H-2A Visa Research Jobs
Research jobs with H-2A visa sponsorship support field data collection, soil sampling, crop monitoring, and agricultural trials on U.S. farms and research stations. Employers must provide free housing and transportation, pay the Adverse Effect Wage Rate, and demonstrate no qualified domestic workers are available. Positions are seasonal and temporary by nature.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in soil health and agroecology. This position will focus on investigating the agronomic and ecological impacts of soil health-building practices within diverse ecosystems. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in both laboratory and field-based research, as well as strong data analysis and technical writing skills. Experience in organic cropping systems, microbial sequencing or meta-analysis is highly desirable. In addition to research responsibilities, the postdoc will be expected to mentor undergraduate and entry-level graduate students, support the operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments, and contribute to a collaborative and dynamic research group. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage ongoing long-term agricultural field experiments and establish new experimental trials
- Design and execute hypothesis-driven research focused on soil health and microbial ecology
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including carbon and nitrogen analyzers and gas chromatographs
- Publish peer-reviewed research articles as well as extension articles
- Mentor undergraduate and graduate (M.S. level) students in research projects and professional development
- Contribute to grant proposal preparations and outreach events and assist with laboratory management and organization
- Hold a valid driver's license and be able to travel to field sites across Tennessee as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications:
Education:
- By the time of hire, the successful candidate should hold a Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Soil Ecology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field with a soil health-relevant major.
Experience:
- Overseeing field experiments, including soil sampling and collection of agronomic and environmental data
- Leading the preparation and publication of peer-reviewed research articles
- Working in a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Deep understanding of grand challenges and innovative solutions related to soil health in field-crop and pasture systems, in particular organic systems
- Demonstrated laboratory skills for the analysis of soil carbon and other soil health indicators
- Proficiency in data analysis and visualization using relevant statistical and computational tools
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for both scientific and outreach audiences
- Excellent work ethics, time management, and organizational skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Formal certification or training in data analysis
Experience:
- One year of post-Ph.D. research experience
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Proficiency in microbial nucleic acid extractions, high-throughput sequencing, meta-analysis
LOCATION
- Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
- Onsite
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Application Instructions:
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before 10/15/2026.
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Copies of Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in soil health and agroecology. This position will focus on investigating the agronomic and ecological impacts of soil health-building practices within diverse ecosystems. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in both laboratory and field-based research, as well as strong data analysis and technical writing skills. Experience in organic cropping systems, microbial sequencing or meta-analysis is highly desirable. In addition to research responsibilities, the postdoc will be expected to mentor undergraduate and entry-level graduate students, support the operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments, and contribute to a collaborative and dynamic research group. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage ongoing long-term agricultural field experiments and establish new experimental trials
- Design and execute hypothesis-driven research focused on soil health and microbial ecology
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including carbon and nitrogen analyzers and gas chromatographs
- Publish peer-reviewed research articles as well as extension articles
- Mentor undergraduate and graduate (M.S. level) students in research projects and professional development
- Contribute to grant proposal preparations and outreach events and assist with laboratory management and organization
- Hold a valid driver's license and be able to travel to field sites across Tennessee as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications:
Education:
- By the time of hire, the successful candidate should hold a Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Soil Ecology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field with a soil health-relevant major.
Experience:
- Overseeing field experiments, including soil sampling and collection of agronomic and environmental data
- Leading the preparation and publication of peer-reviewed research articles
- Working in a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Deep understanding of grand challenges and innovative solutions related to soil health in field-crop and pasture systems, in particular organic systems
- Demonstrated laboratory skills for the analysis of soil carbon and other soil health indicators
- Proficiency in data analysis and visualization using relevant statistical and computational tools
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for both scientific and outreach audiences
- Excellent work ethics, time management, and organizational skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Formal certification or training in data analysis
Experience:
- One year of post-Ph.D. research experience
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Proficiency in microbial nucleic acid extractions, high-throughput sequencing, meta-analysis
LOCATION
- Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
- Onsite
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Application Instructions:
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before 10/15/2026.
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Copies of Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
See all 109+ H-2A Visa Research Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Jobs
Match your credentials to H-2A research duties
H-2A visa research roles often require documented experience in field data collection, soil analysis, or crop observation. Gather employment records, training certificates, or supervisor letters that tie your background directly to the agricultural tasks listed in the job order.
Verify the wage rate before accepting any offer
Your employer must pay whichever is higher: the Adverse Effect Wage Rate or the prevailing wage for the specific county. Cross-check the offered wage against the OFLC Wage Search before you sign, because the rate varies by state and crop activity.
Search H-2A research openings on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for H-2A sponsorship eligibility. Use it to find research positions where employers have already filed or are actively seeking DOL certification, saving you time identifying compliant agricultural employers.
Confirm the job order covers your actual research tasks
DOL-certified job orders define the exact duties an employer can assign you. If the order lists crop scouting but your role involves lab sample processing, that mismatch can create compliance problems. Request a copy of the certified ETA-790 job order before travel.
Ask employers about their housing arrangement upfront
H-2A requires employers to provide free housing that meets federal or state safety standards. Research positions at universities or government stations sometimes place workers off-site. Confirm the housing location, distance from the worksite, and whether transportation between the two is also covered.
Time your visa application around the certified start date
Your employer's DOL certification specifies the earliest date you can begin work. USCIS won't approve an H-2A petition before that window opens. Coordinate with your employer so your consular appointment and travel align with the certified period, not before it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find Research jobs that offer H-2A visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find Research positions where employers are already offering H-2A sponsorship. Employers sponsoring H-2A workers must obtain DOL certification before hiring, so listings on Migrate Mate reflect roles that have cleared that federal requirement. You can filter by job type and visa category to target agricultural research openings specifically.
What housing and transportation obligations does an H-2A employer have for research workers?
Your H-2A employer must provide free housing that meets federal or applicable state safety standards for the full duration of your assignment. They must also cover transportation costs from your home country to the U.S. worksite and back at the end of the contract. If you're working at a remote field station or research farm, daily transportation between housing and the worksite must also be provided at no cost to you.
Does seasonal agricultural research work qualify for an H-2A visa?
Yes, provided the position is temporary or seasonal in nature and tied to an agricultural employer's operational cycle. Research roles involving crop trials, pest monitoring, soil sampling, or harvest data collection on farms and agricultural stations typically qualify. The employer must demonstrate to DOL that the work is tied to a defined season and that no sufficient domestic workers are available for the role.
What happens if my H-2A employer extends the research project beyond my original contract end date?
Your employer must file an amended H-2A petition with USCIS before your authorized period expires. Extensions are permitted but each extension is subject to a three-year cumulative limit on H-2A status. DOL must also certify any extended job order period. You cannot continue working past your current authorized end date while waiting for USCIS to act on the extension request.