Research Associate Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Washington
Washington is one of the most active states for research associate visa sponsorship, driven by major employers like the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and Microsoft in the life sciences, biotech, and technology sectors. Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound region concentrate most opportunities, with additional roles in Spokane and Pullman near Washington State University.
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Research Associate I – In Vivo Electrophysiology & Behavior
The mission of the Allen Institute is to understand the principles that govern life and to advance health. Our creative and multi-dimensional teams focus on answering some of the biggest questions in bioscience. We accelerate foundational research, catalyze bold ideas, develop tools and models, and openly share our science to make a broad, transformational impact on the world.
The mission of the Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics is focused on fundamental discoveries in systems neuroscience. We are interested in how the brain builds our understanding of the complex world to guide the flexible behaviors that address our biological needs. The answers will be in terms of defined neuron types and circuits interacting across the whole brain and body. We will develop next-generation methods and theories and employ a team-based approach to discovery in neuroscience. Knowledge, data, models, and tools will be widely shared to support the development of therapies for brain disorders.
We are seeking a Research Associate to contribute to a set of projects to record the activity of thousands of neurons distributed across many brain regions in parallel. The ideal candidate will be team-oriented, have knowledge in neuroscience and behavior, and display a strong interest in studying brain-wide circuits during behavior. This position will leverage state-of-the-art electrophysiological methods, such as Neuropixels probes, as well as molecular and transgenic resources. The goal is to record simultaneously from many anatomically connected regions while mice are engaged in a variety of cognitive tasks. The Research Associate will work alongside a diverse team of Scientists, Technicians, Engineers, and Investigators, and so collaboration and communication skills are key.
At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone – and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly.
We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.
We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
Essential Functions
- Collect in vivo electrophysiological, optogenetics, and/or optical physiological data from mouse cortex using cutting-edge recording systems
- Train mice to perform various foraging behavioral tasks
- Participate in lab maintenance and weekly tasks
- Carry out analyses to assess overall data quality and use this information to update and refine experimental protocols
- Use histological techniques to identify probe recording location
Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or a related field
Preferred Education and Experience
- 2 years of experience in a research lab
- Experience working with mice greatly preferred
- Practical experience in in vivo electrophysiology and/or mouse behavior
- Strong scientific communication skills (written and oral)
- Ability to work in a team-based environment
- Experience with rodent surgeries
Work Environment
Laboratory environment - possible chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure. Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses. This may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE).
Animal Care Services
- Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
- Pre and post-operative care for mice
- Administration of compounds to mice (iv, ip, sc, po, im, ro, icv)
- Perform health assessments of mice
- Perform euthanasia and tissue collections
Physical Demands
- Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment
- Stooping, bending, crouching
- Reaching, or climbing ladders
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N., with flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
All employees who work with live animals must complete an Occupational Health medical history form and/or consultation with an Occupational Health Provider and receive clearance to work with animals. Depending on your health history and job responsibilities, an annual respiratory health screening and clearance to use a respirator may also be required.
Annualized Salary Range
$54,250 - $66,450*
*Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and work location, where applicable.
Benefits
Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.
It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Research Associate Job Roles in Washington
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Search Research Associate Jobs in WashingtonResearch Associate Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for research associates in Washington?
Major sponsors of research associate roles in Washington include the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Allen Institute, and Washington State University. Biotechnology firms like Juno Therapeutics and Adaptive Biotechnologies, along with large technology companies in the Seattle area, also regularly file sponsorship petitions for research positions requiring specialized graduate-level training.
Which visa types are most common for research associate roles in Washington?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for research associates in Washington, applying to roles requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field such as biology, chemistry, or data science. University-affiliated positions often use J-1 visa exchange visitor visas for postdoctoral or collaborative research appointments. Some roles at nonprofit research institutions may qualify for cap-exempt H-1B filings, bypassing the annual lottery.
Which cities in Washington have the most research associate sponsorship jobs?
Seattle accounts for the largest share of research associate sponsorship activity in Washington, anchored by its concentration of academic medical centers, biotech firms, and technology companies. Bellevue and Redmond add additional opportunities through corporate research functions. Spokane hosts research positions tied to Washington State University's health sciences programs, and Pullman generates openings through WSU's agricultural and scientific research departments.
How to find research associate visa sponsorship jobs in Washington?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it straightforward to identify research associate roles in Washington where employers have confirmed willingness to sponsor. You can narrow results by city, research field, or institution type. Given the concentration of academic and biotech employers in the Seattle area, filtering for those sectors on Migrate Mate surfaces the most active sponsorship opportunities for research associates in the state.
Are there state-specific considerations for research associates seeking sponsorship in Washington?
Washington's strong university and biotech pipeline means many research associate positions are affiliated with nonprofit or higher-education institutions, which can qualify for cap-exempt H-1B sponsorship outside the annual lottery. The state has no personal income tax, which factors into how employers structure compensation benchmarks for prevailing wage compliance. Research associates in life sciences should also be aware that clinical or laboratory roles may have credential verification requirements beyond the standard visa documentation.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research associate jobs in Washington?
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.