Research Assistant Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Florida
Research assistant visa sponsorship jobs in Florida are concentrated at major research universities and medical institutions, including the University of Florida in Gainesville, University of Miami, and the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. The state's strong presence in life sciences, clinical research, and engineering drives consistent demand for international candidates in these roles.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Department of Chemistry at the University of South Florida (Tampa campus) is hiring one 12-month, full-time, non-tenure earning Assistant Research Professor, with an estimated start date of November 13, 2026. Supervisor: Dr. Bill Baker.
This position is grant-funded and is subject to the continuation of those funds. This position is subject to a Foreign Influence Screening. House Bill 7017 (“HB 7017”).
When applying, please upload your current CV, along with the names and contact information for 3 professional references.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Assistant Research Professor will conduct independent and collaborative research focused on the discovery, isolation, purification, and structural characterization of natural products from marine organisms and their associated microorganisms. The position will contribute to the University of South Florida’s research mission through scientific research, methodological development, student mentorship, scholarly publication, public outreach, conference participation, and the pursuit of external research funding.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctoral degree from an accredited institution or the highest degree appropriate in the field of specialization with a demonstrated record of academic research achievement, or professional qualifications in the field of specialization above those which would be equivalent to the highest degree.
- Must meet university criteria for appointment which is equivalent to that required of the rank of Assistant Professor.
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
The Department of Chemistry at the University of South Florida (Tampa campus) is hiring one 12-month, full-time, non-tenure earning Assistant Research Professor, with an estimated start date of November 13, 2026. Supervisor: Dr. Bill Baker.
This position is grant-funded and is subject to the continuation of those funds. This position is subject to a Foreign Influence Screening. House Bill 7017 (“HB 7017”).
When applying, please upload your current CV, along with the names and contact information for 3 professional references.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Assistant Research Professor will conduct independent and collaborative research focused on the discovery, isolation, purification, and structural characterization of natural products from marine organisms and their associated microorganisms. The position will contribute to the University of South Florida’s research mission through scientific research, methodological development, student mentorship, scholarly publication, public outreach, conference participation, and the pursuit of external research funding.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctoral degree from an accredited institution or the highest degree appropriate in the field of specialization with a demonstrated record of academic research achievement, or professional qualifications in the field of specialization above those which would be equivalent to the highest degree.
- Must meet university criteria for appointment which is equivalent to that required of the rank of Assistant Professor.
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.
Research Assistant Job Roles in Florida
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Search Research Assistant Jobs in FloridaResearch Assistant Jobs in Florida: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and institutions sponsor visas for research assistants in Florida?
The largest sponsors of research assistant roles in Florida are universities and academic medical centers. The University of Florida, University of Miami, Florida International University, University of South Florida, and Florida State University regularly file H-1B visa petitions for research positions. Moffitt Cancer Center and several pharmaceutical and biotech companies operating in the Tampa Bay and Miami corridors also have documented sponsorship histories.
What visa types are most common for research assistant roles in Florida?
H-1B is the most common visa for research assistant positions that require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering. J-1 visas are widely used at Florida universities for research scholars and short-term research programs. Some postdoctoral research assistants transition from F-1 OPT or STEM OPT while their employer pursues an H-1B petition on their behalf.
Which Florida cities have the most research assistant visa sponsorship jobs?
Gainesville has a high concentration of research assistant roles tied to the University of Florida and its affiliated research institutes. Miami and Coral Gables are active due to the University of Miami and its medical research programs. Tampa is another strong market anchored by the University of South Florida and Moffitt Cancer Center. Tallahassee and Orlando also have consistent openings through Florida State University and UCF respectively.
How to find research assistant visa sponsorship jobs in Florida?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it easier to identify research assistant openings in Florida without sorting through positions that don't support international candidates. You can search by role and state to surface active postings at Florida universities, medical centers, and research institutions. This saves time compared to manually checking each employer's hiring status for sponsorship.
Are there any Florida-specific considerations for research assistants seeking visa sponsorship?
Florida's concentration of research activity in life sciences, marine science, and clinical trials means many sponsoring employers are universities or nonprofit research centers rather than private companies. These institutions tend to follow structured hiring cycles aligned with academic calendars, so application timelines can differ from the private sector. Research assistants on F-1 STEM OPT should account for H-1B cap deadlines when planning their transition at Florida employers who are cap-subject.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored 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.