Research Assistant Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia
Research assistant visa sponsorship jobs in Virginia are concentrated around Northern Virginia's federal research corridor, the Washington D.C. metro area, and major academic institutions like George Mason University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Virginia. Employers including Leidos, MITRE, and Booz Allen Hamilton regularly hire research staff and have established sponsorship programs.
Find Research Assistant JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 98+ Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia with Visa Sponsorship
See all 98+ Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Research Assistant will perform laboratory management duties and conduct basic scientific research in cancer and RNA biology. Research will focus on how non-coding RNAs regulate cancer progression using in vitro assays and mouse models and may include studies involving human cancer specimens, including tissues and body fluids.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepares chemical solutions according to standard formulas.
- Perform cell culture, laboratory bench work, molecular biology and biochemical experiments.
- Works with mice, set up crosses and performs genotyping.
- Maintains inventory of lab supplies and orders supplies as needed.
- Keep detailed laboratory records and research data in an organized manner.
- Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field from a four-year college or university.
Experience performing basic molecular biology and laboratory techniques, such as nucleic acid isolation, PCR, Western blotting, and cell culture. Proficiency with computers.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team, maintain detailed and accurate records, perform basic laboratory calculations, and follow established laboratory protocols.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of bioinformatics tools and basic statistical analysis.
Additional training in molecular biology, cell biology, cancer biology, bioinformatics, or a related biomedical science.
Prior experience working with mice or other animal models is preferred. Demonstrated interest in and aptitude for biomedical/cancer research.
This position is being filled through the Research Foundation, which is a separate entity from Old Dominion University (ODU). While we work in support of ODU, the Research Foundation operates independently and is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
To apply: click Job Browsing; and follow the link for position #26-050. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
The organization is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer (AA/EOE/M/F/Disability/VETS/Drug-Free Workplace). We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions — including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, and promotion — are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Affirmative action efforts are conducted consistent with applicable laws to promote equal opportunity in employment and advancement.
As part of our commitment to pay transparency and compliance with applicable laws, the Research Foundation includes a good-faith salary range in all job postings. These ranges represent the expected hiring range for the position, not the full compensation band.
Final salary offers may vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and budget availability.
Expected range dollars an hour: $20.00
INTRODUCTION
The Research Assistant will perform laboratory management duties and conduct basic scientific research in cancer and RNA biology. Research will focus on how non-coding RNAs regulate cancer progression using in vitro assays and mouse models and may include studies involving human cancer specimens, including tissues and body fluids.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepares chemical solutions according to standard formulas.
- Perform cell culture, laboratory bench work, molecular biology and biochemical experiments.
- Works with mice, set up crosses and performs genotyping.
- Maintains inventory of lab supplies and orders supplies as needed.
- Keep detailed laboratory records and research data in an organized manner.
- Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on laboratory equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field from a four-year college or university.
Experience performing basic molecular biology and laboratory techniques, such as nucleic acid isolation, PCR, Western blotting, and cell culture. Proficiency with computers.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team, maintain detailed and accurate records, perform basic laboratory calculations, and follow established laboratory protocols.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of bioinformatics tools and basic statistical analysis.
Additional training in molecular biology, cell biology, cancer biology, bioinformatics, or a related biomedical science.
Prior experience working with mice or other animal models is preferred. Demonstrated interest in and aptitude for biomedical/cancer research.
This position is being filled through the Research Foundation, which is a separate entity from Old Dominion University (ODU). While we work in support of ODU, the Research Foundation operates independently and is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
To apply: click Job Browsing; and follow the link for position #26-050. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
The organization is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer (AA/EOE/M/F/Disability/VETS/Drug-Free Workplace). We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions — including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, and promotion — are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Affirmative action efforts are conducted consistent with applicable laws to promote equal opportunity in employment and advancement.
As part of our commitment to pay transparency and compliance with applicable laws, the Research Foundation includes a good-faith salary range in all job postings. These ranges represent the expected hiring range for the position, not the full compensation band.
Final salary offers may vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and budget availability.
Expected range dollars an hour: $20.00
Research Assistant Job Roles in Virginia
See all 98+ Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Research Assistant Jobs in VirginiaResearch Assistant Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for research assistants in Virginia?
Federal contractors and research organizations are among the most active sponsors for research assistant roles in Virginia. Companies like Leidos, MITRE Corporation, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Noblis have documented H-1B visa sponsorship histories. University research centers at George Mason, Virginia Tech, and UVA also sponsor researchers, particularly through J-1 visa and H-1B pathways. Sponsorship availability varies by project funding and role type.
Which visa types are most common for research assistant roles in Virginia?
H-1B is the most common visa for research assistant roles requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field like biology, computer science, or engineering. J-1 visas are widely used for university-affiliated research positions and postdoctoral roles. OPT and STEM OPT extensions allow F-1 students at Virginia universities to work in research roles while pursuing longer-term sponsorship.
Which cities in Virginia have the most research assistant sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia, particularly Arlington, Reston, and McLean, leads in research assistant sponsorship due to its concentration of federal contractors and defense research organizations. Charlottesville hosts UVA's research programs, Blacksburg supports Virginia Tech's extensive research enterprise, and Fairfax anchors George Mason University's growing research community. Richmond also has emerging biomedical and policy research employers.
How to find research assistant visa sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate filters research assistant jobs in Virginia specifically to employers with active visa sponsorship programs, saving you from sifting through listings that don't support international candidates. You can search by city, filter to institutions with strong H-1B or J-1 sponsorship histories, and focus on roles where your degree field aligns with the position requirements, which matters significantly for specialty occupation eligibility.
Are there state-specific considerations for research assistant visa sponsorship in Virginia?
Virginia's heavy presence of federal contractors introduces a unique factor: many research roles require security clearances, which are generally not available to non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents. This narrows sponsorship opportunities to unclassified research positions. University-based and private sector research roles, particularly in Northern Virginia's tech corridor and academic medical centers, are more accessible to international candidates seeking sponsorship.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research assistant jobs in Virginia?
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.