Research Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Utah
Research scientist roles in Utah are concentrated in Salt Lake City, Provo, and the growing biotech and tech corridors connecting them. Major employers including the University of Utah, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, and Merit Medical Systems have established records of sponsoring international researchers. Competition for these positions is real, but Utah's expanding life sciences and technology sectors create consistent demand.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Research Scientist serves as a scientific and operational leader within the ORL, providing technical expertise, project leadership, and laboratory management in support of faculty-initiated and industry-sponsored research. This role oversees research projects from concept development through study completion while ensuring the laboratory operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate holds a PhD (or MS with equivalent experience) in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field and demonstrates strong technical, analytical, organizational, and project management skills. A track record of hands-on research, scientific productivity, and collaborative problem-solving is essential.
This position offers a long-term career pathway with opportunities to expand leadership responsibilities over time in partnership with departmental leadership, supporting the department’s missions of discovery, innovation, and education.
Department leadership envisions the ORL operating with a productivity model that emphasizes clearly defined objectives, measurable deliverables, efficient resource utilization, and timely project completion. As an ambassador for the ORL, the Research Scientist communicates laboratory capabilities to faculty, trainees, and industry partners and serves as a consultative resource for project planning, feasibility assessment, and collaboration development. The role helps establish project scope, timelines, deliverables, and resource requirements while promoting efficient project execution and minimizing scope creep.
The Research Scientist provides end-to-end leadership for research studies, including project intake, experimental design, budgeting, protocol development, prototyping, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation of results, and dissemination through abstracts, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications. The position also contributes to grant applications, industry-sponsored proposals, scientific peer review, and the development of external collaborations.
Success in this role requires expertise in biomechanical testing, medical imaging, 3D modeling and fabrication, programming, and statistical analysis. The Research Scientist develops and maintains advanced analytical workflows using tools such as MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, SPSS, and Stata. Experience working with human and animal cadaveric tissues is highly desirable.
In addition to leading research activities, the Research Scientist oversees day-to-day laboratory operations, supervises research staff, and helps develop standard operating procedures that promote safety, quality, consistency, and operational excellence across all laboratory activities.
Responsibilities
- End-to-end project management
- Maintaining, calibrating, troubleshooting, and upgrading laboratory equipment and testing systems.
- Serving as the primary point of contact for laboratory equipment access, scheduling, and lockbox management.
- Coordinating annual Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) documentation updates and biannual laboratory inspections.
- Training faculty, staff, and trainees on laboratory equipment and procedures in accordance with EHS standards.
- Managing tissue procurement, inventory, storage, and disposal processes.
- Overseeing laboratory organization, maintenance of tools and supplies, and inventory management.
- Supporting purchasing, budgeting, and basic accounting functions associated with laboratory operations and research projects.
- Collecting, tracking, and reporting laboratory utilization and performance metrics.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience). Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Research Scientist, III: Requires a PhD in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field and 6+ years of directly related work experience.
Research Scientist, IV: Requires a PhD in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field and 8+ years of directly related work experience.
- Demonstrated experience managing and executing scientific research projects.
- Strong technical expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
- Experience with biomechanical testing systems, medical imaging technologies, and laboratory instrumentation.
- Proficiency in programming and statistical analysis using tools such as MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, SPSS, or Stata.
- Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
PREFERENCES
- Experience supporting grant applications and industry-sponsored research.
- Familiarity with research contracting, budgeting, and project financial management.
- Experience working with cadaveric human and/or animal tissues.
- Record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
- Experience supervising research personnel and managing shared laboratory resources.
- Knowledge of regulatory, safety, and compliance requirements relevant to biomedical research laboratories.
TYPE
Benefited Staff
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
LOCATION
Campus
Salt Lake City, UT
JOB TITLE
Research Scientists (PhD)
WORKING TITLE
Research Scientists (PhD)
CAREER PROGRESSION TRACK
L00
TRACK LEVEL
L4 - Advanced, L3 - Career
FLSA CODE
Professional
PATIENT SENSITIVE JOB CODE?
No
STANDARD HOURS PER WEEK
40
FULL TIME OR PART TIME?
Full Time
SHIFT
Day
WORK SCHEDULE SUMMARY
Monday – Friday
VP AREA
U of U Health - Academics
DEPARTMENT
00269 - Orthopedic Surgery Operations
TYPE OF RECRUITMENT
External Posting
PAY RATE RANGE
$99,000 - $135,000
OPEN DATE
07/27/2026
CLOSE DATE
10/27/2026
PRIORITY REVIEW DATE (Note - Posting may close at any time)
INTRODUCTION
The Research Scientist serves as a scientific and operational leader within the ORL, providing technical expertise, project leadership, and laboratory management in support of faculty-initiated and industry-sponsored research. This role oversees research projects from concept development through study completion while ensuring the laboratory operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate holds a PhD (or MS with equivalent experience) in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field and demonstrates strong technical, analytical, organizational, and project management skills. A track record of hands-on research, scientific productivity, and collaborative problem-solving is essential.
This position offers a long-term career pathway with opportunities to expand leadership responsibilities over time in partnership with departmental leadership, supporting the department’s missions of discovery, innovation, and education.
Department leadership envisions the ORL operating with a productivity model that emphasizes clearly defined objectives, measurable deliverables, efficient resource utilization, and timely project completion. As an ambassador for the ORL, the Research Scientist communicates laboratory capabilities to faculty, trainees, and industry partners and serves as a consultative resource for project planning, feasibility assessment, and collaboration development. The role helps establish project scope, timelines, deliverables, and resource requirements while promoting efficient project execution and minimizing scope creep.
