Research Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
California is one of the most active states for research scientist visa sponsorship, driven by major employers across biotech, tech, and academia. Companies like Genentech, Apple, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, plus university systems spanning the Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, regularly hire international research scientists and file H-1B visa petitions.
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Get Access To All JobsOpen date: Immediately
Next review date: December 1, 2026
Final date: March 1, 2027
The anticipated start date is January 2027, with flexibility depending on candidate availability.
Location: School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis.
Position Description
The Segarra Lab at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in fish physiology and behavior to join our team. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment involving faculty, staff and students studying the physiological ecology of California fishes and their responses to environmental change, with the ultimate goal of improving conservation and management strategies. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension for a second or third year, subject to funding availability.
The primary responsibility of the Postdoctoral Researcher will be to oversee and conduct experiments investigating the effects of environmental conditions and contaminant exposure on the physiology and behavior of juvenile Chinook salmon. These projects aim to provide critical information on how environmental stressors influence fish performance during outmigration and the potential implications for salmon conservation and management.
The researcher will participate in field-based exposure studies, including fish cage deployments in collaboration with the Fangue Lab at UC Davis, followed by laboratory assessments of fish physiology and behavior. Experiments may include swimming performance (Ucrit), thermal tolerance (CTmax), physiological stress indicators (e.g., cortisol and blood glucose), and behavioral assays. These assessments will be complemented by contaminant analyses of fish tissues and water samples conducted in collaboration with Southern Illinois University (SIU).
The successful candidate will play an active role throughout the research process, from experimental design and data collection to statistical analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication. The candidate will also be responsible for supervising undergraduate students and coordinating their involvement in research activities. The position offers opportunities to serve as lead author on peer-reviewed publications, present research findings at scientific conferences, and interact with academic collaborators and stakeholders involved in fisheries conservation and management.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Physiology, Ecology, Animal Biology, Animal Behavior, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience conducting fish physiology experiments and interpreting physiological data.
- Experience in experimental design, planning, and project coordination, including the ability to meet research objectives and deadlines.
- Strong statistical and analytical skills, including proficiency with R or comparable statistical software.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications
- Fish physiology: Experience with physiological techniques such as swimming performance (Ucrit), thermal tolerance (CTmax), and physiological stress measurements.
- Fish behavior: Experience designing behavioral experiments and using behavioral analysis software (e.g., EthoVision).
- Field research: Experience with fish handling, cage deployments, boat-based fieldwork, and small-boat operation.
- Salmonid research: Previous experience working with salmonids, particularly Chinook salmon, including fish husbandry and experimental handling.
- Scientific productivity: Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating scientific independence and effective communication of research findings.
- Research leadership: Experience independently managing research activities, troubleshooting experimental challenges, and mentoring undergraduate students or research assistants.
- Environmental toxicology: Previous experience would be an asset.
Salary and Appointment
Salary and benefits will be consistent with UC Davis policies and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), including publications, presentations, and relevant laboratory and field research experience.
- Cover letter (1–2 pages) describing their research background, relevant technical expertise, professional interests, and motivation for applying.
- Contact information for three professional references familiar with their research experience and qualifications.
Please email your application to asegarra@ucdavis.edu with the subject line: “Post-Doc in fish physiology”. For more information about our research, please visit https://segarralab.faculty.ucdavis.edu
Pay: $56,000.00 - $73,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Doctorate (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- driver's license (Required)
Location:
- Davis, CA 95616 (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
- 25% (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Open date: Immediately
Next review date: December 1, 2026
Final date: March 1, 2027
The anticipated start date is January 2027, with flexibility depending on candidate availability.
Location: School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis.
Position Description
The Segarra Lab at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in fish physiology and behavior to join our team. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment involving faculty, staff and students studying the physiological ecology of California fishes and their responses to environmental change, with the ultimate goal of improving conservation and management strategies. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension for a second or third year, subject to funding availability.
The primary responsibility of the Postdoctoral Researcher will be to oversee and conduct experiments investigating the effects of environmental conditions and contaminant exposure on the physiology and behavior of juvenile Chinook salmon. These projects aim to provide critical information on how environmental stressors influence fish performance during outmigration and the potential implications for salmon conservation and management.
