finalized well before then. Timing your job search around this window is critical if your target employer isn't cap-exempt.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new Research Specialist employer mid-status?
Yes. Under H-1B portability rules, you can start working for a new employer as soon as the transfer petition is filed with USCIS, without waiting for approval, as long as your current H-1B is valid and you've maintained lawful status. The new employer must still file Form I-129 and a certified LCA for your new position. Confirm the new role still meets specialty occupation requirements before the transfer, since the job duties and wage level reset with each petition.