Laboratory Research Assistant Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Florida
Laboratory research assistant visa sponsorship jobs in Florida span major research universities like the University of Florida and University of Miami, biotech hubs in Tampa and Miami, and pharmaceutical operations in Orlando. Florida's strong biomedical and marine science sectors, combined with its many federally funded research institutions, create consistent demand for sponsored laboratory research assistants.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
PhD Research Opportunity: Medical Engineering, University of South Florida
Dr. Alya Limayem's laboratory at USF is seeking a motivated, creative, and intellectually curious PhD student interested in developing innovative solutions to challenges in human health and environmental biotechnology.
Our research study includes:
- Microbiome Engineering: Microbial characterization, molecular diagnostics, and automated detection.
- Biopolymers & nanocomponents: Design of functional biopolymers, bioactive materials, and hydrogel bead filters.
- Novel Antimicrobial Technologies: Innovative biofilm disruption and removal approaches, including ultrasound, metal oxides; electroporation, and emerging technologies.
- Environmental Biotechnology: Advanced technologies for nutrient removal and harmful algal bloom prevention including biodegradable membrane filtration.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
Candidates should have foundational knowledge or research experience in at least two of the research areas listed above, including basic knowledge of microbiology or molecular biology and chemistry relevant to biomaterials development.
Beyond technical skills, we value scientific curiosity, creativity, perseverance, independence, and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring new ideas and technologies.
WHY JOIN OUR LAB?
You will have the opportunity to develop innovative research ideas, learn advanced techniques, contribute to scientific publications, and grow as an independent researcher in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a brief statement of research interests for an initial interview.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be fully admitted to a graduate degree program; classified as a degree seeking graduate student, and meet the requirements of the graduate school. For some positions assigned to this class, special qualifications may be added to the minimum such as completion of a specified number of graduate credit hours or a master's degree.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
PhD student
ABOUT USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
WORKING AT USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
COMPLIANCE AND FEDERAL NOTICES
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
INTRODUCTION
PhD Research Opportunity: Medical Engineering, University of South Florida
Dr. Alya Limayem's laboratory at USF is seeking a motivated, creative, and intellectually curious PhD student interested in developing innovative solutions to challenges in human health and environmental biotechnology.
Our research study includes:
- Microbiome Engineering: Microbial characterization, molecular diagnostics, and automated detection.
- Biopolymers & nanocomponents: Design of functional biopolymers, bioactive materials, and hydrogel bead filters.
- Novel Antimicrobial Technologies: Innovative biofilm disruption and removal approaches, including ultrasound, metal oxides; electroporation, and emerging technologies.
- Environmental Biotechnology: Advanced technologies for nutrient removal and harmful algal bloom prevention including biodegradable membrane filtration.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
Candidates should have foundational knowledge or research experience in at least two of the research areas listed above, including basic knowledge of microbiology or molecular biology and chemistry relevant to biomaterials development.
Beyond technical skills, we value scientific curiosity, creativity, perseverance, independence, and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring new ideas and technologies.
WHY JOIN OUR LAB?
You will have the opportunity to develop innovative research ideas, learn advanced techniques, contribute to scientific publications, and grow as an independent researcher in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a brief statement of research interests for an initial interview.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be fully admitted to a graduate degree program; classified as a degree seeking graduate student, and meet the requirements of the graduate school. For some positions assigned to this class, special qualifications may be added to the minimum such as completion of a specified number of graduate credit hours or a master's degree.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
PhD student
ABOUT USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
WORKING AT USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
COMPLIANCE AND FEDERAL NOTICES
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
Laboratory Research Assistant Job Roles in Florida
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Search Laboratory Research Assistant Jobs in FloridaLaboratory Research Assistant Jobs in Florida: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and institutions sponsor visas for laboratory research assistants in Florida?
Florida's largest sponsors of laboratory research assistants tend to be research universities and academic medical centers, including the University of Florida, University of South Florida, University of Miami, and Florida International University. Biotech and pharmaceutical companies in the Tampa Bay and Miami corridors also file sponsorship applications. Hospital systems with active research divisions, such as Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, are consistent sponsors for lab support roles.
Which visa types realistically apply to laboratory research assistant roles in Florida?
F-1 students can work as laboratory research assistants through CPT during their program or OPT after graduation, with a possible 24-month STEM OPT extension if their degree carries a STEM-designated classification. H-1B visa sponsorship is possible if the role requires a directly related bachelor's degree and qualifies as a specialty occupation. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify for TN visa status if the position is at a post-secondary educational institution and fits the USMCA Research Assistant category. J-1 visa is another pathway through designated exchange sponsor organizations.
Which Florida cities have the most laboratory research assistant visa sponsorship jobs?
Gainesville concentrates a significant share of academic lab positions through the University of Florida's research enterprise. Tampa and St. Petersburg benefit from the University of South Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center, and a growing biotech sector. Miami supports sponsorship activity through the University of Miami, Florida International University, and pharmaceutical companies. Orlando is an emerging hub tied to UCF's research programs and medical research growth around Lake Nona's medical city development.
How to find laboratory research assistant visa sponsorship jobs in Florida?
Migrate Mate lists Florida laboratory research assistant positions from employers with verified visa sponsorship history, letting you focus your search on roles where sponsorship is a realistic option. Filtering by the laboratory research assistant role in Florida surfaces academic institutions, research hospitals, and biotech employers actively hiring. Checking employer sponsorship records through Migrate Mate before applying helps you prioritize opportunities and prepare stronger applications to employers already familiar with the sponsorship process.
Are there state-specific factors that affect visa sponsorship for laboratory research assistants in Florida?
Florida's large public university system and substantial federal research funding make academic institutions the most reliable sponsors for laboratory research assistant roles in the state. Florida also benefits from significant NIH, NSF, and NASA-funded research, particularly in life sciences, marine biology, and aerospace, expanding the range of sponsoring employers beyond universities alone. The state's growing biotech presence in the Miami and Tampa metro areas means private-sector sponsorship opportunities are increasing alongside the traditional academic pipeline.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored laboratory research assistant jobs in Florida?
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.