Research Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Montana
Research visa sponsorship jobs in Montana are concentrated at institutions like the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana State University in Bozeman, and federal research facilities including those tied to Yellowstone's ecosystem science programs. Employers in agricultural research, environmental science, and biomedical fields actively sponsor H-1B visa and J-1 visas for qualified international candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Spectrum Lab is an interdisciplinary MSU research center established in 1999 and reports to the Vice-President of Research and Economic Development (VPRED). It is dedicated to innovation in applied optics and photonics with a three-fold mission to:
- Develop and help commercialize Montana grown opto-electronic technologies.
- Transfer and develop technologies to Montana companies.
- Provide enhanced educational, research, and employment opportunities for Montana undergraduate and graduate students.
Spectrum Lab’s location close to the MSU-Bozeman campus and in close proximity to spin-off companies and other local industry facilitates collaboration with MSU faculty and researchers and our local industry partners. The lab has several research grants and contracts in the areas of remote sensing, coherent imaging, and optical signal processing with average annual expenditures of roughly $1.5M.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Conduct, report, and publish (when applicable) scientific/engineering research projects in applied optics, photonics and quantum technologies, including conducting independent research, conducting research as a team member, and leading a team of researchers.
* Supervise teams of undergraduate and graduate student researchers on research projects, including assigning tasks, providing technical assistance and advice, and following up on task completion and reporting.
* Depending on the positions title, individual experience and qualification, collaborate with research teams to develop new areas of applied optics, quantum optics and photonics research and actively contribute to obtaining funding through successful research proposals as a key contributor on the proposed work.
* Interact productively with research team, with MSU faculty, or with local companies with the goal of developing and/or helping to commercialize new technologies.
* Execute assignments and tasks that are specialized and advanced in nature with minimum supervision.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS – EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Research Associate:
Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with documentation of 2 or more years of research/laboratory experience in applied optics or quantum technology either in an academic institution or industry OR* Master’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with documentation of research experience (academic or industrial) in photonics applications or quantum technology.
* Successful record of research or professional experience in the areas of Experimental Microwave Photonics, Optomechanics, Quantum Communications and Quantum networks, Nonlinear optics or Fiber and Free-space Optics, rare-earth doped solids, Optical signal processing.
Research Scientist/Engineer:
Master’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with documentation of 3 or more years of experience (academic or industrial) in experimental or applied optics and original work in experimental or applied photonics, and a record of leadership in the execution and conduct of externally (e.g., government) funded research programs in optics, OR* Ph.D. degree (including recently awarded) in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with documentation of original work in experimental or applied optics and demonstrated potential for leadership in the acquisition and conduct of externally (e.g., government) funded research programs in optics.
* Successful record of research or professional experience in the areas of Experimental Quantum Optics, Quantum Communications and Quantum Networks, Nonlinear Optics, Fiber and Free-space Optics, rare-earth doped solids, and Optical Signal Processing.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS – EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
* Record of scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals, patents, or presentations at technical conferences.
* Have demonstrated the ability to actively and significantly contributed to the development of an innovative and externally funded research or development program.
* Record of successfully completing and documenting research or development projects.
* Demonstrated business development skills in research and development.
* Good theoretical skills as demonstrated in academic work, technical writing, or work products.
* Demonstrated experience in the use of technical and experimental computer software (such as MATLAB, Python, Mathematica, LabView).
* Demonstrated experience in conducting hands-on experimental research, including skills in electronics and optics.
* Demonstrated ability in successful technical project management.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL
* Work productively in a professional manner, both autonomously and as a member of a team, prioritizing work in a challenging environment with many demands.
* Interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with colleagues in academia and private companies.
* Effective written and oral communication skills, publishing results of research in conference proceedings or possess the ability to handle and control material of a sensitive nature.
* Actively propose and significantly contribute to the development of innovative and externally funded research projects.
* Leadership potential and capabilities.
* Ability and desire to significantly contribute to the research missions of Spectrum Lab and the objectives of the grants and contracts.
* Have demonstrated ability to maintain effective attention to detail, to meet deadlines, and to well document and maintain thorough records of their work.
* Ability and desire to work with and engage a wide range of individuals on campus and in the larger research community, including faculty, research staff, students, and colleagues in academia and private companies.
POSITION SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position includes working in a facility with controlled research restrictions; therefore, applicants have to be U.S. citizens to be eligible for the positions. The positions involve working with, handling, and controlling sensitive information.
Continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funding.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
THIS POSITION HAS SUPERVISORY DUTIES? Yes
POSTING DETAIL INFORMATION
Number of Vacancies Multiple Positions
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on August 5, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
This position includes working in a facility with controlled research restrictions; therefore, applicants have to be U.S. citizens to be eligible for the positions. The position involves working with, handling, and controlling sensitive information.
EEO STATEMENT
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
INTRODUCTION
Spectrum Lab is an interdisciplinary MSU research center established in 1999 and reports to the Vice-President of Research and Economic Development (VPRED). It is dedicated to innovation in applied optics and photonics with a three-fold mission to:
- Develop and help commercialize Montana grown opto-electronic technologies.
- Transfer and develop technologies to Montana companies.
- Provide enhanced educational, research, and employment opportunities for Montana undergraduate and graduate students.
Spectrum Lab’s location close to the MSU-Bozeman campus and in close proximity to spin-off companies and other local industry facilitates collaboration with MSU faculty and researchers and our local industry partners. The lab has several research grants and contracts in the areas of remote sensing, coherent imaging, and optical signal processing with average annual expenditures of roughly $1.5M.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Conduct, report, and publish (when applicable) scientific/engineering research projects in applied optics, photonics and quantum technologies, including conducting independent research, conducting research as a team member, and leading a team of researchers.
