Lead Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Washington DC
Lead scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Washington DC concentrate in federal research agencies, government contractors, and biotech firms anchored around the NIH campus in Bethesda and the broader DC metro corridor. Employers such as Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, and SAIC regularly sponsor international scientists for roles spanning epidemiology, materials science, and life sciences research.
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About ETS:
ETS is a global education and talent solutions organization enabling lifelong learners worldwide to be future-ready. For more than 75 years, we've been advancing the science of measurement to build benchmarks for fair and valid skill assessment across cultures and borders. Our worldwide impact extends through our renowned assessments including TOEFL®, TOEIC®, GRE® and Praxis® tests, serving millions of learners in more than 200 countries and territories. Through strategic acquisitions, we've expanded our global capabilities: PSI strengthens our workforce assessment solutions, while Edusoft, Kira Talent, Pipplet, Vericant, and Wheebox enhance our educational technology and assessment platforms across critical markets worldwide.
Through ETS Research Institute and ETS Solutions, we're partnering with educational institutions, governments, and organizations globally to promote skill proficiency, empower upward mobility, and unlock opportunities for everyone, everywhere. With offices and partners across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, we deliver nearly 50 million tests annually. Join us in our journey of measuring progress to power human progress worldwide.
The ETS Research Institute invites applications for a Senior Research Scientist position to lead and contribute to a research agenda focused on schooling, human capital development, workforce readiness, and economic mobility in an AI-enabled world. The position will be housed in the Center for Policy Research, a new initiative at ETS dedicated to providing policymakers the research evidence they need to improve education and workforce systems at scale. The Center's research agenda focuses on the development of foundational skills (e.g., literacy, numeracy, etc.), durable skills (e.g., communication, critical thinking, etc.), and AI literacy in K-12 settings; college-to-career pathways; credentials of value; job training; upskilling; and adult learning.
Particular areas of interest include (1) understanding and measuring the skills and capabilities that drive success in education and labor markets, including how advances in AI are reshaping skill demand, workforce readiness, and pathways to opportunity, and (2) generating evidence on the effectiveness of educational and workforce development pathways, including competency-based education (CBE), career and technical education (CTE), and other approaches designed to promote skill acquisition, employment, earnings growth, and long-term economic mobility.
We seek quantitative scientists to work in a dynamic research environment sitting at the intersection of innovative policy research methods, state-of-the art large scale assessment data, world-class measurement science, and policy impact. Scientists in the Center will directly interface with educational and workforce stakeholders at the federal, state, and local level to scope out policy challenges and produce applied research that can help address those challenges. We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience directly collaborating with policymakers to identify evidence-based solutions. The successful candidate will join a growing team advancing ETS's research agenda focused on policies and programs that impart the knowledge and skills that learners of all ages need for the workforce of the future. The job is based in ETS' Washington, DC office. Scientists in the Center are expected to represent ETS in the activities and functions of the city's vibrant policy ecosystem.
- Conduct and publish rigorous policy research on education and workforce systems, including K-12, postsecondary, and career pathways, using causal inference methods (e.g., regression discontinuity, difference-in-differences) and other quantitative designs.
- Investigate how skills, competencies, credentials, and educational experiences predict educational attainment, employment, earnings growth, productivity, workforce participation, and economic mobility.
- Lead the development, evaluation, and translation of research frameworks that inform state and federal education policy, with attention to systems-level change.
- Lead internal research teams and collaborations with external partners - including state education agencies, school districts, foundations, and research organizations - on policy analysis and field-building initiatives.
- Provide policy consultation and technical assistance to policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders seeking to apply research evidence to decision-making.
- Lead proposal development for foundation grants, federal funding, and philanthropic partnerships.
- Mentor junior staff, postdoctoral fellows, and interns, contributing to the development of boundary-spanning professionals who can bridge research, policy, and practice.
- Disseminate research findings to diverse audiences through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, convenings, newspaper commentaries, legislative testimony, and blog posts.
This position will be located in Washington, DC
Experience and Skills:
- Demonstrated expertise in at least two of the following areas: causal inference and quasi-experimental designs, cost-benefit analysis, advanced predictive modeling, longitudinal and panel data analysis, ROI forecasting, analysis of large-scale assessment data, machine learning applications, labor market information and job-postings analytics, linkage and analysis of administrative wage-outcome data systems, policy simulation, microsimulation modeling, and structural dynamic modeling. Candidates are not expected to have expertise in all areas.
