Research Associate Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
Iowa's research associate jobs are concentrated in its university medical centers and agribusiness research corridors, with the University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa State University, and companies like Pioneer (Corteva Agriscience) regularly hiring for these roles. Des Moines, Iowa City, and Ames see the most activity, and many positions come with visa sponsorship for qualified international candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Crop Genetics and Functional Genomics
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to research integrating (epi)genomics and molecular biology to study the genetic control of crop traits. The successful candidate will conduct, design, plan, and execute wet-lab experiments, conduct bioinformatic and statistical analyses, and write peer-reviewed journal articles.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement experiments that pair genetic alteration of cis-regulatory elements and genes with genomic and molecular techniques to study the genetics underlying crop shoot traits.
- Analyze next-generation sequencing bulk and single-cell data in a high-performance computing environment.
- Assist in the mentorship and supervision of more junior lab members.
- Interpret experimental results and prepare reports, presentations, and scientific publications.
- Prepare final drafts of research manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
- Conduct other duties as assigned.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Doctoral degree in: Molecular Biology, Genomics, Genetics, or equivalent.
- Experience working in plant model systems.
- A demonstrated track record of publishing independent research, including at least one first-author peer-reviewed manuscript.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with single-cell ATAC-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, and/or other emerging next-generation sequencing technologies.
- Experience preparing droplet-based single-cell and/or bulk sequencing libraries.
- Experience growing, phenotyping, and crossing maize and/or other crop species, including the design, development, and characterization of transgenic plants.
- Strong record of scholarly achievement, including multiple peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
- Demonstrated teaching, mentoring, and/or supervisory experience in a research or academic environment.
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University is a globally recognized leader in research, teaching, and extension focused on crop production, plant breeding, genetics, genomics, soil science, and sustainable agricultural systems. Department faculty, staff, and students work to develop innovative solutions that improve crop productivity, enhance environmental stewardship, strengthen soil health, and support global food, feed, fiber, and bioenergy production. Through interdisciplinary research and engagement with agricultural stakeholders, the department advances scientific discoveries from the laboratory to the field.
Department Unit/Website (if applicable):
Agronomy | College of Agriculture and Life 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
- Publication List (PDF) containing one or more representative peer-reviewed publications with complete citations and corresponding DOI links.
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:
January 18, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
September 9, 2026
Posting Close Date:
September 19, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19890
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 in Crop Genetics and Functional Genomics
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to research integrating (epi)genomics and molecular biology to study the genetic control of crop traits. The successful candidate will conduct, design, plan, and execute wet-lab experiments, conduct bioinformatic and statistical analyses, and write peer-reviewed journal articles.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement experiments that pair genetic alteration of cis-regulatory elements and genes with genomic and molecular techniques to study the genetics underlying crop shoot traits.
- Analyze next-generation sequencing bulk and single-cell data in a high-performance computing environment.
- Assist in the mentorship and supervision of more junior lab members.
- Interpret experimental results and prepare reports, presentations, and scientific publications.
- Prepare final drafts of research manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
- Conduct other duties as assigned.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Doctoral degree in: Molecular Biology, Genomics, Genetics, or equivalent.
- Experience working in plant model systems.
- A demonstrated track record of publishing independent research, including at least one first-author peer-reviewed manuscript.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with single-cell ATAC-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, and/or other emerging next-generation sequencing technologies.
- Experience preparing droplet-based single-cell and/or bulk sequencing libraries.
- Experience growing, phenotyping, and crossing maize and/or other crop species, including the design, development, and characterization of transgenic plants.
- Strong record of scholarly achievement, including multiple peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
- Demonstrated teaching, mentoring, and/or supervisory experience in a research or academic environment.
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University is a globally recognized leader in research, teaching, and extension focused on crop production, plant breeding, genetics, genomics, soil science, and sustainable agricultural systems. Department faculty, staff, and students work to develop innovative solutions that improve crop productivity, enhance environmental stewardship, strengthen soil health, and support global food, feed, fiber, and bioenergy production. Through interdisciplinary research and engagement with agricultural stakeholders, the department advances scientific discoveries from the laboratory to the field.
Department Unit/Website (if applicable):
Agronomy | College of Agriculture and Life 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
- Publication List (PDF) containing one or more representative peer-reviewed publications with complete citations and corresponding DOI links.
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:
January 18, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
September 9, 2026
Posting Close Date:
September 19, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19890
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 Associate Job Roles in Iowa
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Search Research Associate Jobs in IowaResearch Associate Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for research associates in Iowa?
Iowa's primary research associate visa sponsors include the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and Corteva Agriscience (formerly Pioneer Hi-Bred), which operates large agricultural research facilities in Johnston. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and smaller biotech firms in the Iowa City and Ames corridors also have established sponsorship track records, particularly for H-1B visa and J-1 visa positions in laboratory and clinical research settings.
Which visa types are most common for research associate roles in Iowa?
H-1B is the most common visa for research associate roles at Iowa's private and corporate employers, requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field. University and nonprofit research institutions frequently use J-1 Exchange Visitor visas for postdoctoral and research scholar positions. Some research associates at Iowa academic institutions also enter on OPT before transitioning to H-1B sponsorship once a full-time offer is extended.
Which cities in Iowa have the most research associate sponsorship jobs?
Iowa City leads due to the University of Iowa's extensive research programs across biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical sciences. Ames is close behind, driven by Iowa State University and its agricultural and life sciences research divisions. Des Moines and the nearby suburb of Johnston host corporate research roles, particularly in agribusiness and health sciences, making these three metros the most active areas for sponsored research associate positions.
How to find research associate visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate is specifically built for international candidates and filters research associate roles in Iowa by visa sponsorship availability, so you avoid applying to positions that won't support work authorization. Beyond the job board, focus your search on Iowa's major research employers directly, including university HR portals at the University of Iowa and Iowa State. Migrate Mate surfaces roles from both academic and corporate sponsors across Iowa City, Ames, and Des Moines.
Are there any Iowa-specific factors research associates should know before applying?
Iowa's research associate market is heavily tied to its agricultural research sector and its two major public universities, which means hiring cycles often align with academic calendars and federal grant cycles. Positions at Iowa State and the University of Iowa's research centers tend to be cap-exempt for H-1B purposes, which removes the lottery uncertainty that applies to private employers. Applicants should verify whether a specific position is grant-funded, as funding timelines can affect role duration.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research associate 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.