Research Assistant Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee
Research assistant visa sponsorship jobs in Tennessee are concentrated at major research universities and medical institutions, including Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Nashville, Knoxville, and Oak Ridge are the primary hiring hubs, spanning biomedical research, energy sciences, and social science disciplines.
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This position requires strong organizational skills, careful attention to experimental detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with laboratory personnel and research teams. This position will work closely with personnel from both the Davies and Doran labs.
This position is a term position. A term position is a staff appointment established for a defined period of time based on the operational needs of the business unit and Vanderbilt University, generally expected to exceed six months but not extend beyond one year.
Start Date: November 1, 2026
End Date: October 31, 2027
Key Responsibilities
- Perform protein expression experiments, including preparation, optimization, and analysis of recombinant proteins.
- Maintain mammalian cell cultures using appropriate sterile technique.
- Culture and handle mouse and human primary cells, including macrophages.
- Generate bone marrow-derived macrophages from mice.
- Assist with in vivo mouse studies in accordance with approved experimental protocols.
- Handle mice and perform procedures such as intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections and oral gavage after appropriate training and authorization.
- Collect, dissect, and isolate tissues from mice for downstream analyses.
- Process biological samples, including cells, tissues, and protein preparations.
- Perform routine molecular and cellular biology assays as required by the research project.
- Maintain accurate and timely laboratory records, sample inventories, and experimental documentation.
- Prepare reagents, buffers, and culture media.
- Operate, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Follow institutional, federal, and laboratory-specific requirements for biosafety, animal care, and research compliance.
- Contribute to data collection, interpretation, laboratory meetings, and preparation of reports, presentations, and research materials.
- Assist with ordering supplies and maintaining a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
- Previous laboratory research experience including experience working with laboratory mice and with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and follow detailed protocols.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with primary mouse or human cells, particularly macrophages.
- Experience with protein expression and related biochemical techniques.
- Familiarity with mouse procedures such as intraperitoneal injection, oral gavage, and tissue collection.
- Experience with molecular biology, immunology, flow cytometry, microscopy, or protein analysis techniques.
Work Schedule and Expectations
This is a full-time position requiring 40 hours per week. Although the regular schedule will generally occur during standard weekday working hours, some experiments may require flexibility, including occasional evening or weekend work, to accommodate cell culture schedules, animal procedures, time-sensitive sample collection, or other project requirements.
All animal-related activities will be conducted only after completion of required training and in accordance with Vanderbilt University policies and approved Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee protocols.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit:
- Curriculum vitae or résumé
- Cover letter describing relevant research experience and interest in the position
- Contact information for three professional references
Applications should be submitted through [Vanderbilt University careers portal/link].
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from candidates with varied backgrounds and experiences.
Job Description
This position requires strong organizational skills, careful attention to experimental detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with laboratory personnel and research teams. This position will work closely with personnel from both the Davies and Doran labs.
This position is a term position. A term position is a staff appointment established for a defined period of time based on the operational needs of the business unit and Vanderbilt University, generally expected to exceed six months but not extend beyond one year.
Start Date: November 1, 2026
End Date: October 31, 2027
Key Responsibilities
- Perform protein expression experiments, including preparation, optimization, and analysis of recombinant proteins.
- Maintain mammalian cell cultures using appropriate sterile technique.
- Culture and handle mouse and human primary cells, including macrophages.
- Generate bone marrow-derived macrophages from mice.
- Assist with in vivo mouse studies in accordance with approved experimental protocols.
- Handle mice and perform procedures such as intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections and oral gavage after appropriate training and authorization.
- Collect, dissect, and isolate tissues from mice for downstream analyses.
- Process biological samples, including cells, tissues, and protein preparations.
- Perform routine molecular and cellular biology assays as required by the research project.
- Maintain accurate and timely laboratory records, sample inventories, and experimental documentation.
- Prepare reagents, buffers, and culture media.
- Operate, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Follow institutional, federal, and laboratory-specific requirements for biosafety, animal care, and research compliance.
- Contribute to data collection, interpretation, laboratory meetings, and preparation of reports, presentations, and research materials.
- Assist with ordering supplies and maintaining a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
- Previous laboratory research experience including experience working with laboratory mice and with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and follow detailed protocols.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with primary mouse or human cells, particularly macrophages.
- Experience with protein expression and related biochemical techniques.
- Familiarity with mouse procedures such as intraperitoneal injection, oral gavage, and tissue collection.
- Experience with molecular biology, immunology, flow cytometry, microscopy, or protein analysis techniques.
Work Schedule and Expectations
This is a full-time position requiring 40 hours per week. Although the regular schedule will generally occur during standard weekday working hours, some experiments may require flexibility, including occasional evening or weekend work, to accommodate cell culture schedules, animal procedures, time-sensitive sample collection, or other project requirements.
All animal-related activities will be conducted only after completion of required training and in accordance with Vanderbilt University policies and approved Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee protocols.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit:
- Curriculum vitae or résumé
- Cover letter describing relevant research experience and interest in the position
- Contact information for three professional references
Applications should be submitted through [Vanderbilt University careers portal/link].
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from candidates with varied backgrounds and experiences.
Research Assistant Job Roles in Tennessee
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Search Research Assistant Jobs in TennesseeResearch Assistant Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and institutions sponsor visas for research assistants in Tennessee?
The most active sponsors for research assistant roles in Tennessee are large research universities and federal research facilities. Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center regularly file H-1B visa petitions for research staff. The University of Tennessee system, including its Knoxville and Memphis campuses, does the same. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managed by UT-Battelle, is another significant sponsor, particularly for STEM research positions in energy and materials science.
Which visa types are most common for research assistant jobs in Tennessee?
The H-1B is the most common visa for research assistant roles in Tennessee, particularly at universities and medical centers where positions meet the specialty occupation standard through a required degree in a specific field. J-1 visa Exchange Visitor visas are also widely used, especially at academic institutions sponsoring international researchers through designated programs. OPT and STEM OPT extensions allow F-1 graduates to work in research roles while remaining on student status.
Which cities in Tennessee have the most research assistant visa sponsorship jobs?
Nashville leads Tennessee for research assistant sponsorship activity, driven by Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and a growing life sciences sector. Knoxville is the second major hub, anchored by the University of Tennessee and proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Oak Ridge itself is a distinct concentration point for federally funded scientific research. Memphis also sees research assistant hiring through the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
How to find research assistant visa sponsorship jobs in Tennessee?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it straightforward to search for research assistant roles in Tennessee without sorting through positions that won't support international candidates. You can filter by state and role type to surface openings at Tennessee universities, medical centers, and research institutes. Migrate Mate is built for international job seekers, so every listing reflects employers who have demonstrated willingness to sponsor.
Are there any Tennessee-specific considerations for research assistant visa sponsorship?
Tennessee's research assistant market is heavily tied to university and federal funding cycles, so hiring activity often follows academic calendars and grant award timelines rather than standard corporate recruiting schedules. Positions at Oak Ridge National Laboratory may involve security clearance requirements, which can affect eligibility for some international candidates. University-sponsored roles are also more likely to use the cap-exempt H-1B pathway, which bypasses the annual lottery and allows year-round filing.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research assistant jobs in Tennessee?
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.