H-1B Visa Staff Research Scientist Jobs
Staff Research Scientist jobs attract H-1B visa sponsorship from universities, national labs, and R&D-intensive companies because the role squarely meets the specialty occupation standard, requiring an advanced degree in a directly related scientific field. Employers file a Labor Condition Application with DOL and an I-129 petition with USCIS, typically sponsoring for an initial three-year period.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Bronstein and Widge labs in the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences are jointly seeking a staff research scientist (Research Professional 6) for a project focused on personalized, non-invasive neuromodulation to improve thoughts of suicide and other mental health outcomes. A competitive applicant will have previous experience with neuromodulation or neuroimaging research, a strong track record of success as an individual and team contributor to scientific endeavors, and the ability to balance oversight and coordination between teams and other administrative duties with scientific output. Previous work on complex, fast-paced, interdisciplinary efforts is a plus.
A successful applicant will be responsible for activities such as integrating scientific content from multiple teams into high-quality program progress reports, tracking team progress against project milestones and proactively recommending and acting on solutions as problems arise, as well as guiding and indirectly overseeing less senior team members as they execute day-to-day aspects of the research project. The applicant will need to solve complex problems and design protocols, procedures, and policies to fulfill the research objectives.
This is a unique opportunity to be involved in the rapid movement of an intervention that could dramatically change standard of care from preliminary data to fully powered tests.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Job responsibilities:
-
(25%) Play a hands-on role in areas of the project relevant to your research expertise. Person will be expected to make scientific and programmatic decisions with limited oversight, consulting as needed with PI. They will be expected to select and monitor strategic directions for day-to-day level operations. Make evidence-based key decisions in those areas with limited oversight and high effectiveness. Coordinate actively with other team members to maximize scientific productivity.
-
(25%) Integrate research findings from members of various scientific teams, describe how they advance planned tasks/milestones, and ultimately produce high-quality peer-reviewed publications, reports for the public, sponsor briefings, and presentations. Additional reporting may also include summary reports of critical deliverables, identifying key achievements, and translating these into sponsor-relevant language. The role will also initiate, monitor, and adjust as needed, scientific directions of relevant projects. Person will be in charge of overseeing, implementing, adjusting extant strategic directions and making as many strategic decisions as possible within the scope of their expertise as independently as possible.
-
(25%) Collaborate with investigators, project managers, and other study staff to manage project planning operations. Guide less senior team members through routine decisions as they execute day-to-day scientific activities on the project. This will include mentoring and serving as an example to research staff in the ethical conduct of research. Provide strategic direction and proactively identify when goals are not being met or roadblocks arise, recommend potential solutions include staff hiring/termination. The individual will also lead the manuscript preparation and writing, including serving as the author or co-author.
-
(10%) Develop and modify practices and procedures to improve efficiency and quality to effectively achieve end results.
-
(10%) Manage complexities of multi-institution contracts, agreements, and coordination, as well as bring relevant stakeholders together to overcome roadblocks. Individual will also contribute to maintaining current funding, including overseeing budget planning and management. Person will be expected to proactively create deliverables for current grants, and will be expected to be capable of creating and editing administrative documents for new grant submissions.
-
(5%) Serve as a scientific representative on various committees and teams making decisions and recommendations on behalf of the project.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced degree with substantial research and publication record
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, or a similar field.
- Evidence of scientific productivity (e.g., in peer-reviewed publications) in areas such as neuroimaging, neuromodulation, suicidology, or the study of severe mental illness.
The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences consists of an outstanding team of researchers, clinicians, and educators who provide world-class expertise in psychiatric illness, treatment, scholarship, and scientific discovery.
Our mission is to:
- Create and disseminate new knowledge in the science of mental health
- Provide effective and innovative clinical care programs to alleviate the suffering of mental illness and promote mental resilience
- Train the next generation of interprofessional experts who will be leaders in Minnesota and beyond
- Engage in compassionate and vigorous outreach and advocacy on issues relevant to psychiatric illness, treatment, and research
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
LOCATION
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
INTRODUCTION
The Bronstein and Widge labs in the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences are jointly seeking a staff research scientist (Research Professional 6) for a project focused on personalized, non-invasive neuromodulation to improve thoughts of suicide and other mental health outcomes. A competitive applicant will have previous experience with neuromodulation or neuroimaging research, a strong track record of success as an individual and team contributor to scientific endeavors, and the ability to balance oversight and coordination between teams and other administrative duties with scientific output. Previous work on complex, fast-paced, interdisciplinary efforts is a plus.
A successful applicant will be responsible for activities such as integrating scientific content from multiple teams into high-quality program progress reports, tracking team progress against project milestones and proactively recommending and acting on solutions as problems arise, as well as guiding and indirectly overseeing less senior team members as they execute day-to-day aspects of the research project. The applicant will need to solve complex problems and design protocols, procedures, and policies to fulfill the research objectives.
This is a unique opportunity to be involved in the rapid movement of an intervention that could dramatically change standard of care from preliminary data to fully powered tests.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Job responsibilities:
-
(25%) Play a hands-on role in areas of the project relevant to your research expertise. Person will be expected to make scientific and programmatic decisions with limited oversight, consulting as needed with PI. They will be expected to select and monitor strategic directions for day-to-day level operations. Make evidence-based key decisions in those areas with limited oversight and high effectiveness. Coordinate actively with other team members to maximize scientific productivity.
