Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
Iowa's scientist job market spans agricultural biotechnology in the Des Moines corridor, federal research at Ames Laboratory, and life sciences work at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. Major employers including Pioneer (Corteva), Iowa State University Research Park tenants, and regional biotech firms have consistent histories of H-1B visa sponsorship for qualified scientists.
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INTRODUCTION
The Department of Pathology is seeking an Assistant Research Scientist to investigate the mechanisms of how A-FABP and E-FABP regulate cell metabolism and intracellular signaling pathways in cells from various types of disease models like obesity, cancer, and psoriasis. Tasks include the design and performance of assigned research projects and obtaining high-quality data in each individual study. Tasks also include management of laboratory protocols, training, and collaboration of laboratory personnel, including students, post-doctoral fellows, and technicians. This position is 100% time.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Cell culture for cell lines, primary immune cells like BMDC, BMDM, establishing cell lines of stable gene expression or knockout using CRISPR technique
- Preparation of single cell suspension from tissues
- Highly skilled on real-time PCR, western blotting, RNAi
- Perform antibody generation, isolation, and purification
- Perform ELISA from serum and supernatant
- Perform Immunofluorescence staining using cells and tissues
- Maintenance of mouse colonies and genotyping with the assistance of a technician
- Prepare, perform, and analyze samples using multi-color flow cytometry
- Troubleshoot issues for experimental procedures and updates as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ph.D. in Immunology
- At least 1 year of postdoctoral experience in Immunology or cancer-related field
- Demonstration of strong ability to independently design, optimize, and perform experiments, establishing experimental protocols to solve scientific questions
- Evidence with a record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Experience of establishing a national presence with talks, abstract presentations, and/or participation at professional meetings
- Excellent communication skills and integrating positive effort to teamwork
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 3 years of postdoctoral experience in Immunology or cancer-related field
- Prior experience with developing mouse models on high fat diet/tumor implantation, and compliance with IACUC regulations is highly desired
- Highly skilled in multi-color flow cytometry to identify immune cells (T cell, macrophages) is highly desired
- Standard molecular biological and immunological techniques is highly desired
POSITION AND APPLICATION DETAILS:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact Brenda Carey via email at brenda-carey@uiowa.edu.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Classification Title: Asst Research Scientist/Engin
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
COMPENSATION
- Pay Level: 5
- Starting Salary Minimum: $56,697
- Starting Salary Maximum: Commensurate
CONTACT INFORMATION
- Organization: Healthcare
- Contact Name: Brenda Carey
- Contact Email: brenda-carey@uiowa.edu
Scientist Job Roles in Iowa
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Search Scientist Jobs in IowaScientist Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for scientists in Iowa?
Corteva Agriscience (formerly Pioneer Hi-Bred) is one of Iowa's most active H-1B sponsors for research scientist roles, particularly in Johnston. Iowa State University and the University of Iowa regularly sponsor scientists in academic and research positions. The Ames Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy facility, also employs sponsored researchers. Smaller biotech and agricultural science firms in the Des Moines metro and Iowa City areas also have sponsorship histories.
Which visa types are most common for scientist roles in Iowa?
The H-1B is the most common visa for scientist positions in Iowa, covering roles in agricultural research, life sciences, and materials science that require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. University and federal lab positions sometimes use J-1 visa exchange visitor status for postdoctoral researchers. Scientists with extraordinary ability may qualify for the O-1A. Permanent residency pathways like EB-2 and EB-3 are also frequently used by Iowa research employers.
Which cities in Iowa have the most scientist sponsorship jobs?
Ames is Iowa's primary research hub, anchored by Iowa State University and Ames Laboratory, generating consistent demand for sponsored scientists in agriculture, chemistry, and physics. Des Moines and its northern suburbs, particularly Johnston, concentrate agricultural biotech roles at Corteva and related firms. Iowa City supports life sciences and clinical research positions through the University of Iowa. Cedar Rapids has a smaller but active presence in food science and industrial research.
How to find scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate filters scientist job listings in Iowa specifically to roles where employers have demonstrated sponsorship willingness, saving you from sorting through positions that won't support a visa. You can search by discipline, whether agricultural science, life sciences, or materials research, and focus on the Ames, Des Moines, and Iowa City markets where sponsorship activity is highest. Creating a profile on Migrate Mate helps match you to Iowa openings aligned with your research background.
Are there any Iowa-specific factors scientists should know about visa sponsorship?
Iowa's scientist hiring is heavily concentrated in agricultural and food sciences, reflecting the state's economy. Many sponsored roles are tied to university or federal lab affiliations, which can simplify the sponsorship process since these institutions have established immigration infrastructure. The prevailing wage for scientist positions is determined by the Department of Labor and varies by specialty and location within Iowa, so urban centers like Des Moines typically reflect higher wage determinations than rural postings.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored 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.