- Expertise in research on educational attainment, workforce readiness, human capital development, education-to-work transitions, economic mobility, or human capability assessment.
- Experience with statistical programming (e.g., R, Stata, Python) and analysis of administrative, survey, or longitudinal data in education or workforce contexts.
- Strong record of scholarly and applied research productivity, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, frameworks, policy-oriented research, or other influential contributions.
- Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and communicate complex research findings to policymakers, practitioners, and other non-technical audiences.
- Commitment to objectivity and rigor in support of evidence-based decision-making.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience conducting research in partnership with state education agencies, school districts, or federal programs.
- Track record of translating research into actionable insights for policy audiences through briefs, testimony, convenings, or technical assistance.
Required Education:
A Ph.D. or equivalent in Labor Economics, Economics, Public Policy, Education Policy, or a closely related quantitative field, with at least eight years of experience in an applied policy research or academic/statistical analysis environment. We will consider exceptional candidates with fewer years of experience if they have a competitive publication and funding portfolio.
Salary Range: $155,000 - $165,000
ETS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe in creating a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
Job Description:
About ETS:
ETS is a global education and talent solutions organization enabling lifelong learners worldwide to be future-ready. For more than 75 years, we've been advancing the science of measurement to build benchmarks for fair and valid skill assessment across cultures and borders. Our worldwide impact extends through our renowned assessments including TOEFL®, TOEIC®, GRE® and Praxis® tests, serving millions of learners in more than 200 countries and territories. Through strategic acquisitions, we've expanded our global capabilities: PSI strengthens our workforce assessment solutions, while Edusoft, Kira Talent, Pipplet, Vericant, and Wheebox enhance our educational technology and assessment platforms across critical markets worldwide.
Through ETS Research Institute and ETS Solutions, we're partnering with educational institutions, governments, and organizations globally to promote skill proficiency, empower upward mobility, and unlock opportunities for everyone, everywhere. With offices and partners across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, we deliver nearly 50 million tests annually. Join us in our journey of measuring progress to power human progress worldwide.
The ETS Research Institute invites applications for a Senior Research Scientist position to lead and contribute to a research agenda focused on schooling, human capital development, workforce readiness, and economic mobility in an AI-enabled world. The position will be housed in the Center for Policy Research, a new initiative at ETS dedicated to providing policymakers the research evidence they need to improve education and workforce systems at scale. The Center's research agenda focuses on the development of foundational skills (e.g., literacy, numeracy, etc.), durable skills (e.g., communication, critical thinking, etc.), and AI literacy in K-12 settings; college-to-career pathways; credentials of value; job training; upskilling; and adult learning.
Particular areas of interest include (1) understanding and measuring the skills and capabilities that drive success in education and labor markets, including how advances in AI are reshaping skill demand, workforce readiness, and pathways to opportunity, and (2) generating evidence on the effectiveness of educational and workforce development pathways, including competency-based education (CBE), career and technical education (CTE), and other approaches designed to promote skill acquisition, employment, earnings growth, and long-term economic mobility.
We seek quantitative scientists to work in a dynamic research environment sitting at the intersection of innovative policy research methods, state-of-the art large scale assessment data, world-class measurement science, and policy impact. Scientists in the Center will directly interface with educational and workforce stakeholders at the federal, state, and local level to scope out policy challenges and produce applied research that can help address those challenges. We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience directly collaborating with policymakers to identify evidence-based solutions. The successful candidate will join a growing team advancing ETS's research agenda focused on policies and programs that impart the knowledge and skills that learners of all ages need for the workforce of the future. The job is based in ETS' Washington, DC office. Scientists in the Center are expected to represent ETS in the activities and functions of the city's vibrant policy ecosystem.
- Conduct and publish rigorous policy research on education and workforce systems, including K-12, postsecondary, and career pathways, using causal inference methods (e.g., regression discontinuity, difference-in-differences) and other quantitative designs.
- Investigate how skills, competencies, credentials, and educational experiences predict educational attainment, employment, earnings growth, productivity, workforce participation, and economic mobility.
- Lead the development, evaluation, and translation of research frameworks that inform state and federal education policy, with attention to systems-level change.
- Lead internal research teams and collaborations with external partners - including state education agencies, school districts, foundations, and research organizations - on policy analysis and field-building initiatives.
- Provide policy consultation and technical assistance to policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders seeking to apply research evidence to decision-making.