-
(25%) Integrate research findings from members of various scientific teams, describe how they advance planned tasks/milestones, and ultimately produce high-quality peer-reviewed publications, reports for the public, sponsor briefings, and presentations. Additional reporting may also include summary reports of critical deliverables, identifying key achievements, and translating these into sponsor-relevant language. The role will also initiate, monitor, and adjust as needed, scientific directions of relevant projects. Person will be in charge of overseeing, implementing, adjusting extant strategic directions and making as many strategic decisions as possible within the scope of their expertise as independently as possible.
-
(25%) Collaborate with investigators, project managers, and other study staff to manage project planning operations. Guide less senior team members through routine decisions as they execute day-to-day scientific activities on the project. This will include mentoring and serving as an example to research staff in the ethical conduct of research. Provide strategic direction and proactively identify when goals are not being met or roadblocks arise, recommend potential solutions include staff hiring/termination. The individual will also lead the manuscript preparation and writing, including serving as the author or co-author.
-
(10%) Develop and modify practices and procedures to improve efficiency and quality to effectively achieve end results.
-
(10%) Manage complexities of multi-institution contracts, agreements, and coordination, as well as bring relevant stakeholders together to overcome roadblocks. Individual will also contribute to maintaining current funding, including overseeing budget planning and management. Person will be expected to proactively create deliverables for current grants, and will be expected to be capable of creating and editing administrative documents for new grant submissions.
-
(5%) Serve as a scientific representative on various committees and teams making decisions and recommendations on behalf of the project.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced degree with substantial research and publication record
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, or a similar field.
- Evidence of scientific productivity (e.g., in peer-reviewed publications) in areas such as neuroimaging, neuromodulation, suicidology, or the study of severe mental illness.
The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences consists of an outstanding team of researchers, clinicians, and educators who provide world-class expertise in psychiatric illness, treatment, scholarship, and scientific discovery.
Our mission is to:
- Create and disseminate new knowledge in the science of mental health
- Provide effective and innovative clinical care programs to alleviate the suffering of mental illness and promote mental resilience
- Train the next generation of interprofessional experts who will be leaders in Minnesota and beyond
- Engage in compassionate and vigorous outreach and advocacy on issues relevant to psychiatric illness, treatment, and research
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
LOCATION
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
See all 384+ H-1B Visa Staff Research Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Staff Research Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Staff Research Scientist
Align your degree to your research domain
USCIS evaluates whether your highest degree directly relates to the specific research area listed in your job duties. A PhD in materials science supports a materials research role; a general science degree against a highly specialized position invites a Request for Evidence.
Verify prevailing wages before accepting offers
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the wage level for your SOC code and work location before negotiations start. Your offered salary must meet the certified LCA wage, and each new worksite requires its own separate LCA certification from DOL.
Target institutions with cap-exempt filing history
Universities, nonprofit research organizations affiliated with higher education, and government research entities can file H-1B petitions outside the annual cap and outside the recent selection rule changes. Prioritizing these employers removes lottery uncertainty from your job search entirely.
Search verified H-1B sponsors on Migrate Mate
Find Staff Research Scientist openings at employers with confirmed H-1B LCA filing history by searching Migrate Mate. The platform surfaces roles at organizations that have already navigated DOL and USCIS filings for research positions, narrowing your list to realistic sponsorship candidates.
Request your offer letter before the LCA deadline
Your employer must post the LCA public access file at your worksite for ten consecutive business days before DOL certifies it. Securing your written offer early gives your employer enough runway to meet that posting requirement without delaying your I-129 filing timeline.
Document your publication and grant record precisely
Staff Research Scientist petitions often require demonstrating that the position demands specialized knowledge beyond a generalist researcher's background. Compile a CV that lists peer-reviewed publications, grant funding amounts, and named research projects so your employer's H-1B support letter can cite concrete evidence for the specialty occupation analysis.
H-1B Visa Staff Research Scientist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Staff Research Scientist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Staff Research Scientist positions typically require at least a master's or doctoral degree in a specific scientific discipline directly tied to the research area, which meets USCIS's specialty occupation definition. Your employer's support letter should map your exact job duties to the degree requirement, citing O*NET and any internal position classification that references advanced degree qualifications.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Staff Research Scientists most consistently?
Universities, federally funded research centers, nonprofit research institutes, and large pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies file the highest volume of H-1B LCA certifications for research scientist roles. Many academic and nonprofit employers qualify as cap-exempt, meaning they can file year-round without entering the annual cap selection process. You can browse employers with verified filing history on Migrate Mate.
How long does H-1B status last for a Staff Research Scientist, and can it be extended?
USCIS grants initial H-1B status for up to three years. Your employer can file an extension petition before that period ends, bringing your total authorized stay to a six-year maximum under standard rules. Extensions beyond six years require a qualifying green card filing, such as an approved I-140 immigrant petition, to be pending or approved before the six-year limit is reached.
What happens to my H-1B if I move to a different research lab within the same university system?
Each distinct physical worksite requires its own certified LCA, even within the same employer organization. If you move to a different campus or affiliated lab, your employer must file a new LCA with DOL for that location, post it at the new worksite for the required period, and may need to file an amended I-129 petition with USCIS before you begin work there.
Can I use my PhD research experience to substitute for a degree in a different but related field?
USCIS evaluates whether the specific field of your degree relates directly to the job duties, not just to science broadly. A doctorate in biochemistry may support a molecular biology research role but could face scrutiny for a position in computational physics. Your employer's attorney should conduct a specialty occupation analysis against your exact duties and O*NET classifications before filing.