Research Assistant Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa

Iowa's research assistant jobs are concentrated at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa, with additional opportunities at biotech and agricultural research institutions. Iowa City and Ames are the primary hiring hubs. Many positions qualify for H-1B visa or J-1 visa sponsorship through university and research organization channels.

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Overview

Open Jobs10+
Top Visa TypeH-1B
Work Type100% On-site
Top LocationIowa City, IA
Most JobsThe University of Iowa

Showing 5 of 10+ Research Assistant Jobs in Iowa with Visa Sponsorship

The University of Iowa
Assistant Research Scientist
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The University of Iowa
Added 1d ago
Assistant Research Scientist
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Clinical Trials
$57k/yr
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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ALMA
Undergraduate Research Assistant
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ALMA
Added 1w ago
Undergraduate Research Assistant
ALMA
Johnston, Iowa
$22/hr
On-Site
Associate's

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Elanco
Clinical Research Assistant
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Elanco
Added 3w ago
Clinical Research Assistant
Elanco
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Laboratory Research
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
Clinical Trials
Animal Care & Husbandry
On-Site
Associate's
5,001-10,000

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Iowa State University
Research Assistant Professor
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Iowa State University
Added 5mo ago
Research Assistant Professor
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
Research & Academia
Laboratory Research
Electrical Engineering
On-Site
Doctorate
5,001-10,000

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Luther College
Assistant Professor of Biology
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Luther College
Added 1mo ago
Assistant Professor of Biology
Luther College
Decorah, Iowa
Teaching & Instruction
Research & Academia
Higher Education
$53k - $59k/yr
On-Site
Doctorate
501-1,000

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Research Assistant Job Roles in Iowa

Laboratory Research5 jobs
Research & Academia5 jobs
Clinical Trials4 jobs
Higher Education4 jobs
Teaching & Instruction4 jobs
Clinical Trials & Medical Research4 jobs
Biotech & Life Sciences2 jobs
Healthcare Administration2 jobs
Clinical Support1 jobs
Medical Specialists1 jobs

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Research Assistant Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions

Which companies and institutions sponsor visas for research assistants in Iowa?

The University of Iowa and Iowa State University are the most active sponsors for research assistant roles in Iowa, with established international hiring processes across sciences, engineering, and social sciences. Iowa State's research programs in agriculture and engineering are particularly active. The University of Northern Iowa and private research organizations like the Iowa Institute for Biomedical Imaging also sponsor qualifying positions.

Which visa types are most common for research assistant roles in Iowa?

The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa is common for research assistant positions, particularly at universities hosting exchange scholars. The H-1B is used when the role qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field. F-1 OPT is another path for recent graduates already in the U.S., allowing work authorization while transitioning to employer-sponsored status.

Which cities in Iowa have the most research assistant visa sponsorship jobs?

Iowa City and Ames account for the majority of research assistant sponsorship opportunities in Iowa, driven by the University of Iowa and Iowa State University respectively. Cedar Rapids has some presence through private sector research and healthcare. Outside these three cities, sponsorship opportunities for research assistants are limited, so targeting Iowa City and Ames will yield the most options.

How to find research assistant visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?

Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for visa sponsorship eligibility, making it straightforward to find research assistant roles in Iowa that welcome international applicants. You can search by role and state to surface positions at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and other Iowa employers. This saves time compared to reviewing individual employer career portals to determine sponsorship availability.

Are there any state-specific considerations for research assistants seeking sponsorship in Iowa?

Iowa's research sector is closely tied to its flagship universities and agricultural science programs, meaning most sponsorship pipelines flow through academic or publicly funded institutions. These employers are generally experienced with H-1B and J-1 processes. Positions framed as postdoctoral research or graduate-level research roles are more likely to qualify for sponsorship than entry-level lab support roles, which may not meet specialty occupation standards.

What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research assistant 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.