* Supervise teams of undergraduate and graduate student researchers on research projects, including assigning tasks, providing technical assistance and advice, and following up on task completion and reporting.
* Depending on the positions title, individual experience and qualification, collaborate with research teams to develop new areas of applied optics, quantum optics and photonics research and actively contribute to obtaining funding through successful research proposals as a key contributor on the proposed work.
* Interact productively with research team, with MSU faculty, or with local companies with the goal of developing and/or helping to commercialize new technologies.
* Execute assignments and tasks that are specialized and advanced in nature with minimum supervision.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS – EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Research Associate:
Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with documentation of 2 or more years of research/laboratory experience in applied optics or quantum technology either in an academic institution or industry OR* Master’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with documentation of research experience (academic or industrial) in photonics applications or quantum technology.
* Successful record of research or professional experience in the areas of Experimental Microwave Photonics, Optomechanics, Quantum Communications and Quantum networks, Nonlinear optics or Fiber and Free-space Optics, rare-earth doped solids, Optical signal processing.
Research Scientist/Engineer:
Master’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with documentation of 3 or more years of experience (academic or industrial) in experimental or applied optics and original work in experimental or applied photonics, and a record of leadership in the execution and conduct of externally (e.g., government) funded research programs in optics, OR* Ph.D. degree (including recently awarded) in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with documentation of original work in experimental or applied optics and demonstrated potential for leadership in the acquisition and conduct of externally (e.g., government) funded research programs in optics.
* Successful record of research or professional experience in the areas of Experimental Quantum Optics, Quantum Communications and Quantum Networks, Nonlinear Optics, Fiber and Free-space Optics, rare-earth doped solids, and Optical Signal Processing.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS – EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
* Record of scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals, patents, or presentations at technical conferences.
* Have demonstrated the ability to actively and significantly contributed to the development of an innovative and externally funded research or development program.
* Record of successfully completing and documenting research or development projects.
* Demonstrated business development skills in research and development.
* Good theoretical skills as demonstrated in academic work, technical writing, or work products.
* Demonstrated experience in the use of technical and experimental computer software (such as MATLAB, Python, Mathematica, LabView).
* Demonstrated experience in conducting hands-on experimental research, including skills in electronics and optics.
* Demonstrated ability in successful technical project management.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL
* Work productively in a professional manner, both autonomously and as a member of a team, prioritizing work in a challenging environment with many demands.
* Interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with colleagues in academia and private companies.
* Effective written and oral communication skills, publishing results of research in conference proceedings or possess the ability to handle and control material of a sensitive nature.
* Actively propose and significantly contribute to the development of innovative and externally funded research projects.
* Leadership potential and capabilities.
* Ability and desire to significantly contribute to the research missions of Spectrum Lab and the objectives of the grants and contracts.
* Have demonstrated ability to maintain effective attention to detail, to meet deadlines, and to well document and maintain thorough records of their work.
* Ability and desire to work with and engage a wide range of individuals on campus and in the larger research community, including faculty, research staff, students, and colleagues in academia and private companies.
POSITION SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position includes working in a facility with controlled research restrictions; therefore, applicants have to be U.S. citizens to be eligible for the positions. The positions involve working with, handling, and controlling sensitive information.
Continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funding.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
THIS POSITION HAS SUPERVISORY DUTIES? Yes
POSTING DETAIL INFORMATION
Number of Vacancies Multiple Positions
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on August 5, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
This position includes working in a facility with controlled research restrictions; therefore, applicants have to be U.S. citizens to be eligible for the positions. The position involves working with, handling, and controlling sensitive information.
EEO STATEMENT
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Research Job Roles in Montana
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Search Research Jobs in MontanaResearch Jobs in Montana: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and institutions sponsor visas for research roles in Montana?
The primary sponsors for research positions in Montana are universities and federal agencies. The University of Montana and Montana State University regularly file H-1B and J-1 petitions for research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and lab specialists. Federal agencies with Montana field operations, including the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Forest Service, also sponsor research staff, particularly in ecology, hydrology, and natural resource sciences.
Which visa types are most common for research roles in Montana?
The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa is widely used for postdoctoral researchers and visiting scientists at Montana universities, typically sponsored through university exchange programs. The H-1B is the standard pathway for permanent research staff positions requiring a specialty degree. Some federal research roles may qualify for O-1 visas for researchers with demonstrated national or international recognition in their field.
Which cities in Montana have the most research visa sponsorship jobs?
Bozeman and Missoula generate the most research sponsorship activity in Montana. Bozeman is home to Montana State University, which has active research programs in engineering, agriculture, and life sciences. Missoula hosts the University of Montana with strengths in environmental science, forestry, and biomedical research. Helena sees occasional federal research roles tied to state government agencies and conservation programs.
How to find research visa sponsorship jobs in Montana?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship eligibility, making it straightforward to find research roles in Montana that employers have indicated they will sponsor. You can narrow results by state and role type to surface positions at Montana universities, federal agencies, and private research organizations. This avoids sorting through listings where sponsorship availability is unclear or unstated.
Are there any state-specific considerations for research sponsorship jobs in Montana?
Montana's research hiring is heavily tied to its university systems and natural resource sectors, meaning demand spikes around federal grant cycles and academic hiring seasons, typically late fall through spring. Prevailing wage determinations for Montana research roles reflect a lower cost-of-living market compared to coastal states, which can affect H-1B wage compliance calculations. Researchers in ecology, agriculture, and geology tend to find the strongest concentration of sponsoring employers in the state.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research jobs in Montana?
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.