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 JobsINTRODUCTION
Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Liotta Research Group (LRG) is an Emory-based medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis research group, led by Dr. Dennis Liotta. Our focus is the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents. The drugs, generated by the LRG over several decades, include therapies for HIV, cancer, hepatitis B (HBV) and neurological disorders, to name a few. In addition to our ongoing programs in HIV and HBV, our current efforts include identifying and developing novel non-opioid analgesics, anti-anxiolytics and therapies for immunologically-sensitive cancers.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Under general supervision, performs a variety of defined research and laboratory tests and experiments according to prescribed protocols and assigned schedules.
- Sets up experiments as prescribed by a principal investigator.
- May be required to participate in laboratory maintenance activities such as sterilization and cleaning of equipment, ordering of supplies, inventory and media preparation.
- Maintains records, files and logs of work performed in laboratory notebooks and computer databases.
- Compiles data and records results of studies for publications, grants and seminar presentations.
- Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.
- Performs related responsibilities as required by principal investigator.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in a scientific field OR equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
INTRODUCTION
Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Liotta Research Group (LRG) is an Emory-based medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis research group, led by Dr. Dennis Liotta. Our focus is the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents. The drugs, generated by the LRG over several decades, include therapies for HIV, cancer, hepatitis B (HBV) and neurological disorders, to name a few. In addition to our ongoing programs in HIV and HBV, our current efforts include identifying and developing novel non-opioid analgesics, anti-anxiolytics and therapies for immunologically-sensitive cancers.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Under general supervision, performs a variety of defined research and laboratory tests and experiments according to prescribed protocols and assigned schedules.
- Sets up experiments as prescribed by a principal investigator.
- May be required to participate in laboratory maintenance activities such as sterilization and cleaning of equipment, ordering of supplies, inventory and media preparation.
- Maintains records, files and logs of work performed in laboratory notebooks and computer databases.
- Compiles data and records results of studies for publications, grants and seminar presentations.
- Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.
- Performs related responsibilities as required by principal investigator.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in a scientific field OR equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
See all 940+ H-1B Visa Research Specialist Jobs
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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.