The researcher will participate in field-based exposure studies, including fish cage deployments in collaboration with the Fangue Lab at UC Davis, followed by laboratory assessments of fish physiology and behavior. Experiments may include swimming performance (Ucrit), thermal tolerance (CTmax), physiological stress indicators (e.g., cortisol and blood glucose), and behavioral assays. These assessments will be complemented by contaminant analyses of fish tissues and water samples conducted in collaboration with Southern Illinois University (SIU).
The successful candidate will play an active role throughout the research process, from experimental design and data collection to statistical analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication. The candidate will also be responsible for supervising undergraduate students and coordinating their involvement in research activities. The position offers opportunities to serve as lead author on peer-reviewed publications, present research findings at scientific conferences, and interact with academic collaborators and stakeholders involved in fisheries conservation and management.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Physiology, Ecology, Animal Biology, Animal Behavior, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience conducting fish physiology experiments and interpreting physiological data.
- Experience in experimental design, planning, and project coordination, including the ability to meet research objectives and deadlines.
- Strong statistical and analytical skills, including proficiency with R or comparable statistical software.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications
- Fish physiology: Experience with physiological techniques such as swimming performance (Ucrit), thermal tolerance (CTmax), and physiological stress measurements.
- Fish behavior: Experience designing behavioral experiments and using behavioral analysis software (e.g., EthoVision).
- Field research: Experience with fish handling, cage deployments, boat-based fieldwork, and small-boat operation.
- Salmonid research: Previous experience working with salmonids, particularly Chinook salmon, including fish husbandry and experimental handling.
- Scientific productivity: Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating scientific independence and effective communication of research findings.
- Research leadership: Experience independently managing research activities, troubleshooting experimental challenges, and mentoring undergraduate students or research assistants.
- Environmental toxicology: Previous experience would be an asset.
Salary and Appointment
Salary and benefits will be consistent with UC Davis policies and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), including publications, presentations, and relevant laboratory and field research experience.
- Cover letter (1–2 pages) describing their research background, relevant technical expertise, professional interests, and motivation for applying.
- Contact information for three professional references familiar with their research experience and qualifications.
Please email your application to asegarra@ucdavis.edu with the subject line: “Post-Doc in fish physiology”. For more information about our research, please visit https://segarralab.faculty.ucdavis.edu
Pay: $56,000.00 - $73,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Doctorate (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- driver's license (Required)
Location:
- Davis, CA 95616 (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
- 25% (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Research Scientist Job Roles in California
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Search Research Scientist Jobs in CaliforniaResearch Scientist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for research scientists in California?
California's biotech and tech sectors produce some of the highest volumes of research scientist H-1B sponsorships in the country. Frequent sponsors include Genentech, Gilead Sciences, Amgen, Apple, Google, Meta, and national laboratories like Lawrence Berkeley and SLAC. University of California campuses across Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco also sponsor research scientists through academic and postdoctoral appointments.
Which visa types are most common for research scientist roles in California?
The H-1B is the most common visa for research scientists in California, as most roles require at least a bachelor's degree in a specialized scientific field, satisfying the specialty occupation requirement. Candidates with exceptional records may qualify for the O-1A. Those pursuing permanent residence often enter the EB-1B (outstanding researcher) or EB-2 NIW pathways, which are well-suited to research-focused careers.
Which cities in California have the most research scientist sponsorship jobs?
The San Francisco Bay Area, including South San Francisco and San Jose, leads in biotech and tech research scientist hiring. San Diego is a major life sciences hub anchored by companies like Illumina and Sorrento Therapeutics. Los Angeles has a growing presence through UCLA, USC, and biotechnology firms. Sacramento hosts state-funded research institutions that also sponsor international scientists.
How to find research scientist visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it straightforward to browse research scientist roles in California without sifting through positions that don't sponsor. You can search by location, role type, and industry to find openings at biotech firms, national labs, and university research departments across the Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles.
Are there any California-specific considerations for research scientists seeking visa sponsorship?
California's high concentration of H-1B-dependent employers in tech and biotech means some companies must meet additional attestation requirements under Department of Labor rules. Research scientists at UC campuses may access cap-exempt H-1B filings, which are not subject to the annual lottery, making those positions particularly accessible for international candidates outside the regular cap season.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research scientist jobs in California?
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.