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.
See All Research Associate JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 33+ Research Associate Jobs in Washington with Visa Sponsorship jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 33+ Research Associate Jobs in Washington with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Associate Jobs in Washington with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All JobsDescription
WSIPP Job Recruitment
Research Associate
Opened: April 14, 2026
Closes: May 12, 2026
Salary Range: $6,457 - $8,395 per month of full-time work (DOQ)
Special Note
This position is full-time, overtime exempt, an “at-will” appointment, and exempt from Washington State Civil Service rules and the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime requirements. These exempt positions serve at the discretion of the WSIPP Director.
Washington State Institute for Public Policy Profile
The Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) is a nonpartisan public research group located in Olympia, the hub of the Washington State government. WSIPP is a team of multidisciplinary researchers who conduct applied policy research for the state legislature in a creative and collaborative environment.
WSIPP is strongly committed to the core values of nonpartisanship, quality, and impartiality. Created in 1983, WSIPP has become nationally and internationally recognized for the design, depth, and quality of its research reports and benefit-cost analyses.
Position Purpose
Research Associates conduct research on public policy topics. The work primarily involves literature reviews, meta-analysis, data and fiscal analysis, report writing, and presentations. In addition, Research Associates may assist in designing and implementing outcome evaluations and benefit-cost analyses. The position involves collaboration with other WSIPP researchers and consultation with state legislative members, legislative staff, state agency staff, external researchers, and other stakeholders.
This position operates under the general direction of WSIPP leadership and various project leads. The ideal candidate will have a background in policy analysis and a broad interest in evidence-based public policy; be a self-starter; be comfortable with ambiguity; possess strong quantitative, data analytical, communication, project management, and interpersonal skills; and have an eagerness to learn.
Nature and Scope
WSIPP conducts research at the direction of the state legislature or its Board of Directors. Research areas include public health, criminal justice, early learning, K-12 education, higher education, child welfare, behavioral health, and health care.
The successful candidate for the advertised position will be responsible for participating in a variety of research assignments, including outcome evaluations, literature reviews, and quantitative analyses of state administrative data. This position is expected to be flexible and adaptable in supporting more than one of WSIPP’s current assignments and will likely need to pivot as new assignments are received.
Duties
Essential Functions
- Conduct evidence reviews, policy reviews, data analysis, and/or meta-analysis and assist with outcome evaluations and benefit-cost analysis.
- Consult with legislative staff, state agencies, local governments, national experts, and stakeholders.
- Write reports and present findings to the legislature and other technical and lay audiences.
Additional Duties
- Complete other projects upon request. Work portfolios may vary depending on new legislative and Board-approved assignments.
- Assist in designing and conducting primary research on major public policy topics to inform state decision-makers.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of rigorous scientific outcome evaluation methods.
- Ability to perform advanced statistical analysis, including experience using a statistical package such as Stata or R.
- Ability to apply exceptional interpersonal expertise to seek out and build positive working relationships with leadership, project team members, and internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to work diplomatically, professionally, and in a nonpartisan manner on controversial issues.
- Ability to critically review research literature and draw policy-relevant conclusions.
- Ability to work collaboratively in groups.
- Ability to flexibly manage own workload to meet assigned deadlines.
- Ability to present research findings, both orally and in writing, to both technical and lay audiences.
- Ability to work across multiple disciplines and with a variety of legislative and state agency partners.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s (or equivalent) in relevant discipline.
- At least two years of experience and/or coursework using quantitative methods.
Desired Qualifications
- Recent work experience or graduate-level training in statistics, meta-analysis, econometrics, outcome evaluation, or benefit-cost analysis.
- Work experience or formal training in criminal justice, education, economics, public policy, public health, health care policy, and/or a related social or behavioral science.
- Work experience in a government setting.
Supplemental Information
Work Environment
The Research Associate works in an office environment with occasional meetings in a group setting. Occasional in-state travel to meet with stakeholders may be required. Flex scheduling is allowed, and a partial telecommuting schedule may be approved by the Director.
Conditions of Employment
- Must provide proof of identity and employment eligibility within three days of beginning work.
