Research Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Research visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, Evanston, and the broader university corridor along Lake Michigan. Major employers include Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, and Abbott Laboratories. Illinois's deep academic and life sciences infrastructure makes it one of the more active states for internationally sponsored research positions.
See All Research JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 741+ Research Jobs in Illinois with Visa Sponsorship jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 741+ Research Jobs in Illinois with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Jobs in Illinois with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All Jobs
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Business Unit: Rush Medical Center
Hospital: Rush University Medical Center
Department: Rush Alzheimers Dis Ctr-ResFac
Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)
Shift: Shift 1
Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 4:30:00 PM)
Pay Range: $20.19 - $28.52 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.
Summary
Under the general supervision of scientists, and/or lab supervisor, the Research Assistant processes samples and conducts basic laboratory tests, procedures and experiments in accordance with study protocols. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.
Other information:
- Bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years of laboratory experience; or Master’s degree preferred
- Knowledge of both basic and specialized laboratory instruments and software programs
- Proficiency in standard experimental design
- Knowledge and demonstration of good laboratory practice, principles and application
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Effective oral and written communication
- Strong analytic skills
- Experience performing anatomical dissections required
- Must be able to lift or move 25 pounds, perform repetitive motions required for use of pipette, saw, microtome, vibratome, and other lab equipment
Responsibilities:
- In collaboration with Research Technicians, Data Assistants, Scientists, and Post-Docs in the research lab, conduct basic research procedures and experiments related to routine biochemical, molecular, and histopathologic laboratory procedures involving human postmortem and antemortem biospecimens in support of several multi-disciplinary research studies of aging and Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Procedures include retrieval, dissection, preservation, storage, tracking, quality assessment, and quality control of human ante-mortem and postmortem biospecimens including blood, brain, spinal cord, muscle, and nerve tissue; processing, embedding, microtomy, and immunohistochemical staining of human tissue; biochemical and molecular analysis of human biospecimens; and microscopic evaluation of completed slides to determine staining adequacy.
- Prepares specimens and performs detailed manual tests. The range of test types and specialization will vary based on the size and type of laboratory.
- Collects and records findings for research samples such as cell lines, body fluids, such as blood, urine, and tissue samples.
- Operates sophisticated laboratory equipment. Uses automated equipment and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests at the same time.
- Follows good laboratory safety practices and comply with safety protocols.
- Logs data and experiment results in laboratory notebooks and discuss with researcher and team.
- Applies data to research work and contrast to research problem.
- Solve moderately complex problem, recognizes QA, QC, and biospecimen storage problems or discrepancies and attempts to determine cause prior to notifying appropriate personnel.
- Train staff on supply and chemical inventory maintenance.
- Coordinate and train staff on postmortem human organ and tissue procurement, dissection, and preservation.
- This position requires on-call coverage as part of a 24/7 rapid autopsy team.
- May delegate procedures to lab technicians and train less experienced staff.
- May prepare data exhibits for publication or manuscripts including creation of graphics and other research related diagrams.
Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Business Unit: Rush Medical Center
Hospital: Rush University Medical Center
Department: Rush Alzheimers Dis Ctr-ResFac
Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)
Shift: Shift 1
Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 4:30:00 PM)
Pay Range: $20.19 - $28.52 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.
Summary
Under the general supervision of scientists, and/or lab supervisor, the Research Assistant processes samples and conducts basic laboratory tests, procedures and experiments in accordance with study protocols. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.
Other information:
- Bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years of laboratory experience; or Master’s degree preferred
- Knowledge of both basic and specialized laboratory instruments and software programs
- Proficiency in standard experimental design
- Knowledge and demonstration of good laboratory practice, principles and application
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Effective oral and written communication
- Strong analytic skills
- Experience performing anatomical dissections required
- Must be able to lift or move 25 pounds, perform repetitive motions required for use of pipette, saw, microtome, vibratome, and other lab equipment
Responsibilities:
- In collaboration with Research Technicians, Data Assistants, Scientists, and Post-Docs in the research lab, conduct basic research procedures and experiments related to routine biochemical, molecular, and histopathologic laboratory procedures involving human postmortem and antemortem biospecimens in support of several multi-disciplinary research studies of aging and Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Procedures include retrieval, dissection, preservation, storage, tracking, quality assessment, and quality control of human ante-mortem and postmortem biospecimens including blood, brain, spinal cord, muscle, and nerve tissue; processing, embedding, microtomy, and immunohistochemical staining of human tissue; biochemical and molecular analysis of human biospecimens; and microscopic evaluation of completed slides to determine staining adequacy.
- Prepares specimens and performs detailed manual tests. The range of test types and specialization will vary based on the size and type of laboratory.
- Collects and records findings for research samples such as cell lines, body fluids, such as blood, urine, and tissue samples.
- Operates sophisticated laboratory equipment. Uses automated equipment and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests at the same time.
- Follows good laboratory safety practices and comply with safety protocols.
- Logs data and experiment results in laboratory notebooks and discuss with researcher and team.
- Applies data to research work and contrast to research problem.
- Solve moderately complex problem, recognizes QA, QC, and biospecimen storage problems or discrepancies and attempts to determine cause prior to notifying appropriate personnel.
- Train staff on supply and chemical inventory maintenance.
- Coordinate and train staff on postmortem human organ and tissue procurement, dissection, and preservation.
- This position requires on-call coverage as part of a 24/7 rapid autopsy team.
- May delegate procedures to lab technicians and train less experienced staff.
- May prepare data exhibits for publication or manuscripts including creation of graphics and other research related diagrams.
Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Research Job Roles in Illinois
See all 741+ Research Jobs in Illinois
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Research Jobs in IllinoisResearch Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and institutions sponsor visas for research roles in Illinois?
The most active research visa sponsors in Illinois include Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie, and Baxter International. Academic medical centers such as Rush University Medical Center and Northwestern Medicine also regularly sponsor international researchers. Federal research facilities like Argonne and Fermilab sponsor researchers through specialized visa categories, including J-1 and H-1B.
Which visa types are most common for research roles in Illinois?
The H-1B is the most common work visa for research scientists and analysts at private employers like AbbVie and Abbott. J-1 is widely used at universities and national laboratories for postdoctoral researchers and exchange scholars. O-1A is an option for researchers with demonstrated recognition in their field. Academic institutions also frequently use TN status for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying research occupations.
How to find research visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it straightforward to browse research roles in Illinois without sifting through positions that won't support international candidates. You can filter by role type and state to surface openings at Illinois universities, national laboratories, and life sciences companies that have an active sponsorship history. Creating an account lets you track new postings as they appear.
Which cities in Illinois have the most research visa sponsorship jobs?
Chicago accounts for the largest share, driven by its academic medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, and research universities. Evanston is notable for Northwestern University's research enterprise. The Chicagoland suburbs, particularly around Deerfield and North Chicago, are home to AbbVie and Baxter headquarters. Batavia and Lemont host Fermilab and Argonne National Laboratory respectively, both consistent sponsors of international scientific staff.
Are there state-specific considerations for research visa sponsorship in Illinois?
Illinois has a dense university-to-industry pipeline, particularly in life sciences and physical sciences, which means many sponsored research positions expect candidates with postgraduate credentials tied to specific technical disciplines. Prevailing wage requirements apply statewide under DOL rules, and salaries are benchmarked to the Chicago metropolitan statistical area for most positions. Postdoctoral researchers should confirm whether a prospective employer sponsors H-1B or relies primarily on J-1, as the two carry different long-term implications for status and green card eligibility.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research 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.
See which research employers are hiring and sponsoring visas in Illinois right now.
Search Research Jobs in Illinois