Research Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Alaska
Research visa sponsorship jobs in Alaska are concentrated around Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the University of Alaska system, which drives demand for scientists, environmental researchers, and data analysts. Federal agencies like NOAA, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Park Service also sponsor international researchers, particularly in Arctic and ecological science fields.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Alaska Center for Energy and Power invites applications for a faculty leadership position focused on marine renewable energy research and program development. This position provides strategic leadership for multidisciplinary research initiatives, fosters partnerships with industry, government agencies, communities, and academic institutions, and supports ACEP's mission of developing and deploying innovative energy solutions for Alaska and beyond. The successful candidate will contribute to research, teaching, mentorship, and service while expanding externally funded research opportunities.
The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is seeking a collaborative and visionary leader to serve as the co-Director of the Pacific Marine Energy Center (PMEC). PMEC is a research consortium between UAF, the University of Washington (UW) and the Oregon State University (OSU) that was established in 2008 through competitive funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). It has since expanded to include over $50M in research funding and over $240M for testing and affiliated test facilities through support from the Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, state agencies, and private corporations. PMEC’s mission is to connect people to the power of the ocean by responsibly advancing marine energy by expanding scientific understanding, engaging stakeholders, and educating students. This includes closing key gaps in scientific understanding, informing regulatory and policy decisions, and facilitating commercialization. At UAF, PMEC is a center within ACEP that includes multiple collaborators and students. PMEC works closely with a variety of stakeholders, including marine energy device developers, community members, ocean users, federal and state regulators, and government officials.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on Alaska's energy future and global energy solutions. The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary research initiatives, develop partnerships with industry, government agencies, communities, and academic institutions, secure external funding, mentor students and researchers, and contribute to teaching and service. This position plays a key role in advancing ACEP's mission to develop practical energy solutions that benefit Alaska and communities worldwide. At UAF, PMEC’s research has a strong focus on applied research relevant to Alaska communities and that takes advantage of access to world class field-sites such as the Tanana River Test Site.
The PMEC Co-Director at UAF will work with the other PMEC co-Directors at UW and OSU, and other ACEP research programs and initiatives to lead PMEC with a clear vision, work effectively with university faculty, administration, and a broad range of external stakeholders to stimulate interdisciplinary research and service. The UAF PMEC co-Director will need to communicate effectively with federal funding agencies and federal and state legislators and staff and have strong team-building skills. The co-Director will help maintain PMEC’s leadership status in marine energy research, development, and testing, continue to expand and diversify PMEC’s research capabilities and funding sources, and encourage marine energy industries to partner with PMEC. The UAF PMEC co-Director reports to the ACEP Director.
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To thrive in this role, successful candidates will have a demonstrated record of securing competitive external funding, leading collaborative research programs, and building partnerships across academic, government, industry, and community sectors. They will possess strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills and be comfortable working with diverse stakeholders to advance research initiatives. Experience mentoring students and researchers, managing complex projects, and contributing to strategic planning efforts will be essential. Candidates should be passionate about developing energy solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities facing Alaska.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To be considered, please submit a cover letter, three references, a CV, a 2-page or less Research Statement, a 2-page or less Leadership Statement, and a 2-page or less Mentorship Statement.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a field relevant to marine renewable energy
POSITION DETAILS
This position is located on the Troth Yeddha campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. This is a full-time, term, exempt, non-tenured track, research faculty position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. The University of Alaska provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage.
Salary is based on education and experience.
Application review will begin immediately. To ensure consideration, you must submit your application by 11:55 PM Alaska Standard Time on August 24, 2026.
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Clover Erickson, ACEP HR Coordinator, at caerickson2@alaska.edu.
This position is represented by United Academics (UNAC).
This position is term-funded and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.
The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance with this application or at any stage of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at ua-ada@alaska.edu.
The University of Alaska is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.
The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.
Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.
All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.
Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.
Access to the reports is available at:
UAA: (Addresses Anchorage Campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay Campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River Campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu.
UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance, and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.
UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.
INTRODUCTION
The Alaska Center for Energy and Power invites applications for a faculty leadership position focused on marine renewable energy research and program development. This position provides strategic leadership for multidisciplinary research initiatives, fosters partnerships with industry, government agencies, communities, and academic institutions, and supports ACEP's mission of developing and deploying innovative energy solutions for Alaska and beyond. The successful candidate will contribute to research, teaching, mentorship, and service while expanding externally funded research opportunities.
The Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is seeking a collaborative and visionary leader to serve as the co-Director of the Pacific Marine Energy Center (PMEC). PMEC is a research consortium between UAF, the University of Washington (UW) and the Oregon State University (OSU) that was established in 2008 through competitive funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). It has since expanded to include over $50M in research funding and over $240M for testing and affiliated test facilities through support from the Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, state agencies, and private corporations. PMEC’s mission is to connect people to the power of the ocean by responsibly advancing marine energy by expanding scientific understanding, engaging stakeholders, and educating students. This includes closing key gaps in scientific understanding, informing regulatory and policy decisions, and facilitating commercialization. At UAF, PMEC is a center within ACEP that includes multiple collaborators and students. PMEC works closely with a variety of stakeholders, including marine energy device developers, community members, ocean users, federal and state regulators, and government officials.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on Alaska's energy future and global energy solutions. The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary research initiatives, develop partnerships with industry, government agencies, communities, and academic institutions, secure external funding, mentor students and researchers, and contribute to teaching and service. This position plays a key role in advancing ACEP's mission to develop practical energy solutions that benefit Alaska and communities worldwide. At UAF, PMEC’s research has a strong focus on applied research relevant to Alaska communities and that takes advantage of access to world class field-sites such as the Tanana River Test Site.
The PMEC Co-Director at UAF will work with the other PMEC co-Directors at UW and OSU, and other ACEP research programs and initiatives to lead PMEC with a clear vision, work effectively with university faculty, administration, and a broad range of external stakeholders to stimulate interdisciplinary research and service. The UAF PMEC co-Director will need to communicate effectively with federal funding agencies and federal and state legislators and staff and have strong team-building skills. The co-Director will help maintain PMEC’s leadership status in marine energy research, development, and testing, continue to expand and diversify PMEC’s research capabilities and funding sources, and encourage marine energy industries to partner with PMEC. The UAF PMEC co-Director reports to the ACEP Director.
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To thrive in this role, successful candidates will have a demonstrated record of securing competitive external funding, leading collaborative research programs, and building partnerships across academic, government, industry, and community sectors. They will possess strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills and be comfortable working with diverse stakeholders to advance research initiatives. Experience mentoring students and researchers, managing complex projects, and contributing to strategic planning efforts will be essential. Candidates should be passionate about developing energy solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities facing Alaska.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To be considered, please submit a cover letter, three references, a CV, a 2-page or less Research Statement, a 2-page or less Leadership Statement, and a 2-page or less Mentorship Statement.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a field relevant to marine renewable energy
POSITION DETAILS
This position is located on the Troth Yeddha campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. This is a full-time, term, exempt, non-tenured track, research faculty position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. The University of Alaska provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage.
Salary is based on education and experience.
Application review will begin immediately. To ensure consideration, you must submit your application by 11:55 PM Alaska Standard Time on August 24, 2026.
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Clover Erickson, ACEP HR Coordinator, at caerickson2@alaska.edu.
This position is represented by United Academics (UNAC).
This position is term-funded and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.
The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance with this application or at any stage of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at ua-ada@alaska.edu.
The University of Alaska is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.
The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.
Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.
All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.
Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.
Access to the reports is available at:
UAA: (Addresses Anchorage Campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay Campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River Campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu.
UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance, and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.
UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.
Research Job Roles in Alaska
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Search Research Jobs in AlaskaResearch Jobs in Alaska: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and organizations sponsor visas for research roles in Alaska?
The University of Alaska Fairbanks and University of Alaska Anchorage are among the most active sponsors, particularly for postdoctoral and faculty research positions. Federal agencies including NOAA's Alaska Fisheries Science Center, the U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, and the Bureau of Land Management regularly hire international researchers. Private firms in oil, gas, and environmental consulting also sponsor research-focused roles.
Which visa types are most common for research roles in Alaska?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for research positions requiring a relevant bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty field. University and nonprofit research institutions frequently use the J-1 visa for exchange researchers and postdoctoral scholars. The O-1A is an option for researchers with demonstrated extraordinary ability, such as those with significant publications, grants, or awards in their field.
Which cities in Alaska have the most research visa sponsorship jobs?
Fairbanks is Alaska's primary research hub, anchored by the University of Alaska Fairbanks and its affiliated institutes covering geophysics, Arctic biology, and permafrost science. Anchorage hosts federal agency offices and environmental consulting firms. Juneau has research activity tied to fisheries management and marine science through NOAA and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
How to find research visa sponsorship jobs in Alaska?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers and filters research roles in Alaska by visa sponsorship history, so you're not sifting through listings from employers who don't sponsor. Search Migrate Mate for research positions in Alaska and filter by the H-1B or J-1 visa categories relevant to your background. University and federal agency postings are well represented given their consistent sponsorship track records.
Are there any Alaska-specific considerations for international research job seekers?
Alaska's research sector is heavily tied to federally funded science, which means many positions are grant-dependent and may have defined project timelines affecting visa duration. The University of Alaska system is a cap-exempt employer, meaning H-1B petitions filed through it are not subject to the annual lottery. Researchers in Arctic, fisheries, or environmental fields will find Alaska's geographic context genuinely shapes the types of projects available.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research jobs in Alaska?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.