Research Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Maryland
Maryland's research scientist jobs are concentrated in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, with major employers including Johns Hopkins University, the National Institutes of Health, University of Maryland, and federal contractors like Leidos and SAIC. The state's deep ties to biomedical research, defense science, and federal health agencies make it one of the strongest markets for sponsored research roles in the country.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) invites applications for a post-doctoral position to work with Dr. Janice Lee and her research groups on observational studies of star and cluster formation, stellar evolution, star formation feedback, the multi-phase interstellar medium, and stellar populations of nearby star-forming galaxies.
The successful applicant will have opportunities to lead research in this broad range of topics, and contribute to the scientific foundation of mission development for NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). The research will connect two complementary efforts: (1) using the rich multiwavelength datasets from PHANGS (Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS), including HST and JWST observations, to investigate star cluster formation and evolution and constrain stellar feedback processes in nearby galaxies; and (2) using representative observing programs to establish how potential HWO capabilities can enable the next generation of star formation and stellar population studies.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Science, or a related field by the start of the appointment. Expertise in one or more of the following areas is desirable:
- reduction and analysis of space-based imaging data, particularly from HST or JWST
- spectroscopy in the UV, optical, or infrared
- resolved stellar populations and star clusters
- the interstellar medium and stellar feedback
- multiwavelength photometry and stellar population modeling
- planning astronomical observations and evaluating the telescope capabilities needed to achieve science goals
Applicants are not expected to have experience in all of these areas.
Above all, we value: scientific curiosity, initiative, and the ability to bring new ideas to a project, learn new skills, and carry research through to publication, both independently and in collaboration with others.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The position may begin as early as February 2026, and the start date is negotiable. The initial appointment is for two years, with an expected renewal to a 3rd year subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
STScI, located on Johns Hopkins University Campus in Baltimore, Maryland, offers an excellent benefit package, competitive salaries, and a stimulating work environment. STScI’s pay is commensurate to the year of Ph.D. STScI supports a postdoc mentoring program to help develop academic and professional skills to prepare the applicant for future job opportunities.
The successful applicant will benefit from a stimulating work environment rich in colloquia, journal clubs, symposia, and learning opportunities related to the missions supported by STScI (HST, JWST, Roman).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Any questions about the position should be directed to jlee@stsci.edu.
Please ONLY use this link to submit your on-line application:
https://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/91894
The following materials will be requested in PDF format: a brief cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and a concise (1-3 page) statement of research interests, accomplishments, and relevant technical experience.
Complete applications received by December 15, 2026, will receive full consideration. Also, applicants must provide names and email addresses for three confidential letters of reference. Reference letters will be collected by the same date via the on-line application system. Reference #: HRC0017216
Questions regarding the application process can be sent directly to careers@stsci.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
INTRODUCTION
The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) invites applications for a post-doctoral position to work with Dr. Janice Lee and her research groups on observational studies of star and cluster formation, stellar evolution, star formation feedback, the multi-phase interstellar medium, and stellar populations of nearby star-forming galaxies.
The successful applicant will have opportunities to lead research in this broad range of topics, and contribute to the scientific foundation of mission development for NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). The research will connect two complementary efforts: (1) using the rich multiwavelength datasets from PHANGS (Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS), including HST and JWST observations, to investigate star cluster formation and evolution and constrain stellar feedback processes in nearby galaxies; and (2) using representative observing programs to establish how potential HWO capabilities can enable the next generation of star formation and stellar population studies.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Planetary Science, or a related field by the start of the appointment. Expertise in one or more of the following areas is desirable:
- reduction and analysis of space-based imaging data, particularly from HST or JWST
- spectroscopy in the UV, optical, or infrared
- resolved stellar populations and star clusters
- the interstellar medium and stellar feedback
- multiwavelength photometry and stellar population modeling
- planning astronomical observations and evaluating the telescope capabilities needed to achieve science goals
Applicants are not expected to have experience in all of these areas.
Above all, we value: scientific curiosity, initiative, and the ability to bring new ideas to a project, learn new skills, and carry research through to publication, both independently and in collaboration with others.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The position may begin as early as February 2026, and the start date is negotiable. The initial appointment is for two years, with an expected renewal to a 3rd year subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
STScI, located on Johns Hopkins University Campus in Baltimore, Maryland, offers an excellent benefit package, competitive salaries, and a stimulating work environment. STScI’s pay is commensurate to the year of Ph.D. STScI supports a postdoc mentoring program to help develop academic and professional skills to prepare the applicant for future job opportunities.
The successful applicant will benefit from a stimulating work environment rich in colloquia, journal clubs, symposia, and learning opportunities related to the missions supported by STScI (HST, JWST, Roman).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Any questions about the position should be directed to jlee@stsci.edu.
Please ONLY use this link to submit your on-line application:
https://stsci.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/91894
The following materials will be requested in PDF format: a brief cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and a concise (1-3 page) statement of research interests, accomplishments, and relevant technical experience.
Complete applications received by December 15, 2026, will receive full consideration. Also, applicants must provide names and email addresses for three confidential letters of reference. Reference letters will be collected by the same date via the on-line application system. Reference #: HRC0017216
Questions regarding the application process can be sent directly to careers@stsci.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Research Scientist Job Roles in Maryland
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Search Research Scientist Jobs in MarylandResearch Scientist Jobs in Maryland: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for research scientists in Maryland?
Johns Hopkins University and its affiliated medical institutions are among the most active sponsors, alongside the University of Maryland system. Federal contractors such as Leidos, SAIC, and Booz Allen Hamilton sponsor research scientists in defense and cybersecurity fields. Pharmaceutical and biotech firms including AstraZeneca and Emergent BioSolutions also have Maryland operations with documented sponsorship histories for research roles.
Which visa types are most common for research scientist roles in Maryland?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for research scientists in Maryland, covering roles that require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific specialty field such as biology, chemistry, or computer science. Universities and nonprofit research institutions can file H-1B petitions year-round as cap-exempt employers, which is a meaningful advantage in Maryland given the concentration of academic and federally funded research organizations. The O-1A is another pathway for scientists with demonstrated research distinction.
Which cities in Maryland have the most research scientist sponsorship jobs?
Baltimore is the primary hub, driven by Johns Hopkins, the University of Maryland Medical System, and a dense cluster of biotech firms in the Biopharque complex. Rockville and Gaithersburg in Montgomery County form a second major center, home to the NIH campus, FDA headquarters, and numerous life sciences companies. College Park, Bethesda, and Frederick also see consistent research scientist hiring with sponsorship activity.
How to find research scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Maryland?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers and filters research scientist roles in Maryland by visa sponsorship eligibility, saving you from sorting through positions that won't support your work authorization. Given that Maryland employers range from large federal contractors to university research labs, using Migrate Mate to filter by employer type and location helps you focus on organizations with an established sponsorship track record in the life sciences and defense research sectors.
Are there state-specific factors research scientists should know before applying for sponsored roles in Maryland?
Maryland's research scientist market is heavily shaped by federal funding cycles. Roles at institutions tied to NIH, FDA, or Department of Defense contracts can have hiring timelines that shift with federal budget approvals. Many university positions are cap-exempt for H-1B purposes, which means sponsorship can proceed outside the annual lottery. Candidates with PhDs in biomedical, computational, or physical sciences are particularly competitive given the academic and federal research concentration in the state.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research scientist jobs in Maryland?
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.