Research Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
Iowa's research scientist roles are concentrated at major employers like the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and companies in the agribusiness and biosciences sectors around Ames, Iowa City, and Des Moines. Many of these organizations have established track records of sponsoring work visas for qualified international research talent.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Title: Research Scientist III
Job Group: Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in analytical and numerical modeling of complex X-ray propagation in materials, for a variety of NDE applications including imaging and materials characterization
- Demonstrated experience with X-ray radiography system hardware, including X-ray sources, computed tomography, photon counting detectors, etc.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of both experimental and theoretical (modeling) X-ray radiography and computed tomography (CT), including X-ray imaging
- High working knowledge and experience with various relevant X-ray and tomography systems
- M.S. degree (or higher) in nuclear engineering or a closely related field.
Job Description:
The Center for Nondestructive Evaluation (CNDE) at Iowa State University is seeking qualified candidates for a Research Scientist III position. CNDE partners closely with industrial and government sponsors who help guide research priorities and share results, ensuring that the work conducted directly addresses real-world challenges. With a long-standing history of providing cost-effective tools, solutions, and innovations for a variety of industrial sectors, this role will lead research in X-ray radiography, computed tomography (CT), and related imaging technologies. Candidates must bring extensive knowledge of experimental and modeling principles within these X-ray-based NDE domains.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and sustain a rigorous scholarly research program advancing X-ray and related nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods.
- Conduct modeling- and experimentation-based research, including materials characterization, while staying current on state-of-the-art NDE technologies.
- Lead and contribute to proposals for individual and collaborative sponsored research projects.
- Design, execute, and validate experimental and simulation studies, coordinating closely with sponsors and project teams.
- Perform exploratory investigations of novel X-ray methodologies based on sponsor needs.
- Prepare and deliver technical reports, presentations, and publications to meet contractual obligations.
- Publish research findings in refereed journals, conferences, proceedings, and other scholarly outlets.
- Engage with professional societies to advance visibility, collaboration, and professional service.
- Mentor and supervise students involved in sponsored research activities.
- Manage, maintain, and enhance CNDE’s X-ray laboratory equipment and facilities, including supporting funding efforts when needed.
- Ensure radiation safety compliance, maintain training procedures, and provide CT equipment support through fee-for-service when applicable.
- Support NDE education by teaching or assisting with courses involving X-ray components (e.g., MSE 4850 or similar).
- Serve as the primary point of contact for Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), coordinating training, documentation, and hazard assessments.
- Assist with laboratory safety oversight, including chemical waste coordination, SOP development, safety training, regulatory implementation, and corrective action.
- Collaborate with EH&S to conduct safety inspections and ensure full compliance across CNDE labs.
About the Center for Nondestructive Evaluation (CNDE)
CNDE at Iowa State University is a nationally recognized leader in nondestructive evaluation research, known for industry-driven innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact. Researchers at CNDE benefit from strong partnerships with government agencies and major industrial sponsors, access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities, and a supportive and highly collaborative work environment. Joining CNDE means becoming part of a mission-focused team dedicated to advancing NDE technologies, shaping the future of industry applications, and contributing to a culture of research excellence at a world-class university.
This position will be hired as a two-year term appointment (fixed term) with the opportunity for renewal based on funding.
Applications received by April 25, 2026, will receive guaranteed consideration; however, the position will remain open until it is filled.
Example Duties
- Develop, design and conduct one or more complex research projects of high complexity, review progress and evaluate results.
- Formulate research methods and suggest options for improving quality, identify potential problems, recommend and implement solutions, and collaborate in the development of new techniques.
- Act as a co-author and as a principal investigator.
- Recommend program direction.
- Train users in equipment operation and laboratory techniques, explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operations, limitations and outcomes.
- Coordinate data collection and screening and verify the data.
- Analyze data, interpret and implement research methodology based on outcome of analysis.
- Supervise a small work group as appropriate.
Level Guidelines
- This is a senior-level position for someone possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and CNDE goals.
- As such, this scientist is expected to:
- Apply senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
- Exercise judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
- Respond to complicated inquiries, provide training, and provide direction to lower-level staff
- Provide supervision, as appropriate, for one to two other staff (i.e., lead a small work team)
- Lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
- Provide guidance to students
Appointment Type: Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term: April 30, 2028
Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
Time Type: Full time
Pay Grade: PS810
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) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
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.
Why Choose ISU?
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
Original Posting Date: March 25, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number: R18868
Position Title: Research Scientist III
Job Group: Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in analytical and numerical modeling of complex X-ray propagation in materials, for a variety of NDE applications including imaging and materials characterization
- Demonstrated experience with X-ray radiography system hardware, including X-ray sources, computed tomography, photon counting detectors, etc.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of both experimental and theoretical (modeling) X-ray radiography and computed tomography (CT), including X-ray imaging
- High working knowledge and experience with various relevant X-ray and tomography systems
- M.S. degree (or higher) in nuclear engineering or a closely related field.
Job Description:
The Center for Nondestructive Evaluation (CNDE) at Iowa State University is seeking qualified candidates for a Research Scientist III position. CNDE partners closely with industrial and government sponsors who help guide research priorities and share results, ensuring that the work conducted directly addresses real-world challenges. With a long-standing history of providing cost-effective tools, solutions, and innovations for a variety of industrial sectors, this role will lead research in X-ray radiography, computed tomography (CT), and related imaging technologies. Candidates must bring extensive knowledge of experimental and modeling principles within these X-ray-based NDE domains.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and sustain a rigorous scholarly research program advancing X-ray and related nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods.
