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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation is looking for a student research assistant to work on an as needed basis to perform a variety of laboratory tasks - order lab supplies, set up equipment, maintain logs, etc. in the department’s arthroscopy and surgical skills lab. This position will report to the lab’s supervisor.
This position is only open to undergraduate students registered at an accredited institution. This position is open to UIowa students (S928) or non-UIowa students (PZ07) from which one will be hired.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Cadaveric specimen ordering and receipt.
- Maintaining specimen inventory logs.
- Set up specimens and equipment for surgical laboratory research.
- Provide clean up services following surgical laboratory activities.
- Coordinate scheduling of surgical laboratory use with medical students, Orthopedic faculty and residents, and industry representatives.
- Order and maintain laboratory supplies and equipment including surgical trays from the UIHC Main Operating Room and Ambulatory Surgery Center.
- Create and maintain laboratory scheduling, monthly cleaning, and cadaveric cremation.
- Assist with the Department of Orthopedics PGY-1 Surgical Skills Month and Boot Camp curriculum, as well as the PGY-2 Anatomy curriculum.
- Disposal of biohazard and sharps materials.
- Assist lab supervisor with coordination of month-long, intensive surgical skills curriculum for new surgical residents; assist with coordinating weekly lab activities with students, residents, faculty, and industry representatives.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Working knowledge of anatomy, physiology, infection control and specimen processing.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in MS Office computer software applications.
- Attention to detail, ability to multi-task, organize priorities, and work independently to meet deadlines.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous experience working with cadaveric specimens in a laboratory setting.
- Knowledge of human physiology/anatomy or orthopedics.
- Knowledge of surgery techniques or procedures.
- Course trainings - Basic Biological Safety Training, Hazardous Waste for Lab Training, Lab Chemical Safety Training, and Personal Protective Equipment Training.
CONTACT
MICHAEL LUCAS
Phone: 319-678-6880
Email: michael-lucas-1@uiowa.edu
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply for the position please send a resume to Mike Lucas michael-lucas-1@uiowa.edu. Cover letters are not required, but are encouraged. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the date the posting closes.
AD START DATE 07/27/2026
AD END DATE 08/07/2026
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation is looking for a student research assistant to work on an as needed basis to perform a variety of laboratory tasks - order lab supplies, set up equipment, maintain logs, etc. in the department’s arthroscopy and surgical skills lab. This position will report to the lab’s supervisor.
This position is only open to undergraduate students registered at an accredited institution. This position is open to UIowa students (S928) or non-UIowa students (PZ07) from which one will be hired.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Cadaveric specimen ordering and receipt.
- Maintaining specimen inventory logs.
- Set up specimens and equipment for surgical laboratory research.
- Provide clean up services following surgical laboratory activities.
- Coordinate scheduling of surgical laboratory use with medical students, Orthopedic faculty and residents, and industry representatives.
- Order and maintain laboratory supplies and equipment including surgical trays from the UIHC Main Operating Room and Ambulatory Surgery Center.
- Create and maintain laboratory scheduling, monthly cleaning, and cadaveric cremation.
- Assist with the Department of Orthopedics PGY-1 Surgical Skills Month and Boot Camp curriculum, as well as the PGY-2 Anatomy curriculum.
- Disposal of biohazard and sharps materials.
- Assist lab supervisor with coordination of month-long, intensive surgical skills curriculum for new surgical residents; assist with coordinating weekly lab activities with students, residents, faculty, and industry representatives.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Working knowledge of anatomy, physiology, infection control and specimen processing.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in MS Office computer software applications.
- Attention to detail, ability to multi-task, organize priorities, and work independently to meet deadlines.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous experience working with cadaveric specimens in a laboratory setting.
- Knowledge of human physiology/anatomy or orthopedics.
- Knowledge of surgery techniques or procedures.
- Course trainings - Basic Biological Safety Training, Hazardous Waste for Lab Training, Lab Chemical Safety Training, and Personal Protective Equipment Training.
CONTACT
MICHAEL LUCAS
Phone: 319-678-6880
Email: michael-lucas-1@uiowa.edu
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply for the position please send a resume to Mike Lucas michael-lucas-1@uiowa.edu. Cover letters are not required, but are encouraged. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the date the posting closes.
AD START DATE 07/27/2026
AD END DATE 08/07/2026
Research Assistant Job Roles in Iowa
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Search Research Assistant Jobs in IowaResearch 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.