Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Utah
Utah's scientist job market is anchored by life sciences employers in Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front, research institutions like the University of Utah, and a growing biotech corridor that includes companies such as Recursion Pharmaceuticals and 4Life Research. International scientists will find active H-1B visa and O-1 visa sponsorship activity across research, pharmaceutical, and environmental science roles.
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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)
Scientist Job Roles in Utah
See all 61+ Scientist Jobs in Utah
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Search Scientist Jobs in UtahScientist Jobs in Utah: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for scientists in Utah?
Major sponsors for scientist roles in Utah include Recursion Pharmaceuticals, bioMerieux, ARUP Laboratories, and the University of Utah Health system. Federal agencies with Utah facilities, such as the U.S. Geological Survey and the EPA's research offices, also hire scientists but operate under different hiring frameworks. Life sciences and environmental science employers along the Wasatch Front account for a significant share of H-1B filings for scientific positions.
Which visa types are most common for scientist roles in Utah?
The H-1B is the most common visa category for scientists in Utah, covering roles in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and pharmaceutical research that require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific scientific field. The O-1A is an option for scientists with a record of published research, awards, or significant contributions to their field. Research scientists sponsored by universities may also work under J-1 visa exchange visitor status through institutional programs.
Which cities in Utah have the most scientist sponsorship jobs?
Salt Lake City and its surrounding suburbs, including South Jordan and Sandy, concentrate the majority of scientist visa sponsorship activity in Utah, driven by the biotech and life sciences cluster there. Provo and the broader Utah County area also produce openings through companies tied to Brigham Young University's research ecosystem. Smaller but notable activity exists near government research facilities in the Ogden and Tooele areas.
How to find scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Utah?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, so you can browse scientist roles in Utah without sorting through positions that won't support international candidates. The platform surfaces openings from life sciences companies, research universities, and environmental agencies active along the Wasatch Front. Filtering by role type and location on Migrate Mate gives scientists a focused view of employers actively hiring and sponsoring in Utah.
Are there state-specific considerations for scientists seeking sponsorship in Utah?
Utah's Department of Environmental Quality and the state's expanding biotech corridor create consistent demand for environmental and biological scientists, which tends to support steady H-1B filings in those disciplines. The University of Utah's research programs also serve as a pipeline for postdoctoral scientists transitioning to industry roles that come with sponsorship. Prevailing wage requirements for H-1B positions are set at the federal level based on the specific occupation and the Salt Lake City metropolitan area wage data, not a Utah-specific standard.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored 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.