Research Associate Visa Sponsorship Jobs in South Carolina
South Carolina's research associate jobs are concentrated at major research universities like the University of South Carolina and Clemson University, along with biotech and life sciences employers in the Research Triangle corridor near the state's borders. Columbia and Greenville are the primary hiring hubs, with growing demand in pharmaceutical research, materials science, and public health.
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Get Access To All JobsPosting Number RTF00109PO26
USC Market Title Research Associate
Business Title (Internal Title) Research Associate
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division College of Engineering and Computing
Department CEC Mechanical Engineering
Anticipated Hiring Range $52,526 - $75,000
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 40
Work Schedule
* Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
* Schedule may change to meet the needs of the college
Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
Basis 12 months
Job Search Category Other Professional
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below
The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
South Carolina Retirement Yes
State Insurance Programs Yes
Annual Leave Yes
Sick Leave Yes
Advertised Job Summary
A research associate will investigate and develop autonomous systems, such as unmanned surface vessels. Design and develop sensors (camera and lidar), guidance, navigation, and control systems onboard unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Implement guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for autonomous vehicle operation in the littoral environment. Maintain and operate the USVs in littoral environments to acquire measurements required to meet research goals. Analyze data acquired using MATLAB or other programming languages. Documenting technical results and presenting the results in project meetings and conferences. Assistance in proposal preparations, journal article preparation, and supervising undergraduate and graduate students.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
* Requires a master’s degree in area of research specialty.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Engineering, Physical Sciences, or related field, OR* a Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field of study with more than 3 years of experience.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
* MATLAB and Python programming.
* C++, Hardware, and software experience in developing autonomous systems.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Design and develop autonomous systems for unmanned surface vessels. This includes perception systems (camera, Lidar, radar, and INS) and guidance, navigation, and control systems, implemented using ROS or directly in Python, MATLAB, or C++. A reliable collection of testing data is required from the autonomous system. Perform simulation of autonomous surface vessels in the maritime environment
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 40
Job Duty
Process and analyze collected data and sensor readings from the littoral environment using MATLAB or other computer languages. Identify and develop computer vision methods or other relevant approaches to process environmental data for situational awareness, such as ocean currents, wave states, and other variables. Identify and develop algorithms to analyze the data for autonomous vehicle navigation and control.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 30
Job Duty
Create technical documentation of project results. Contribute to the monthly report required by the project sponsor. Prepare slides, videos, and demos for the quarterly project reviews. Present the research outcomes in internal meetings and conferences and to sponsors.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20
Job Duty
Oversee students in using the sensor system and simulation of the autonomous systems. Guide students in troubleshooting the sensors and program (e.g., SDK) and simulation. Assist in instructing the students in autonomous surface vessel deployment and data acquisition in the littoral environment.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Hazardous weather category Non-Essential
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. No
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date 08/16/2026
Position End Date 08/15/2027
Job Open Date 05/18/2026
Job Close Date 07/16/2026
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Applicants must provide a copy of their C.V and a list of at least 3 contacts/references
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by July 16, 2026.
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Posting Number RTF00109PO26
USC Market Title Research Associate
Business Title (Internal Title) Research Associate
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division College of Engineering and Computing
Department CEC Mechanical Engineering
Anticipated Hiring Range $52,526 - $75,000
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 40
Work Schedule
* Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
* Schedule may change to meet the needs of the college
Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
Basis 12 months
Job Search Category Other Professional
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below
The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
South Carolina Retirement Yes
State Insurance Programs Yes
Annual Leave Yes
Sick Leave Yes
Advertised Job Summary
A research associate will investigate and develop autonomous systems, such as unmanned surface vessels. Design and develop sensors (camera and lidar), guidance, navigation, and control systems onboard unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Implement guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for autonomous vehicle operation in the littoral environment. Maintain and operate the USVs in littoral environments to acquire measurements required to meet research goals. Analyze data acquired using MATLAB or other programming languages. Documenting technical results and presenting the results in project meetings and conferences. Assistance in proposal preparations, journal article preparation, and supervising undergraduate and graduate students.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
* Requires a master’s degree in area of research specialty.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Engineering, Physical Sciences, or related field, OR* a Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field of study with more than 3 years of experience.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
* MATLAB and Python programming.
* C++, Hardware, and software experience in developing autonomous systems.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Design and develop autonomous systems for unmanned surface vessels. This includes perception systems (camera, Lidar, radar, and INS) and guidance, navigation, and control systems, implemented using ROS or directly in Python, MATLAB, or C++. A reliable collection of testing data is required from the autonomous system. Perform simulation of autonomous surface vessels in the maritime environment
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 40
Job Duty
Process and analyze collected data and sensor readings from the littoral environment using MATLAB or other computer languages. Identify and develop computer vision methods or other relevant approaches to process environmental data for situational awareness, such as ocean currents, wave states, and other variables. Identify and develop algorithms to analyze the data for autonomous vehicle navigation and control.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 30
Job Duty
Create technical documentation of project results. Contribute to the monthly report required by the project sponsor. Prepare slides, videos, and demos for the quarterly project reviews. Present the research outcomes in internal meetings and conferences and to sponsors.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20
Job Duty
Oversee students in using the sensor system and simulation of the autonomous systems. Guide students in troubleshooting the sensors and program (e.g., SDK) and simulation. Assist in instructing the students in autonomous surface vessel deployment and data acquisition in the littoral environment.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 10
Hazardous weather category Non-Essential
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. No
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date 08/16/2026
Position End Date 08/15/2027
Job Open Date 05/18/2026
Job Close Date 07/16/2026
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Applicants must provide a copy of their C.V and a list of at least 3 contacts/references
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by July 16, 2026.
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Research Associate Job Roles in South Carolina
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Search Research Associate Jobs in South CarolinaResearch Associate Jobs in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for research associates in South Carolina?
The University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) are among the most active sponsors for research associate roles in the state. Private sector employers in life sciences and advanced materials, including companies operating in the Greenville-Spartanburg manufacturing corridor, also file H-1B visa and J-1 visa petitions for qualified research candidates with sponsorship needs.
Which visa types are most common for research associate roles in South Carolina?
The H-1B is the most common work visa for research associate roles requiring a specialized bachelor's degree or higher. J-1 visas are widely used at South Carolina universities for postdoctoral researchers and visiting scholars. O-1 visas occasionally apply for candidates with exceptional research records. University-affiliated roles may also support H-1B cap-exempt petitions, which are not subject to the annual lottery.
Which cities in South Carolina have the most research associate sponsorship jobs?
Columbia is the leading city for research associate sponsorship jobs, driven by the University of South Carolina and state government research programs. Charleston is a secondary hub, anchored by MUSC and the Medical University Research Institute. Clemson and Greenville have growing demand tied to Clemson University's engineering and materials research programs and the region's expanding advanced manufacturing sector.
How to find research associate visa sponsorship jobs in South Carolina?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for roles where employers have a documented history of visa sponsorship, making it easier to target research associate positions in South Carolina without sorting through listings that don't offer sponsorship. You can filter by state and role type to see active openings at universities, research institutes, and private employers in Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville.
What should international research associates know about the South Carolina job market before applying?
South Carolina's research sector is heavily anchored in academia and life sciences, so most sponsoring employers are universities or affiliated research institutes rather than large private corporations. H-1B petitions for university and nonprofit research roles may qualify for cap-exempt filing, which means year-round processing without the April lottery. Candidates should confirm whether a prospective employer has that cap-exempt status before planning their application timeline.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research associate jobs in South Carolina?
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.