Physics Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Physics visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois are concentrated at institutions like Fermilab in Batavia, Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, and the University of Chicago, which collectively attract physicists from around the world. Research roles in high-energy physics, materials science, and computational physics drive significant H-1B visa sponsorship activity across the state.
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Get Access To All JobsAssistant Professor - Physics
Hiring Department: Physics
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1042940
Posting Close Date: November 16, 2026
Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $100,000 to $120,000.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary
The Department of Physics and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) at the University of Illinois Chicago invite applications for a tenure-track position in theoretical condensed matter physics at the Assistant Professor level. The emphasis of this search is to strengthen the Department’s efforts in theoretical condensed matter research in quantum materials. The anticipated start date is Fall 2027.
The open faculty position is in the field of computational quantum materials, with an emphasis on incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods. We seek a researcher who will develop new computational approaches that combine physics-based modeling, large-scale simulation, and AI/ML to discover and design materials with quantum properties. The overall objective is to develop predictive and experimentally testable approaches to the discovery, understanding, and engineering of quantum materials, including materials and structures relevant to qubits, quantum sensing, and other quantum technologies, with an emphasis on applications in quantum information science (QIS).
- The successful candidate is expected to establish a highly visible and externally funded research program addressing questions at the intersection of quantum materials, computational physics, and artificial intelligence. Research directions may include:
- Physics-informed, AI/ML-guided discovery and design of materials exhibiting desirable quantum properties.
-
Advanced computational approaches to model realistic quantum materials, such as correlated or topological systems, engineered quantum systems and heterostructures, as well as low-dimensional systems relevant to QIS.
-
The successful candidate should be able to collaborate with existing condensed matter theoretical and experimental groups in the Department of Physics. The materials and condensed matter faculty conduct research on a wide range of functional and complex materials, including energy-relevant, quantum, topological, superconducting, and strongly correlated systems. A fuller description of the research programs in the Department of Physics can be found at phys.uic.edu.
-
UIC offers a strong infrastructure for computational and experimental materials research, including advanced characterization core facilities and substantial high-performance computing capabilities that support large-scale simulations and data-intensive research. The Chicago region has become a national leader in QIS research, supported by robust academic, state, federal, and industrial investments. Existing programs include the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center, the FermiForward partnership, and the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE). UIC is well positioned to play a leading role in this ecosystem.
Duties & Responsibilities
The assistant professor is expected to establish a highly visible and externally funded research program at the forefront of theoretical condensed matter physics. This program should include the education and participation of doctoral graduate students in cutting-edge research projects as well as provide appropriate research opportunities for undergraduate students. The candidate is expected to demonstrate a commitment to teaching physics at both undergraduate and graduate levels within a Research 1 university environment with a focus on establishing an inclusive and diverse environment for historically underserved students. The candidate is also expected to advise students, and provide service to the department, college and university.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Physics or a related field; or international equivalent
Preferred Qualifications
Post-Ph.D. experience
Required documents to be uploaded include a CV, publication list, and concise statements of research and teaching interests. Applicants who are confirmed to meet the minimum qualifications will be requested to provide contact information for at least three reference letters. Applications must be completed by November 16, 2026, to receive full consideration. Final authorization of the position is subject to the availability of funding.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Assistant Professor - Physics
Hiring Department: Physics
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1042940
Posting Close Date: November 16, 2026
Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $100,000 to $120,000.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary
The Department of Physics and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) at the University of Illinois Chicago invite applications for a tenure-track position in theoretical condensed matter physics at the Assistant Professor level. The emphasis of this search is to strengthen the Department’s efforts in theoretical condensed matter research in quantum materials. The anticipated start date is Fall 2027.
The open faculty position is in the field of computational quantum materials, with an emphasis on incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods. We seek a researcher who will develop new computational approaches that combine physics-based modeling, large-scale simulation, and AI/ML to discover and design materials with quantum properties. The overall objective is to develop predictive and experimentally testable approaches to the discovery, understanding, and engineering of quantum materials, including materials and structures relevant to qubits, quantum sensing, and other quantum technologies, with an emphasis on applications in quantum information science (QIS).
