Research Technician Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
California hosts some of the highest concentrations of research technician roles in the country, driven by major biotech corridors in San Diego and the Bay Area, world-class research universities like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Stanford, and life sciences employers including Genentech, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and the Salk Institute. Many actively sponsor H-1B visa and other work visas for qualified candidates.
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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 Technician Job Roles in California
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Search Research Technician Jobs in CaliforniaResearch Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies in California sponsor visas for research technicians?
Several large life sciences and biotech employers in California have documented histories of sponsoring work visas for research technicians. Companies including Genentech, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bio-Rad Laboratories, and Gilead Sciences have filed Labor Condition Applications for technician-level roles. University-affiliated research centers at UC San Diego, UCLA, and UC San Francisco also sponsor international researchers through institutional visa programs.
Which visa types are most common for research technician roles in California?
The H-1B visa is the most frequently used category for research technicians in California, provided the role qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a relevant bachelor's degree or higher. Some positions at universities or nonprofit research institutions may qualify for cap-exempt H-1B status. The J-1 visa Research Scholar category is also used at academic institutions, though it carries a two-year home residency requirement for some participants.
Which cities in California have the most research technician visa sponsorship jobs?
San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose and Oakland, account for the largest share of research technician sponsorship activity in California. San Diego's Torrey Pines and Sorrento Valley biotech clusters are particularly active. Los Angeles also has significant demand, anchored by UCLA, USC, and a growing number of biopharma companies. Sacramento sees smaller but steady volume through UC Davis and state health agencies.
How to find research technician visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it easier to identify California employers actively hiring research technicians who need work authorization. Rather than sorting through thousands of general postings, you can focus on roles where sponsorship is confirmed. Migrate Mate covers positions across San Diego, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles, spanning biotech, academic medical centers, and pharmaceutical research environments.
Are there any California-specific considerations for research technicians seeking visa sponsorship?
California's high concentration of biotech and academic research employers means prevailing wage requirements for H-1B filings in cities like San Francisco and San Diego tend to reflect competitive local labor markets, which employers must meet regardless of the applicant's expectations. Many research technician roles in California are tied to grant-funded projects, so position availability and sponsorship capacity can shift with funding cycles. University positions often move through institutional H-1B filing processes rather than direct employer petitions.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research technician 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.