Research Associate Professor Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
Research associate professor visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa are concentrated at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa State University in Ames, and the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. These research-intensive institutions regularly sponsor international faculty across STEM, social sciences, and humanities disciplines, making Iowa a steady destination for academic career seekers pursuing U.S. work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Title:
Assistant or Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Health
Appointment Type:
Faculty
Job Description:
The Department of Kinesiology and Health at Iowa State University invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, beginning August 16, 2027. This open search welcomes applicants from any area of kinesiology and health. We seek an outstanding scholar whose research complements and extends our strengths, expands externally funded research through diverse sources, develops partnerships with industry, healthcare, or community organizations, and advances Iowa State's land-grant mission by improving health and well-being in Iowa and beyond. Candidates at the Associate Professor rank will also have opportunities to mentor early-career faculty and contribute to department leadership. The initial contract period is for up to four years with the possibility of renewal.
About the Department
The Department of Kinesiology and Health is one of five units in the College of Health and Human Sciences. The Department is committed to advancing the science of physical activity, human movement, and health through innovative and impactful research. Faculty maintain active research programs in exercise physiology, exercise psychology, biomechanics, neuromotor control, and physical activity and health, with departmental strengths in healthy aging, cardiovascular and brain health, skeletal muscle and space biology, immunology, occupational biomechanics, rural health, digital health, and translational intervention research across the lifespan. Studies range from cellular and molecular research to randomized controlled trials, and from community-based research to dissemination and implementation science, addressing critical questions related to health, performance, and quality of life. Indirect cost revenue is returned directly to principal investigators at a competitive rate.
- Undergraduate programs: More than 1,100 undergraduate majors, ranking in the top three for undergraduate enrollment among Iowa State's 61 academic departments. The BS in Kinesiology and Health offers options in Community and Public Health, Exercise Science, Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Physical Education Teacher Education, and Pre-Health Professions, with minors in Dance, Exercise Science, Health Promotion, and Kinesiology and Health.
- Graduate programs: More than 80 graduate students, with enrollment nearly doubling in recent years. Programs include the MS and PhD in Kinesiology, Master's in Athletic Training, and online Master's in Digital Health.
- Undergraduate research: Strong demand for research mentorship, with most students pursuing pre-health careers. Of student researchers surveyed, 86% of rate their lab experience as very or extremely impactful.
- People and culture: The department includes 42 faculty and staff, including 13 tenure-track and tenured faculty, 17 term faculty, and 12 professional and scientific staff. A 2026 external program review recognized our collegial culture as a key strength.
- Facilities: The department’s 90,000-square-foot facility includes the Exercise Clinic, 15 research laboratories, and 5 teaching laboratories, with shared DEXA, cardiovascular, metabolic, and strength assessment spaces.
- Collaboration: Interdisciplinary teams connect department strengths with partners across campus, including the ISU Translational Research Network (U-TuRN), ISU Extension and Outreach serving all 99 Iowa counties, the Nanovaccine Institute, Center for Industrial Research and Service, Virtual Reality Applications Center, ISU Athletics, the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Engineering, as well as healthcare, industry, and community partners across Iowa.
The successful applicant for this position will:
- Establish or sustain an externally funded research program drawing on federal, foundation, industry, or other sources
- Publish in respected peer-reviewed journals
- Build partnerships that expand research, funding, and student opportunities, and share research findings with practitioners and the public
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the area of expertise
- Mentor graduate students and engage undergraduates in research
- Provide service to the department, college, university, and profession
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Earned doctorate in Kinesiology or a related field by the start date
- Assistant Professor rank: A record of peer-reviewed publications and evidence of a research program with strong potential for external funding
- Associate Professor rank: A sustained record of peer-reviewed publications, extramural funding, and a nationally recognized research program sufficient to qualify for tenure at the rank of Associate Professor
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research that complements or extends one or more department research strengths
- Record of seeking funding from diverse sources, such as federal agencies, foundations, industry, or state and community partners
- Postdoctoral experience
- Experience building partnerships or translating research into practice
- Record of interdisciplinary collaboration
- Collegiate teaching and graduate mentoring experience
- Leadership experience in research, professional, or academic settings
Proposed Start Date:
August 16, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
09 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
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:
1) Cover letter (up to 2 pages) addressing the required and preferred qualifications
2) Curriculum vitae
3) Research statement (2 to 3 pages) describing how your research complements and extends the department's research strengths, and your plan for external funding
4) Contact information for three professional references
For guaranteed consideration, please submit your application materials by November 9, 2026. This position will remain open until filled.
Questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Elizabeth Stegemöller, Search Committee Chair, at esteg@iastate.edu. Questions about the application process may be directed to employment@iastate.edu or 515-294-4800.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
- Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous 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
Original Posting Date:
October 2, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R20016
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:
Assistant or Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Health
Appointment Type:
Faculty
Job Description:
The Department of Kinesiology and Health at Iowa State University invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, beginning August 16, 2027. This open search welcomes applicants from any area of kinesiology and health. We seek an outstanding scholar whose research complements and extends our strengths, expands externally funded research through diverse sources, develops partnerships with industry, healthcare, or community organizations, and advances Iowa State's land-grant mission by improving health and well-being in Iowa and beyond. Candidates at the Associate Professor rank will also have opportunities to mentor early-career faculty and contribute to department leadership. The initial contract period is for up to four years with the possibility of renewal.
About the Department
The Department of Kinesiology and Health is one of five units in the College of Health and Human Sciences. The Department is committed to advancing the science of physical activity, human movement, and health through innovative and impactful research. Faculty maintain active research programs in exercise physiology, exercise psychology, biomechanics, neuromotor control, and physical activity and health, with departmental strengths in healthy aging, cardiovascular and brain health, skeletal muscle and space biology, immunology, occupational biomechanics, rural health, digital health, and translational intervention research across the lifespan. Studies range from cellular and molecular research to randomized controlled trials, and from community-based research to dissemination and implementation science, addressing critical questions related to health, performance, and quality of life. Indirect cost revenue is returned directly to principal investigators at a competitive rate.
