Research Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
Research visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa are concentrated at major institutions like the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, with additional opportunities at companies like Corteva Agriscience and Kemin Industries. Iowa City, Ames, and Des Moines are the primary hiring hubs for sponsored research positions.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate – HIV Vaccine Immunogen Design
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
This postdoctoral position focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of novel antigens to advance HIV-1 vaccine research. The successful candidate will conduct structure-based immunogen design, molecular cloning, and production of immunogens, and will evaluate immune responses using a range of biochemical and immunological assays. The role includes working in BSL-2 laboratory environments, performing mammalian cell culture, and supporting small animal studies (e.g., mice and rabbits).
In addition, the position involves mentoring junior laboratory members, contributing to manuscript preparation, and assisting with the development of grant proposals.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in molecular biology, virology, immunology, microbiology, or related fields. Experience in gene cloning and molecular biology, viral vaccine R&D.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with recombinant protein expression in eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems and protein purification
- Experience with immunoassays and virus neutralization assays
- Experience with HIV-1 vaccine research
- Experience with structural analysis of proteins or protein complexes (e.g., X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM)
- Experience with hybridoma generation and monoclonal antibody (mAb) characterization, and laboratory animal handling
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Biomedical Sciences provides superior education in basic health sciences, including anatomy (both human and veterinary), histology, physiology, pharmacology, cell biology and toxicology. Our courses span the undergraduate, graduate and professional DVM curricula.
Department Unit/Website:
Biomedical Sciences - Biomedical Sciences
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
- Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Proposed Start Date:
September 1, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
June 4, 2026
Posting Close Date:
June 22, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19343
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate – HIV Vaccine Immunogen Design
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
This postdoctoral position focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of novel antigens to advance HIV-1 vaccine research. The successful candidate will conduct structure-based immunogen design, molecular cloning, and production of immunogens, and will evaluate immune responses using a range of biochemical and immunological assays. The role includes working in BSL-2 laboratory environments, performing mammalian cell culture, and supporting small animal studies (e.g., mice and rabbits).
In addition, the position involves mentoring junior laboratory members, contributing to manuscript preparation, and assisting with the development of grant proposals.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in molecular biology, virology, immunology, microbiology, or related fields. Experience in gene cloning and molecular biology, viral vaccine R&D.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with recombinant protein expression in eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems and protein purification
- Experience with immunoassays and virus neutralization assays
- Experience with HIV-1 vaccine research
- Experience with structural analysis of proteins or protein complexes (e.g., X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM)
- Experience with hybridoma generation and monoclonal antibody (mAb) characterization, and laboratory animal handling
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Biomedical Sciences provides superior education in basic health sciences, including anatomy (both human and veterinary), histology, physiology, pharmacology, cell biology and toxicology. Our courses span the undergraduate, graduate and professional DVM curricula.
Department Unit/Website:
Biomedical Sciences - Biomedical Sciences
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
- Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Proposed Start Date:
September 1, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
June 4, 2026
Posting Close Date:
June 22, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19343
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Research Job Roles in Iowa
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Search Research Jobs in IowaResearch Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for research roles in Iowa?
The University of Iowa and Iowa State University are among the most active sponsors of research visas in the state, regularly hiring postdoctoral researchers, lab scientists, and research faculty. In the private sector, agricultural biotechnology firms like Corteva Agriscience and life sciences companies such as Kemin Industries have sponsored research staff. Federal research labs affiliated with Iowa universities also participate in sponsorship for qualified candidates.
Which visa types are most common for research roles in Iowa?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for research positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specialty field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering. J-1 visas are widely used for postdoctoral researchers and visiting scientists, particularly through university-sponsored exchange programs. O-1 visas are available for researchers with demonstrated extraordinary ability, and some positions at nonprofit research institutions may qualify for cap-exempt H-1B filings.
Which cities in Iowa have the most research sponsorship jobs?
Iowa City and Ames account for the largest share of research sponsorship activity, driven by the University of Iowa and Iowa State University respectively. Des Moines has a growing presence in agricultural and life sciences research through private employers. Ames in particular benefits from Iowa State's extensive research infrastructure spanning agronomy, veterinary sciences, and materials engineering, making it a consistent source of sponsored research openings.
How to find research visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate is designed specifically for international job seekers and filters research roles in Iowa by visa sponsorship availability, saving you the time of screening out employers who don't sponsor. University-affiliated positions at institutions like the University of Iowa and Iowa State appear regularly. Searching Migrate Mate by state and role type is one of the most direct ways to surface active research openings with confirmed sponsorship history in Iowa.
Are there any Iowa-specific considerations for research visa sponsorship candidates?
Iowa's research hiring is heavily tied to its land-grant university system and agricultural sciences sector, so candidates with backgrounds in agronomy, plant science, veterinary medicine, or food technology are well-positioned for sponsored roles. Universities in Iowa often have established international hiring pipelines and dedicated international scholar offices that support H-1B and J-1 processing. Research candidates should expect prevailing wage requirements to apply and factor in that university-affiliated roles may move through longer institutional approval processes than private-sector hiring.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research jobs in Iowa?
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.