H-1B Visa Research Specialist Jobs
Research Specialist roles qualify as H-1B 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 JobsINTRODUCTION
As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.
JOB LOCATION (FULL ADDRESS):
220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620
OPENING:
Worker Subtype: Regular
Time Type: Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Department: 400010 Neuroscience
Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America)
Range: UR URG 111
COMPENSATION RANGE:
$63,815.00 - $95,723.00
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Responsibilities:
Provides direct research support and is responsible for small and large, complex research projects that constitute major aspects of several larger research projects. This includes animal colony management, sophisticated animal experiments and surgery, human iPSC-derived neuronal tissue culture, and imaging and immunohistochemistry. Responsible for the operation of a specialized research area or laboratory with one or more faculty members within a department. May train technicians, undergraduate students, temporary lab personnel, pre-doctoral students, and post-doctoral and medical fellows who join or work with the core laboratory in lab-specific techniques. Provides guidance or directly supervises technicians and undergraduate students. May act as liaison with other departments, divisions or organizations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
-
Sets up and performs experiments and procedures in support of lab goals and grant commitments (e.g. assays, cell/tissue culture, animal studies, etc.). Contributes to the planning and design of studies and experiments in the research lab setting. Develops and modifies test methods, selects procedures for data collection and handling, and develops computer programs for data conversion and statistical analysis. Works independently with only occasional suggestions in modifying, varying, or adapting standard laboratory procedures to meet the special needs of research projects. Performs analyses and develops modifications of standard methods to meet special situations. Designs or collaborates in designing research and equipment. Evaluates the performance of research equipment, making or recommending correctional design changes or developing new approaches for its use.
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Develops and trains incoming lab members. Supports the faculty, postdocs, and students. Directs the work of technicians. Teaches laboratory techniques and instrumentation procedures to students and laboratory technical support staff; advises and counsels them on research projects and technical problems. Ensures that health and safety practices are maintained in accordance with University policy and the law.
-
Manages a mouse colony, including husbandry, weaning, genotyping, and animal experiments. Manages human iPSC culture resources. Performs lab housekeeping duties, including ordering, inventory, organization, record keeping, preparing and re-stocking reagents, animal protocol maintenance, and compliance with all University guidelines and policies. Demonstrates organizational skills and the ability to communicate established guidelines to others.
-
Prepares and analyzes reports using defined methods and prescribed formats. Calculates and records results and observations. Prepares data for presentation or publication. Searches literature for reference to technical problems involved in research projects; writes procedures; prepares charts, graphs and tables. Analyzes and evaluates experimental data, interprets results, and assesses the importance of findings in relation to the general research program. Prepares written reports on the assigned area of research. Supports the Principal Investigator in the writing of the principal project reports.
-
Co-authors or authors' publications and may co-present results with the Principal Investigator at meetings and/or conferences. Assists in acquiring research funding, including the development of grant proposals.
-
Maintains contact with associated internal and external research laboratories, vendors, and technical representatives concerning the project. Orients visitors to the laboratory. Keeps abreast of trends in the field of interest by reading professional journals; and attends/participates in weekly lab meetings, and, as appropriate, institutes and seminars.
-
Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
-
Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related work experience involving direct assistance to researchers required
-
Preferred experience in animal experiments, neurobiology, animal physiology, imaging, immunohistochemistry
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Ability to multitask, excellent organizational abilities, and the ability to work well as part of a team. Ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment as needed required.
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.
INTRODUCTION
As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.
JOB LOCATION (FULL ADDRESS):
220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620
OPENING:
Worker Subtype: Regular
Time Type: Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Department: 400010 Neuroscience
Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America)
Range: UR URG 111
COMPENSATION RANGE:
$63,815.00 - $95,723.00
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Responsibilities:
Provides direct research support and is responsible for small and large, complex research projects that constitute major aspects of several larger research projects. This includes animal colony management, sophisticated animal experiments and surgery, human iPSC-derived neuronal tissue culture, and imaging and immunohistochemistry. Responsible for the operation of a specialized research area or laboratory with one or more faculty members within a department. May train technicians, undergraduate students, temporary lab personnel, pre-doctoral students, and post-doctoral and medical fellows who join or work with the core laboratory in lab-specific techniques. Provides guidance or directly supervises technicians and undergraduate students. May act as liaison with other departments, divisions or organizations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
-
Sets up and performs experiments and procedures in support of lab goals and grant commitments (e.g. assays, cell/tissue culture, animal studies, etc.). Contributes to the planning and design of studies and experiments in the research lab setting. Develops and modifies test methods, selects procedures for data collection and handling, and develops computer programs for data conversion and statistical analysis. Works independently with only occasional suggestions in modifying, varying, or adapting standard laboratory procedures to meet the special needs of research projects. Performs analyses and develops modifications of standard methods to meet special situations. Designs or collaborates in designing research and equipment. Evaluates the performance of research equipment, making or recommending correctional design changes or developing new approaches for its use.
-
Develops and trains incoming lab members. Supports the faculty, postdocs, and students. Directs the work of technicians. Teaches laboratory techniques and instrumentation procedures to students and laboratory technical support staff; advises and counsels them on research projects and technical problems. Ensures that health and safety practices are maintained in accordance with University policy and the law.
-
Manages a mouse colony, including husbandry, weaning, genotyping, and animal experiments. Manages human iPSC culture resources. Performs lab housekeeping duties, including ordering, inventory, organization, record keeping, preparing and re-stocking reagents, animal protocol maintenance, and compliance with all University guidelines and policies. Demonstrates organizational skills and the ability to communicate established guidelines to others.
-
Prepares and analyzes reports using defined methods and prescribed formats. Calculates and records results and observations. Prepares data for presentation or publication. Searches literature for reference to technical problems involved in research projects; writes procedures; prepares charts, graphs and tables. Analyzes and evaluates experimental data, interprets results, and assesses the importance of findings in relation to the general research program. Prepares written reports on the assigned area of research. Supports the Principal Investigator in the writing of the principal project reports.
-
Co-authors or authors' publications and may co-present results with the Principal Investigator at meetings and/or conferences. Assists in acquiring research funding, including the development of grant proposals.
-
Maintains contact with associated internal and external research laboratories, vendors, and technical representatives concerning the project. Orients visitors to the laboratory. Keeps abreast of trends in the field of interest by reading professional journals; and attends/participates in weekly lab meetings, and, as appropriate, institutes and seminars.
-
Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
-
Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related work experience involving direct assistance to researchers required
-
Preferred experience in animal experiments, neurobiology, animal physiology, imaging, immunohistochemistry
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Ability to multitask, excellent organizational abilities, and the ability to work well as part of a team. Ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment as needed required.
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.
See all 903+ Research Specialist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Specialist roles.
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.
Research Specialist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Research Specialist JobsResearch Specialist H-1B Visa: 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.
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