- Lead proposal development for foundation grants, federal funding, and philanthropic partnerships.
- Mentor junior staff, postdoctoral fellows, and interns, contributing to the development of boundary-spanning professionals who can bridge research, policy, and practice.
- Disseminate research findings to diverse audiences through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, convenings, newspaper commentaries, legislative testimony, and blog posts.
This position will be located in Washington, DC
Experience and Skills:
- Demonstrated expertise in at least two of the following areas: causal inference and quasi-experimental designs, cost-benefit analysis, advanced predictive modeling, longitudinal and panel data analysis, ROI forecasting, analysis of large-scale assessment data, machine learning applications, labor market information and job-postings analytics, linkage and analysis of administrative wage-outcome data systems, policy simulation, microsimulation modeling, and structural dynamic modeling. Candidates are not expected to have expertise in all areas.
- Expertise in research on educational attainment, workforce readiness, human capital development, education-to-work transitions, economic mobility, or human capability assessment.
- Experience with statistical programming (e.g., R, Stata, Python) and analysis of administrative, survey, or longitudinal data in education or workforce contexts.
- Strong record of scholarly and applied research productivity, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, frameworks, policy-oriented research, or other influential contributions.
- Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and communicate complex research findings to policymakers, practitioners, and other non-technical audiences.
- Commitment to objectivity and rigor in support of evidence-based decision-making.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience conducting research in partnership with state education agencies, school districts, or federal programs.
- Track record of translating research into actionable insights for policy audiences through briefs, testimony, convenings, or technical assistance.
Required Education:
A Ph.D. or equivalent in Labor Economics, Economics, Public Policy, Education Policy, or a closely related quantitative field, with at least eight years of experience in an applied policy research or academic/statistical analysis environment. We will consider exceptional candidates with fewer years of experience if they have a competitive publication and funding portfolio.
Salary Range: $155,000 - $165,000
ETS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe in creating a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
Lead Scientist Job Roles in Washington DC
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Search Lead Scientist Jobs in Washington DCLead Scientist Jobs in Washington DC: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for lead scientists in Washington DC?
Federal contractors and research organizations dominate sponsorship activity in Washington DC. Employers such as Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, SAIC, and Battelle have consistent H-1B visa filing histories for senior scientific roles. Research hospitals affiliated with Johns Hopkins and George Washington University also sponsor lead scientists, particularly in biomedical and clinical research disciplines. Sponsorship activity is highest among contractors holding long-term federal agency contracts.
Which visa types realistically fit lead scientist roles in Washington DC?
Lead scientist roles typically qualify as specialty occupations requiring a directly related bachelor's degree or higher, making the H-1B the most common path. The H-1B1 visa is available to Chilean and Singaporean nationals, while the E-3 visa covers Australian nationals. Candidates with an advanced degree and exceptional research contributions may also qualify for an EB-1A or EB-2 NIW green card, which allows self-petition without employer sponsorship of the PERM process.
How to find lead scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Washington DC?
Migrate Mate lists Washington DC employers with verified H-1B LCA sponsorship history for lead scientist roles, so you can focus on organizations that have already demonstrated willingness to sponsor. Filtering by scientific discipline narrows results to agencies and contractors actively hiring in fields like epidemiology, materials research, and life sciences within the DC metro area, saving significant time compared to reviewing unverified postings.
Which areas in Washington DC have the most lead scientist sponsorship jobs?
The highest concentration of sponsored lead scientist positions sits along the I-270 biotech corridor extending from Rockville to Gaithersburg, anchored by NIH, FDA headquarters in Silver Spring, and NIST in Gaithersburg. Within the District itself, federal agencies near the National Mall and research institutions in Foggy Bottom and Georgetown are significant employers. Northern Virginia, particularly Arlington and McLean, adds government contractor demand for defense and environmental scientists.
What state-specific factors should lead scientists consider when targeting Washington DC sponsorship roles?
Washington DC's scientific hiring is heavily influenced by federal budget cycles, so sponsorship activity for lead scientist roles can follow agency appropriations timelines. Many positions require or strongly prefer U.S. security clearance eligibility, which may affect international candidates. The NIH Intramural Research Program also employs visiting and staff scientists under J-1 visa exchange visitor status through designated sponsor organizations, offering a separate pathway outside the standard H-1B process.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored lead scientist jobs in Washington DC?
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.