- The successful candidate is expected to establish a highly visible and externally funded research program addressing questions at the intersection of quantum materials, computational physics, and artificial intelligence. Research directions may include:
- Physics-informed, AI/ML-guided discovery and design of materials exhibiting desirable quantum properties.
-
Advanced computational approaches to model realistic quantum materials, such as correlated or topological systems, engineered quantum systems and heterostructures, as well as low-dimensional systems relevant to QIS.
-
The successful candidate should be able to collaborate with existing condensed matter theoretical and experimental groups in the Department of Physics. The materials and condensed matter faculty conduct research on a wide range of functional and complex materials, including energy-relevant, quantum, topological, superconducting, and strongly correlated systems. A fuller description of the research programs in the Department of Physics can be found at phys.uic.edu.
-
UIC offers a strong infrastructure for computational and experimental materials research, including advanced characterization core facilities and substantial high-performance computing capabilities that support large-scale simulations and data-intensive research. The Chicago region has become a national leader in QIS research, supported by robust academic, state, federal, and industrial investments. Existing programs include the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center, the FermiForward partnership, and the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE). UIC is well positioned to play a leading role in this ecosystem.
Duties & Responsibilities
The assistant professor is expected to establish a highly visible and externally funded research program at the forefront of theoretical condensed matter physics. This program should include the education and participation of doctoral graduate students in cutting-edge research projects as well as provide appropriate research opportunities for undergraduate students. The candidate is expected to demonstrate a commitment to teaching physics at both undergraduate and graduate levels within a Research 1 university environment with a focus on establishing an inclusive and diverse environment for historically underserved students. The candidate is also expected to advise students, and provide service to the department, college and university.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Physics or a related field; or international equivalent
Preferred Qualifications
Post-Ph.D. experience
Required documents to be uploaded include a CV, publication list, and concise statements of research and teaching interests. Applicants who are confirmed to meet the minimum qualifications will be requested to provide contact information for at least three reference letters. Applications must be completed by November 16, 2026, to receive full consideration. Final authorization of the position is subject to the availability of funding.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Physics Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Physics Jobs in IllinoisPhysics Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and institutions sponsor visas for physicists in Illinois?
The leading sponsors for physics roles in Illinois are national laboratories and universities. Fermilab (U.S. Department of Energy) in Batavia and Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont are among the most active sponsors for research physicists. The University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign also sponsor postdoctoral and research staff positions. Private employers in semiconductor and medical imaging sectors, including Baxter and Abbott Laboratories, occasionally sponsor physicists in applied roles.
Which visa types are most common for physics roles in Illinois?
The H-1B is the most common visa for physics positions in Illinois, covering research scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and applied physicists in specialty occupation roles requiring at least a bachelor's degree in physics or a closely related field. J-1 visas are also widely used for postdoctoral researchers at universities and national laboratories. Physicists with extraordinary ability may qualify for the O-1A. Permanent residency pathways through EB-1B (outstanding researcher) and EB-2 NIW are common for senior research scientists.
Which cities in Illinois have the most physics sponsorship jobs?
Chicago is the primary hub, driven by the University of Chicago, Northwestern University's Chicago campus, and several private-sector employers in medical devices and instrumentation. The Chicagoland suburbs are equally significant: Fermilab is located in Batavia and Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, both within commuting distance of the city. Champaign-Urbana is another strong market, anchored by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's physics and materials science programs.
How to find physics visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers and filters physics roles by state, making it straightforward to browse visa-sponsored positions in Illinois. Beyond job listings, focusing your search on Fermilab, Argonne, and Illinois research universities is effective, as these institutions have established international hiring and visa sponsorship processes. Migrate Mate surfaces roles at these types of employers so you can identify which ones are actively sponsoring.
Are there state-specific considerations for physicists seeking visa sponsorship in Illinois?
Illinois's concentration of Department of Energy national laboratories creates a notable distinction: Fermilab and Argonne positions sometimes require security clearances or citizenship for certain projects, which can limit sponsorship eligibility for specific roles. However, both laboratories also employ large numbers of sponsored international researchers in non-restricted positions. Illinois employers filing H-1B Labor Condition Applications must meet DOL prevailing wage requirements benchmarked to the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan area, which reflects a high-cost labor market.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored physics jobs in Illinois?
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.