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 sponsorship for qualified scientists.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Element has a current opening for a Scientist I-III to join our growing team in North Liberty, IA. Scientists at Levels I–III contribute to contracted studies and internal research projects within the organization. This role involves designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, and supporting scientific innovation. Depending on level, individuals are expected to demonstrate increasing independence, technical expertise, and leadership in solving complex scientific problems.
Responsibilities
- Design, plan, and execute experiments for both contracted studies and internal research projects while ensuring compliance with quality standards, including adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Proactively identify gaps, inefficiencies, or areas for improvement in existing processes, methodologies, or SOPs, and propose practical, science-based solutions.
- Analyze experimental data and collaborate with IT teams to support data processing, storage, and reporting needs.
- Manage and oversee assigned laboratory testing, research, and development activities (level-dependent responsibility).
- Develop, review, and revise standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance study quality and operational efficiency.
- Apply critical thinking to evaluate novel methodologies, including non-standard antimicrobial tests and emerging technologies.
- Contribute to the preparation and review of client proposals, technical documents, and grant submissions.
- Ensure data integrity and compliance with study protocols through data review and quality checks.
- Participate in quality assurance activities, including review of reports, manuscripts, and study documentation.
- Prepare scientific reports, publications, and summaries of research findings.
- Present research results to internal stakeholders and scientific teams.
- Represent the organization at conferences and professional events.
- Maintain current knowledge of scientific, technical, and industry developments relevant to microbiology and research practices.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
Scientist I: Bachelor’s degree in scientific discipline (Microbiology preferred)
3–6 years of research and development experience
Laboratory experience in microbiology or related field preferred -
Scientist II: Bachelor’s degree with 5–8 years of relevant experience, or
Master’s or Ph.D. with 3–6 years of experience
Demonstrated ability to independently manage projects and analyze complex data
Laboratory experience in microbiology or related field preferred -
Scientist III: Master’s degree with 7–10 years of experience, or
Ph.D. with 5–8+ years of experience
Proven track record of leading research projects and developing innovative solutions
Strong experience in microbiology or related field preferred laboratory environments
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.
All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work-related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
“If you need an accommodation filling out an application, or applying to a job, please email Recruitment@element.com”
INTRODUCTION
Element has a current opening for a Scientist I-III to join our growing team in North Liberty, IA. Scientists at Levels I–III contribute to contracted studies and internal research projects within the organization. This role involves designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, and supporting scientific innovation. Depending on level, individuals are expected to demonstrate increasing independence, technical expertise, and leadership in solving complex scientific problems.
Responsibilities
- Design, plan, and execute experiments for both contracted studies and internal research projects while ensuring compliance with quality standards, including adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Proactively identify gaps, inefficiencies, or areas for improvement in existing processes, methodologies, or SOPs, and propose practical, science-based solutions.
- Analyze experimental data and collaborate with IT teams to support data processing, storage, and reporting needs.
- Manage and oversee assigned laboratory testing, research, and development activities (level-dependent responsibility).
- Develop, review, and revise standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance study quality and operational efficiency.
- Apply critical thinking to evaluate novel methodologies, including non-standard antimicrobial tests and emerging technologies.
- Contribute to the preparation and review of client proposals, technical documents, and grant submissions.
- Ensure data integrity and compliance with study protocols through data review and quality checks.
- Participate in quality assurance activities, including review of reports, manuscripts, and study documentation.
- Prepare scientific reports, publications, and summaries of research findings.
- Present research results to internal stakeholders and scientific teams.
- Represent the organization at conferences and professional events.
- Maintain current knowledge of scientific, technical, and industry developments relevant to microbiology and research practices.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
Scientist I: Bachelor’s degree in scientific discipline (Microbiology preferred)
3–6 years of research and development experience
Laboratory experience in microbiology or related field preferred -
Scientist II: Bachelor’s degree with 5–8 years of relevant experience, or
Master’s or Ph.D. with 3–6 years of experience
Demonstrated ability to independently manage projects and analyze complex data
Laboratory experience in microbiology or related field preferred -
Scientist III: Master’s degree with 7–10 years of experience, or
Ph.D. with 5–8+ years of experience
Proven track record of leading research projects and developing innovative solutions
Strong experience in microbiology or related field preferred laboratory environments
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.
All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work-related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
“If you need an accommodation filling out an application, or applying to a job, please email Recruitment@element.com”
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 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.
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