Research Associate Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Research associate visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois are concentrated in the Chicago metropolitan area and across the state's dense network of research universities, pharmaceutical companies, and academic medical centers. Major employers include Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Abbott Laboratories, and AbbVie, which collectively file among the highest volumes of sponsorship petitions for research-focused roles in the state.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Effectively contribute solid technical knowledge to a variety of projects within the relevant discipline with minimal assistance. Display moderate technical understanding of related disciplines such as pH, temperature controlled reactions, and chemical reactions. Conduct routine/non-routine research and design experiments with minimal assistance.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The incumbent will perform other duties assigned.
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Without assistance, make sound technical recommendations regarding projects/matters that are more routine than not. Provide some analysis/redesign of key experimental procedures. Independently select techniques and procedures to solve problems within area of responsibility.
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Employ appropriate techniques/methods to successfully and independently execute routine assignments within negotiated deadlines. Identify existing alternative methods and technologies for improving existing or new products/processes.
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Maintain knowledge of relevant QSR and safety requirements while building knowledge of other regulatory requirements related to R&D (product development, design and safety) to ensure compliance in all research, data collection and reporting activities.
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Manufacturability/Scale Up of biomaterials - Transfer from lab scale experiments to manufacturing production.
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Contribute to technical feasibility analysis of complex research and design concepts.
-
Monitor budgets and/or activity schedules of external testing (communication, shipment, analysis of results and documentation).
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In addition to having an in-depth knowledge and understanding of GxP and related regulations and guidance, is able to provide expert insights into such regulations so as to facilitate efficient product registration and/or is an active participant in the generation, review, adoption and interpretation of such regulations.
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Demonstrate ability to apply technical theories and principles to projects within area of expertise for non-routine tasks. Analyze and determine best solutions to non-routine experimental design or research problems with minimal assistance. Accurately assess results for validity and conformance to specifications.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. List knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
The position requires relevant laboratory skills, writing skills, and computer skills plus teamwork/interpersonal skills.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
Include the education and experience that is necessary to perform the job satisfactorily.
Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline with at least 3-6 years lab experience or MS with at least 1-2 years of experience.
Research lab experience may include research in GMP/QSR environment, cross-functional teamwork, and independent experimentation in method development and validation.
AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH:
- Knowledge/experience with lyophilization
- Knowledge/experience with Class 2/ 510k/ PMA FDA approved medical devices
- Medical Device Product development experience
VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
INTRODUCTION
Effectively contribute solid technical knowledge to a variety of projects within the relevant discipline with minimal assistance. Display moderate technical understanding of related disciplines such as pH, temperature controlled reactions, and chemical reactions. Conduct routine/non-routine research and design experiments with minimal assistance.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The incumbent will perform other duties assigned.
-
Without assistance, make sound technical recommendations regarding projects/matters that are more routine than not. Provide some analysis/redesign of key experimental procedures. Independently select techniques and procedures to solve problems within area of responsibility.
-
Employ appropriate techniques/methods to successfully and independently execute routine assignments within negotiated deadlines. Identify existing alternative methods and technologies for improving existing or new products/processes.
-
Maintain knowledge of relevant QSR and safety requirements while building knowledge of other regulatory requirements related to R&D (product development, design and safety) to ensure compliance in all research, data collection and reporting activities.
-
Manufacturability/Scale Up of biomaterials - Transfer from lab scale experiments to manufacturing production.
-
Contribute to technical feasibility analysis of complex research and design concepts.
-
Monitor budgets and/or activity schedules of external testing (communication, shipment, analysis of results and documentation).
-
In addition to having an in-depth knowledge and understanding of GxP and related regulations and guidance, is able to provide expert insights into such regulations so as to facilitate efficient product registration and/or is an active participant in the generation, review, adoption and interpretation of such regulations.
-
Demonstrate ability to apply technical theories and principles to projects within area of expertise for non-routine tasks. Analyze and determine best solutions to non-routine experimental design or research problems with minimal assistance. Accurately assess results for validity and conformance to specifications.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. List knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
The position requires relevant laboratory skills, writing skills, and computer skills plus teamwork/interpersonal skills.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
Include the education and experience that is necessary to perform the job satisfactorily.
Bachelor's Degree in a scientific discipline with at least 3-6 years lab experience or MS with at least 1-2 years of experience.
Research lab experience may include research in GMP/QSR environment, cross-functional teamwork, and independent experimentation in method development and validation.
AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH:
- Knowledge/experience with lyophilization
- Knowledge/experience with Class 2/ 510k/ PMA FDA approved medical devices
- Medical Device Product development experience
VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Research Associate Job Roles in Illinois
See all 918+ Research Associate Jobs in Illinois
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Search Research Associate Jobs in IllinoisResearch Associate Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for research associates in Illinois?
Illinois has a strong concentration of employers that sponsor visas for research associates, particularly in life sciences and academia. AbbVie and Abbott Laboratories in the northern suburbs regularly file H-1B visa petitions for research roles. Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois at Chicago are also consistent sponsors, along with hospital systems like Rush University Medical Center and Northwestern Medicine.
Which visa types are most common for research associate roles in Illinois?
The H-1B is the most common visa for research associates in Illinois, particularly in pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic settings where a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree is a genuine requirement of the role. Many university-based research associates also enter on J-1 visa exchange visitor visas or maintain F-1 OPT status before transitioning to H-1B sponsorship. Research roles at universities may also qualify for cap-exempt H-1B petitions.
Which cities in Illinois have the most research associate sponsorship jobs?
Chicago accounts for the largest share of research associate sponsorship activity in Illinois, driven by its academic medical centers, university research programs, and corporate R&D offices. The northern suburbs, particularly the I-90 corridor around Waukegan and Lake County, are home to major pharmaceutical employers including AbbVie and Baxter International. Urbana-Champaign is a secondary hub due to the University of Illinois flagship campus and affiliated research institutes.
How to find research associate visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers and filters research associate roles in Illinois by visa sponsorship willingness, saving you the work of screening employers manually. Because Illinois has active sponsorship pipelines across pharma, academia, and medical research, the volume of relevant listings is meaningful. Searching by institution type, such as university versus industry, can help narrow results to employers with the sponsorship infrastructure to support your visa category.
Are there any Illinois-specific considerations for research associates seeking visa sponsorship?
Illinois research associates sponsored on H-1B visas must be paid at least the prevailing wage for their role and location, as determined by the Department of Labor, which reflects local market rates in the Chicago metro area and downstate regions separately. University and nonprofit research institutions in Illinois frequently hold cap-exempt H-1B status, meaning they can file petitions outside the annual lottery window, which is a meaningful advantage for candidates who missed the cap or need faster timelines.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research associate 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.