The Research Scientist provides end-to-end leadership for research studies, including project intake, experimental design, budgeting, protocol development, prototyping, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation of results, and dissemination through abstracts, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications. The position also contributes to grant applications, industry-sponsored proposals, scientific peer review, and the development of external collaborations.
Success in this role requires expertise in biomechanical testing, medical imaging, 3D modeling and fabrication, programming, and statistical analysis. The Research Scientist develops and maintains advanced analytical workflows using tools such as MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, SPSS, and Stata. Experience working with human and animal cadaveric tissues is highly desirable.
In addition to leading research activities, the Research Scientist oversees day-to-day laboratory operations, supervises research staff, and helps develop standard operating procedures that promote safety, quality, consistency, and operational excellence across all laboratory activities.
Responsibilities
- End-to-end project management
- Maintaining, calibrating, troubleshooting, and upgrading laboratory equipment and testing systems.
- Serving as the primary point of contact for laboratory equipment access, scheduling, and lockbox management.
- Coordinating annual Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) documentation updates and biannual laboratory inspections.
- Training faculty, staff, and trainees on laboratory equipment and procedures in accordance with EHS standards.
- Managing tissue procurement, inventory, storage, and disposal processes.
- Overseeing laboratory organization, maintenance of tools and supplies, and inventory management.
- Supporting purchasing, budgeting, and basic accounting functions associated with laboratory operations and research projects.
- Collecting, tracking, and reporting laboratory utilization and performance metrics.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience). Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Research Scientist, III: Requires a PhD in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field and 6+ years of directly related work experience.
Research Scientist, IV: Requires a PhD in engineering, biomechanics, biomedical sciences, or a related field and 8+ years of directly related work experience.
- Demonstrated experience managing and executing scientific research projects.
- Strong technical expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
- Experience with biomechanical testing systems, medical imaging technologies, and laboratory instrumentation.
- Proficiency in programming and statistical analysis using tools such as MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, SPSS, or Stata.
- Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
PREFERENCES
- Experience supporting grant applications and industry-sponsored research.
- Familiarity with research contracting, budgeting, and project financial management.
- Experience working with cadaveric human and/or animal tissues.
- Record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
- Experience supervising research personnel and managing shared laboratory resources.
- Knowledge of regulatory, safety, and compliance requirements relevant to biomedical research laboratories.
TYPE
Benefited Staff
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
LOCATION
Campus
Salt Lake City, UT
JOB TITLE
Research Scientists (PhD)
WORKING TITLE
Research Scientists (PhD)
CAREER PROGRESSION TRACK
L00
TRACK LEVEL
L4 - Advanced, L3 - Career
FLSA CODE
Professional
PATIENT SENSITIVE JOB CODE?
No
STANDARD HOURS PER WEEK
40
FULL TIME OR PART TIME?
Full Time
SHIFT
Day
WORK SCHEDULE SUMMARY
Monday – Friday
VP AREA
U of U Health - Academics
DEPARTMENT
00269 - Orthopedic Surgery Operations
TYPE OF RECRUITMENT
External Posting
PAY RATE RANGE
$99,000 - $135,000
OPEN DATE
07/27/2026
CLOSE DATE
10/27/2026
PRIORITY REVIEW DATE (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Research Scientist Job Roles in Utah
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Search Research Scientist Jobs in UtahResearch Scientist Jobs in Utah: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies in Utah sponsor visas for research scientists?
The University of Utah and Utah State University are among the most active sponsors, particularly for academic and biomedical research roles. In the private sector, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Myriad Genetics, and Merit Medical Systems have sponsored research scientists through H-1B visa petitions. Large technology employers in the Silicon Slopes corridor, including Adobe and Qualtrics, also sponsor research-oriented roles, though hiring volume and sponsorship decisions vary by team and project.
Which visa types are most commonly used for research scientist roles in Utah?
The H-1B is the most common visa for research scientists in Utah's private sector, requiring employer sponsorship and a specialty occupation designation tied to a relevant degree. University-based and postdoctoral researchers frequently work on J-1 visas through institutional exchange programs. For scientists with an exceptional record of published work or funded research, the O-1A is an alternative that bypasses the H-1B lottery entirely. Some positions at universities qualify for cap-exempt H-1B petitions.
How to find research scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Utah?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international researchers and scientists searching for visa sponsorship jobs in the United States. You can filter directly for research scientist roles in Utah, surfacing employers with documented H-1B sponsorship histories. This is more targeted than general job searches because the platform focuses on positions where sponsorship is a real possibility, not just a remote option. Start there and prioritize employers in Salt Lake City and Provo's life sciences clusters.
Which cities in Utah have the most research scientist sponsorship opportunities?
Salt Lake City concentrates the largest share of research scientist sponsorship activity, driven by the University of Utah's research enterprise and the city's growing biotech presence. Provo and the surrounding Utah County area benefit from Brigham Young University and a dense cluster of technology companies. Ogden, home to Weber State University and several defense contractors, offers a smaller but distinct set of research roles, particularly in applied sciences and engineering research.
Are there any Utah-specific factors research scientists should know before pursuing sponsorship?
Utah's life sciences sector has expanded significantly, with the state ranking among the fastest-growing biotech markets in the country, which creates genuine demand for research scientists. However, many smaller Utah biotech startups have limited experience with visa sponsorship. Candidates targeting these companies may need to educate hiring managers about the H-1B process. University research positions, particularly at the University of Utah, tend to have established international hiring pipelines and HR teams familiar with sponsorship requirements.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research scientist jobs in Utah?
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.