Research Assistant Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Kentucky
Kentucky's research assistant jobs are concentrated at major research universities like the University of Kentucky in Lexington and the University of Louisville, alongside healthcare systems and federal research facilities. These institutions regularly hire international candidates and have established visa sponsorship infrastructure, making Kentucky a practical destination for research assistant roles across life sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Research Assistant
Requisition Number: RE54020
Department Name: 7H180:Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 40
Salary Range: $15.30-24.50/hour
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education:
BS
Required Related Experience:
1 yr
Required License/Registration/Certification:
None
Physical Requirements:
Occasional lifting / carrying of objects up to 20 lbs. Regular repetitive motion and sitting or standing for prolonged periods.
Shift:
Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Job Summary:
The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry seeks a Research Assistant to join the lab of Dr. Betsy Schock. The lab uses vertebrate animal models to understand the embryonic origins for craniofacial birth defects. The successful applicant should be highly motivated to contribute to research and have previous laboratory experience with standard molecular biology techniques. Previous experience with an animal model system is preferred. Organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow directions are desired for this position.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities:
Email, Excel, MS windows or Mac
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree with at least one year (full time) lab experience
Deadline to Apply:
05/05/2026
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.
Job Title: Research Assistant
Requisition Number: RE54020
Department Name: 7H180:Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 40
Salary Range: $15.30-24.50/hour
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education:
BS
Required Related Experience:
1 yr
Required License/Registration/Certification:
None
Physical Requirements:
Occasional lifting / carrying of objects up to 20 lbs. Regular repetitive motion and sitting or standing for prolonged periods.
Shift:
Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Job Summary:
The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry seeks a Research Assistant to join the lab of Dr. Betsy Schock. The lab uses vertebrate animal models to understand the embryonic origins for craniofacial birth defects. The successful applicant should be highly motivated to contribute to research and have previous laboratory experience with standard molecular biology techniques. Previous experience with an animal model system is preferred. Organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow directions are desired for this position.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities:
Email, Excel, MS windows or Mac
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree with at least one year (full time) lab experience
Deadline to Apply:
05/05/2026
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.
Research Assistant Job Roles in Kentucky
See all 25+ Research Assistant Jobs in Kentucky
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Search Research Assistant Jobs in KentuckyResearch Assistant Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and institutions sponsor visas for research assistants in Kentucky?
The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville are the most active sponsors for research assistant positions in the state, supported by their large research portfolios across medicine, engineering, and agriculture. UK HealthCare, the Veterans Affairs medical center in Lexington, and private research organizations like the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation also have documented histories of sponsoring international research staff.
Which visa types are most common for research assistant roles in Kentucky?
The H-1B is the most common work visa for research assistants in specialty occupation roles requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. J-1 visas are widely used for postdoctoral researchers and visiting scholars at Kentucky universities. F-1 OPT and STEM OPT extensions also cover many research assistant positions, particularly for recent graduates already studying in the U.S.
How to find research assistant visa sponsorship jobs in Kentucky?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship status, so you can search research assistant roles in Kentucky without sorting through positions that won't support international candidates. Kentucky's university-heavy job market means many openings appear through academic hiring cycles, so checking Migrate Mate regularly around spring and fall recruitment periods improves your chances of finding active postings.
Which cities in Kentucky have the most research assistant sponsorship jobs?
Lexington leads the state by a significant margin, driven by the University of Kentucky's large research enterprise and its affiliated medical center. Louisville is the second major hub, with the University of Louisville, Norton Healthcare, and a growing biotech presence generating consistent demand. Smaller research activity exists in Bowling Green through Western Kentucky University, but the Lexington-Louisville corridor accounts for most sponsored positions.
Are there any Kentucky-specific considerations for research assistant visa sponsorship?
Kentucky's research assistant market is heavily university-driven, which means hiring is tied to grant funding cycles rather than continuous open enrollment. Positions funded by federal grants through agencies like the NIH or NSF often have more structured sponsorship processes. Candidates should confirm whether a role is grant-funded before applying, as funding timelines can affect the start date and duration of employment, both of which are relevant to visa petition planning.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored 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.
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