- Conduct modeling- and experimentation-based research, including materials characterization, while staying current on state-of-the-art NDE technologies.
- Lead and contribute to proposals for individual and collaborative sponsored research projects.
- Design, execute, and validate experimental and simulation studies, coordinating closely with sponsors and project teams.
- Perform exploratory investigations of novel X-ray methodologies based on sponsor needs.
- Prepare and deliver technical reports, presentations, and publications to meet contractual obligations.
- Publish research findings in refereed journals, conferences, proceedings, and other scholarly outlets.
- Engage with professional societies to advance visibility, collaboration, and professional service.
- Mentor and supervise students involved in sponsored research activities.
- Manage, maintain, and enhance CNDE’s X-ray laboratory equipment and facilities, including supporting funding efforts when needed.
- Ensure radiation safety compliance, maintain training procedures, and provide CT equipment support through fee-for-service when applicable.
- Support NDE education by teaching or assisting with courses involving X-ray components (e.g., MSE 4850 or similar).
- Serve as the primary point of contact for Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), coordinating training, documentation, and hazard assessments.
- Assist with laboratory safety oversight, including chemical waste coordination, SOP development, safety training, regulatory implementation, and corrective action.
- Collaborate with EH&S to conduct safety inspections and ensure full compliance across CNDE labs.
About the Center for Nondestructive Evaluation (CNDE)
CNDE at Iowa State University is a nationally recognized leader in nondestructive evaluation research, known for industry-driven innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact. Researchers at CNDE benefit from strong partnerships with government agencies and major industrial sponsors, access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities, and a supportive and highly collaborative work environment. Joining CNDE means becoming part of a mission-focused team dedicated to advancing NDE technologies, shaping the future of industry applications, and contributing to a culture of research excellence at a world-class university.
This position will be hired as a two-year term appointment (fixed term) with the opportunity for renewal based on funding.
Applications received by April 25, 2026, will receive guaranteed consideration; however, the position will remain open until it is filled.
Example Duties
- Develop, design and conduct one or more complex research projects of high complexity, review progress and evaluate results.
- Formulate research methods and suggest options for improving quality, identify potential problems, recommend and implement solutions, and collaborate in the development of new techniques.
- Act as a co-author and as a principal investigator.
- Recommend program direction.
- Train users in equipment operation and laboratory techniques, explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operations, limitations and outcomes.
- Coordinate data collection and screening and verify the data.
- Analyze data, interpret and implement research methodology based on outcome of analysis.
- Supervise a small work group as appropriate.
Level Guidelines
- This is a senior-level position for someone possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and CNDE goals.
- As such, this scientist is expected to:
- Apply senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
- Exercise judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
- Respond to complicated inquiries, provide training, and provide direction to lower-level staff
- Provide supervision, as appropriate, for one to two other staff (i.e., lead a small work team)
- Lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
- Provide guidance to students
Appointment Type: Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term: April 30, 2028
Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
Time Type: Full time
Pay Grade: PS810
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) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
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.
Why Choose ISU?
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
Original Posting Date: March 25, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number: R18868
Research Scientist Job Roles in Iowa
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Search Research Scientist Jobs in IowaResearch Scientist Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for research scientists in Iowa?
Universities are among the most consistent visa sponsors for research scientists in Iowa. The University of Iowa and Iowa State University regularly sponsor H-1B visas for research faculty and postdoctoral researchers. In the private sector, agricultural biotechnology companies operating in the Ames and Des Moines corridors, along with life sciences firms, have documented histories of sponsoring international researchers through H-1B and O-1 petitions.
Which visa types are most common for research scientist roles in Iowa?
The H-1B is the most common visa for research scientists in Iowa, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field. University-employed researchers may also encounter J-1 exchange visitor status for postdoctoral positions. Candidates with exceptional records in their field sometimes pursue the O-1A, which is not subject to the annual H-1B lottery.
Which cities in Iowa have the most research scientist sponsorship jobs?
Ames and Iowa City account for the largest share of research scientist sponsorship activity in Iowa, driven by Iowa State University and the University of Iowa respectively. Des Moines has a growing presence in life sciences and agricultural technology that supports additional research hiring. Smaller but notable research activity exists near Cedar Rapids, where food science and agribusiness companies maintain research operations.
How to find research scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it easier to identify research scientist openings in Iowa without sorting through roles that do not offer sponsorship. You can search by role and state to surface positions at Iowa universities, agricultural biotech firms, and life sciences employers that have actively sponsored international researchers. This saves significant time compared to reviewing employer career pages individually.
Are there state-specific considerations for research scientists pursuing sponsorship in Iowa?
Iowa's research hiring is heavily tied to agriculture, veterinary science, and food technology, so candidates with expertise in those disciplines tend to find more relevant openings than those in fields like finance or urban tech. University positions often come with more structured sponsorship processes than private employers. Prevailing wage requirements apply statewide and are determined by the Department of Labor based on the specific role, level, and work location.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research scientist 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.
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