Research Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Minnesota
Minnesota's research scientist job market centers on the Twin Cities metro, where employers like Mayo Clinic, 3M, University of Minnesota, and Medtronic have established strong international hiring pipelines. From biomedical research in Rochester to agricultural science near St. Paul, Minnesota offers research scientist roles across multiple disciplines with documented visa sponsorship history.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Lions Gift of Sight (LGS) is seeking a motivated and skilled Research Scientist to join the Research and Development team. LGS aims to bridge the gap between bench research and clinical application, driving innovation to improve patient outcomes in ophthalmology. Ideal candidates are laboratory scientists with a robust background in stem cell research and a passion for advancing eye health through innovation and translational science.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities:
85% Research Activities and Project Management
- Lead translational research projects, including designing and conducting experiments, performing advanced statistical data analyses, contributing to progress reports, and preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
- Assist LGS R&D Director and Medical Director to develop and document IRB, IACUC, and IBC study protocols.
- Support the submission of internal and external funding applications and grant proposals.
- Disseminate research findings through presentations at scientific conferences, departmental meetings, and university-wide events.
5% General Laboratory Maintenance
- Perform rotations of essential laboratory maintenance tasks, including managing research supply inventories and performing routine instrument and surgical instrument care. Responsible for maintaining a safe and sterile working environment and uphold safety and operational standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, stem cell biology, or a related life science field, with a minimum of 3 years of lab experience.
- Hands-on experience working with iPSC and small animals (mice, rats, and/or rabbits).
- Proficiency in cellular and molecular biology techniques, including FACS, ELISA, qRT-PCR, primary cell culture, immunostaining, and fluorescence microscopy.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrated through symposium presentations, manuscript authorship, and grant writing.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Expertise in optimizing ophthalmic disease models in animals and primary cell culture systems.
- Experience in RNAseq and gene expression profiling study.
- Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and/or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Experience in preparing and submitting IRB and IACUC protocols.
LOCATION
Location: Saint Paul, MN (100% In-Person)
Schedule & Availability: This is a full-time, Monday-to-Friday position that requires occasional weekend and evening hours.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
INTRODUCTION
Lions Gift of Sight (LGS) is seeking a motivated and skilled Research Scientist to join the Research and Development team. LGS aims to bridge the gap between bench research and clinical application, driving innovation to improve patient outcomes in ophthalmology. Ideal candidates are laboratory scientists with a robust background in stem cell research and a passion for advancing eye health through innovation and translational science.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities:
85% Research Activities and Project Management
- Lead translational research projects, including designing and conducting experiments, performing advanced statistical data analyses, contributing to progress reports, and preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
- Assist LGS R&D Director and Medical Director to develop and document IRB, IACUC, and IBC study protocols.
- Support the submission of internal and external funding applications and grant proposals.
- Disseminate research findings through presentations at scientific conferences, departmental meetings, and university-wide events.
5% General Laboratory Maintenance
- Perform rotations of essential laboratory maintenance tasks, including managing research supply inventories and performing routine instrument and surgical instrument care. Responsible for maintaining a safe and sterile working environment and uphold safety and operational standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, stem cell biology, or a related life science field, with a minimum of 3 years of lab experience.
- Hands-on experience working with iPSC and small animals (mice, rats, and/or rabbits).
- Proficiency in cellular and molecular biology techniques, including FACS, ELISA, qRT-PCR, primary cell culture, immunostaining, and fluorescence microscopy.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrated through symposium presentations, manuscript authorship, and grant writing.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Expertise in optimizing ophthalmic disease models in animals and primary cell culture systems.
- Experience in RNAseq and gene expression profiling study.
- Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and/or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Experience in preparing and submitting IRB and IACUC protocols.
LOCATION
Location: Saint Paul, MN (100% In-Person)
Schedule & Availability: This is a full-time, Monday-to-Friday position that requires occasional weekend and evening hours.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
Research Scientist Job Roles in Minnesota
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Search Research Scientist Jobs in MinnesotaResearch Scientist Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for research scientists in Minnesota?
Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota are among the most active sponsors for research scientist roles in Minnesota, with strong track records across biomedical, clinical, and life sciences. 3M sponsors research scientists in materials science and chemical engineering at its Maplewood headquarters. Medtronic, Cargill, and smaller biotech firms in the Twin Cities metro also appear regularly in Department of Labor sponsorship filings for research-level positions.
Which visa types are most common for research scientist roles in Minnesota?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa category for research scientists in Minnesota, covering roles that require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific scientific or technical field. University-affiliated researchers frequently work on J-1 visas through exchange visitor programs. Highly accomplished scientists may qualify for the O-1A, and those with advanced degrees pursuing a national interest waiver can self-petition through the EB-2 NIW immigrant visa pathway.
Which cities in Minnesota have the most research scientist sponsorship jobs?
The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area accounts for the largest share of research scientist sponsorship activity in Minnesota, driven by the University of Minnesota, Medtronic, 3M, and Cargill. Rochester is a significant secondary hub due to Mayo Clinic's extensive research division. Smaller concentrations exist near St. Paul in agricultural and food science research, tied to companies with Midwest agricultural R&D operations.
How to find research scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Minnesota?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers and filters research scientist roles in Minnesota by verified visa sponsorship history, saving significant time compared to unfiltered searches. You can browse active openings from employers like Mayo Clinic, 3M, and University of Minnesota research departments directly on Migrate Mate, which sources positions from employers with documented sponsorship patterns rather than requiring you to screen hundreds of listings manually.
Are there any Minnesota-specific considerations for research scientists seeking visa sponsorship?
Minnesota's large academic medical complex and the presence of major life science employers create a competitive but well-established international hiring environment. Research scientists applying to university positions should understand that academic institutions often sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas through institutional umbrella agreements, which can streamline processing. DOL prevailing wage determinations for research scientist roles in the Twin Cities metro reflect the region's strong demand for specialized scientific talent.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research scientist jobs in Minnesota?
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.