Laboratory Research Assistant Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Kentucky
Laboratory research assistant visa sponsorship jobs in Kentucky are concentrated at major research universities and medical centers, including the University of Kentucky in Lexington and the University of Louisville. Employers across these institutions and affiliated research hospitals actively hire international candidates for bench science, biological, and chemical laboratory support roles.
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Job Title: Research Assistant
Requisition Number: DU15215
Department Name: 8M500:School of Information Science
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Salary Range: $15.00 / hour
Type of Position: Student
Position Time Status: Part-Time
Required Education
Current UK graduate student. Graduate students from all disciplines, including library science, communication, education, and others are welcome to apply.
Required Related Experience
N/A
Required License/Registration/Certification
N/A
Physical Requirements
Sitting for long periods of time at a computer.
Shift
10 hours per week.
Job Summary
A faculty member in the School of Information Science is seeking to hire an hourly graduate student assistant to provide support for journal editorial duties and various research projects during the Spring 2027 semester.
Responsibilities include assisting with: identification of potential reviewers for journal manuscripts; manuscript copy editing; analysis of qualitative and quantitative data; manuscript preparation; and other duties as assigned.
To apply, submit cover letter and resume/CV detailing how you meet the preferred skills/knowledge/abilities outlined below. Please contact sarah.barriage@uky.edu with any questions.
Position is remote.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Interest in the scholarly publishing process; Interest in survey, qualitative, and/or arts-based research; Interest in research with and/or library services for children and youth; Attention to detail; Ability to work independently; Excellent communication skills.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
Prior experience in conducting/assisting with empirical research, including the use of Qualtrics, is preferred but not required. If not already completed, human subjects research training and research security training required by the university must be completed within two weeks of employment.
Deadline to Apply: 11/30/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Laboratory Research Assistant Job Roles in Kentucky
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Search Laboratory Research Assistant Jobs in KentuckyLaboratory Research Assistant Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and institutions sponsor visas for laboratory research assistants in Kentucky?
The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville are the most active sponsors for laboratory research assistant roles in the state, given their extensive research programs in life sciences, pharmacy, and medicine. UK HealthCare and Norton Healthcare in Louisville also support research assistant positions. Smaller biotechnology firms and contract research organizations in the Lexington and Louisville metro areas occasionally sponsor as well, though university employers account for the largest share of sponsorship activity.
Which visa types realistically apply to laboratory research assistant roles in Kentucky?
F-1 OPT and STEM OPT are common starting points for recent graduates with a STEM-designated degree, allowing work at sponsoring labs without employer-filed petitions. The H-1B visa applies if the role qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a directly related bachelor's degree. Canadian and Mexican citizens may qualify for TN visa status if the position is at a post-secondary educational institution and meets the USMCA Research Assistant criteria. J-1 visa exchange visitor status is another pathway, requiring a designated sponsor organization. EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship is possible for longer-term positions.
Which cities in Kentucky have the most laboratory research assistant sponsorship jobs?
Lexington is the primary hub, driven by the University of Kentucky's research enterprise spanning medicine, agriculture, and pharmaceutical sciences. Louisville is the second-largest market, with the University of Louisville, its affiliated medical complex, and a growing life sciences corridor supporting multiple research assistant openings. Smaller research activity exists near Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, though Lexington and Louisville collectively account for the overwhelming majority of sponsorship-eligible laboratory research assistant positions in the state.
How to find laboratory research assistant visa sponsorship jobs in Kentucky?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to search for laboratory research assistant visa sponsorship jobs specifically in Kentucky. The platform lists employers with verified sponsorship filing history, so you can focus your search on institutions and organizations that have already supported international hires in research roles. Filtering by Kentucky allows you to identify active opportunities at universities, medical centers, and research facilities without sorting through employers unlikely to sponsor.
Are there any state-specific considerations for laboratory research assistant sponsorship in Kentucky?
Kentucky's research employment is heavily tied to its flagship universities and academic medical centers, meaning many laboratory research assistant positions exist within a university or hospital system context. This is particularly relevant for TN visa applicants, since TN eligibility for research assistants under USMCA applies only at post-secondary educational institutions. Candidates targeting industry or private-sector labs should confirm the employer's sponsorship history and confirm the role qualifies as a specialty occupation before pursuing H-1B sponsorship through that employer.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored laboratory research assistant jobs in Kentucky?
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.