- Undergraduate programs: More than 1,100 undergraduate majors, ranking in the top three for undergraduate enrollment among Iowa State's 61 academic departments. The BS in Kinesiology and Health offers options in Community and Public Health, Exercise Science, Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Physical Education Teacher Education, and Pre-Health Professions, with minors in Dance, Exercise Science, Health Promotion, and Kinesiology and Health.
- Graduate programs: More than 80 graduate students, with enrollment nearly doubling in recent years. Programs include the MS and PhD in Kinesiology, Master's in Athletic Training, and online Master's in Digital Health.
- Undergraduate research: Strong demand for research mentorship, with most students pursuing pre-health careers. Of student researchers surveyed, 86% of rate their lab experience as very or extremely impactful.
- People and culture: The department includes 42 faculty and staff, including 13 tenure-track and tenured faculty, 17 term faculty, and 12 professional and scientific staff. A 2026 external program review recognized our collegial culture as a key strength.
- Facilities: The department’s 90,000-square-foot facility includes the Exercise Clinic, 15 research laboratories, and 5 teaching laboratories, with shared DEXA, cardiovascular, metabolic, and strength assessment spaces.
- Collaboration: Interdisciplinary teams connect department strengths with partners across campus, including the ISU Translational Research Network (U-TuRN), ISU Extension and Outreach serving all 99 Iowa counties, the Nanovaccine Institute, Center for Industrial Research and Service, Virtual Reality Applications Center, ISU Athletics, the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Engineering, as well as healthcare, industry, and community partners across Iowa.
The successful applicant for this position will:
- Establish or sustain an externally funded research program drawing on federal, foundation, industry, or other sources
- Publish in respected peer-reviewed journals
- Build partnerships that expand research, funding, and student opportunities, and share research findings with practitioners and the public
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the area of expertise
- Mentor graduate students and engage undergraduates in research
- Provide service to the department, college, university, and profession
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Earned doctorate in Kinesiology or a related field by the start date
- Assistant Professor rank: A record of peer-reviewed publications and evidence of a research program with strong potential for external funding
- Associate Professor rank: A sustained record of peer-reviewed publications, extramural funding, and a nationally recognized research program sufficient to qualify for tenure at the rank of Associate Professor
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research that complements or extends one or more department research strengths
- Record of seeking funding from diverse sources, such as federal agencies, foundations, industry, or state and community partners
- Postdoctoral experience
- Experience building partnerships or translating research into practice
- Record of interdisciplinary collaboration
- Collegiate teaching and graduate mentoring experience
- Leadership experience in research, professional, or academic settings
Proposed Start Date:
August 16, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
09 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
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:
1) Cover letter (up to 2 pages) addressing the required and preferred qualifications
2) Curriculum vitae
3) Research statement (2 to 3 pages) describing how your research complements and extends the department's research strengths, and your plan for external funding
4) Contact information for three professional references
For guaranteed consideration, please submit your application materials by November 9, 2026. This position will remain open until filled.
Questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Elizabeth Stegemöller, Search Committee Chair, at esteg@iastate.edu. Questions about the application process may be directed to employment@iastate.edu or 515-294-4800.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
- Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous 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
Original Posting Date:
October 2, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R20016
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 Professor Job Roles in Iowa
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Search Research Associate Professor Jobs in IowaResearch Associate Professor Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which visa types realistically apply to research associate professor roles in Iowa?
Research associate professor positions at Iowa universities typically qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship, as the role is a specialty occupation requiring a doctoral degree in a directly related field. Canadian and Mexican citizens may qualify under TN visa status as a college or university teacher. J-1 visa exchange visitor status is also common for visiting scholars and researchers through a designated sponsor organization. F-1 students nearing graduation may use OPT as a bridge while an employer files for a longer-term visa.
Which Iowa employers sponsor visas for research associate professors?
The University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa are the most active visa sponsors for research associate professor roles in the state. The University of Iowa's Carver College of Medicine and Iowa State's College of Engineering frequently sponsor international researchers. Smaller private colleges and research institutes occasionally sponsor as well, though sponsorship volume is significantly concentrated at these three flagship public universities.
Which cities in Iowa have the most research associate professor sponsorship jobs?
Iowa City and Ames account for the overwhelming majority of research associate professor sponsorship activity in Iowa, driven by the University of Iowa and Iowa State University respectively. Cedar Falls, home to the University of Northern Iowa, sees a smaller but consistent share of academic postings. Des Moines has limited university presence for this role type, so candidates focused on sponsored research faculty positions should prioritize Iowa City and Ames in their search.
How to find research associate professor visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate lists research associate professor roles in Iowa filtered to employers with verified visa sponsorship history, making it straightforward to identify which Iowa universities and research institutions are actively hiring international candidates. Rather than sifting through general academic postings, you can browse Iowa-specific faculty roles on Migrate Mate and focus your applications on institutions already familiar with H-1B, TN, and J-1 sponsorship processes for research faculty.
Are there Iowa-specific considerations for international research associate professors seeking visa sponsorship?
Iowa's academic job market is heavily driven by its three public research universities, so sponsorship opportunities are closely tied to grant funding cycles and departmental research budgets rather than steady commercial hiring. H-1B cap-exempt status applies at qualifying nonprofit universities, meaning Iowa's public universities can file H-1B petitions outside the annual lottery, which significantly improves timing and predictability for international candidates pursuing research faculty roles in the state.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research associate professor 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.