- Prior to a new hire, a background check, including criminal record history, will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
To Apply
Please visit https://evergreen.peopleadmin.com/postings/4517 to apply.
Description
WSIPP Job Recruitment
Research Associate
Opened: April 14, 2026
Closes: May 12, 2026
Salary Range: $6,457 - $8,395 per month of full-time work (DOQ)
Special Note
This position is full-time, overtime exempt, an “at-will” appointment, and exempt from Washington State Civil Service rules and the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime requirements. These exempt positions serve at the discretion of the WSIPP Director.
Washington State Institute for Public Policy Profile
The Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) is a nonpartisan public research group located in Olympia, the hub of the Washington State government. WSIPP is a team of multidisciplinary researchers who conduct applied policy research for the state legislature in a creative and collaborative environment.
WSIPP is strongly committed to the core values of nonpartisanship, quality, and impartiality. Created in 1983, WSIPP has become nationally and internationally recognized for the design, depth, and quality of its research reports and benefit-cost analyses.
Position Purpose
Research Associates conduct research on public policy topics. The work primarily involves literature reviews, meta-analysis, data and fiscal analysis, report writing, and presentations. In addition, Research Associates may assist in designing and implementing outcome evaluations and benefit-cost analyses. The position involves collaboration with other WSIPP researchers and consultation with state legislative members, legislative staff, state agency staff, external researchers, and other stakeholders.
This position operates under the general direction of WSIPP leadership and various project leads. The ideal candidate will have a background in policy analysis and a broad interest in evidence-based public policy; be a self-starter; be comfortable with ambiguity; possess strong quantitative, data analytical, communication, project management, and interpersonal skills; and have an eagerness to learn.
Nature and Scope
WSIPP conducts research at the direction of the state legislature or its Board of Directors. Research areas include public health, criminal justice, early learning, K-12 education, higher education, child welfare, behavioral health, and health care.
The successful candidate for the advertised position will be responsible for participating in a variety of research assignments, including outcome evaluations, literature reviews, and quantitative analyses of state administrative data. This position is expected to be flexible and adaptable in supporting more than one of WSIPP’s current assignments and will likely need to pivot as new assignments are received.
Duties
Essential Functions
- Conduct evidence reviews, policy reviews, data analysis, and/or meta-analysis and assist with outcome evaluations and benefit-cost analysis.
- Consult with legislative staff, state agencies, local governments, national experts, and stakeholders.
- Write reports and present findings to the legislature and other technical and lay audiences.
Additional Duties
- Complete other projects upon request. Work portfolios may vary depending on new legislative and Board-approved assignments.
- Assist in designing and conducting primary research on major public policy topics to inform state decision-makers.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of rigorous scientific outcome evaluation methods.
- Ability to perform advanced statistical analysis, including experience using a statistical package such as Stata or R.
- Ability to apply exceptional interpersonal expertise to seek out and build positive working relationships with leadership, project team members, and internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to work diplomatically, professionally, and in a nonpartisan manner on controversial issues.
- Ability to critically review research literature and draw policy-relevant conclusions.
- Ability to work collaboratively in groups.
- Ability to flexibly manage own workload to meet assigned deadlines.
- Ability to present research findings, both orally and in writing, to both technical and lay audiences.
- Ability to work across multiple disciplines and with a variety of legislative and state agency partners.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s (or equivalent) in relevant discipline.
- At least two years of experience and/or coursework using quantitative methods.
Desired Qualifications
- Recent work experience or graduate-level training in statistics, meta-analysis, econometrics, outcome evaluation, or benefit-cost analysis.
- Work experience or formal training in criminal justice, education, economics, public policy, public health, health care policy, and/or a related social or behavioral science.
- Work experience in a government setting.
Supplemental Information
Work Environment
The Research Associate works in an office environment with occasional meetings in a group setting. Occasional in-state travel to meet with stakeholders may be required. Flex scheduling is allowed, and a partial telecommuting schedule may be approved by the Director.
Conditions of Employment
- Must provide proof of identity and employment eligibility within three days of beginning work.
- Prior to a new hire, a background check, including criminal record history, will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
To Apply
Please visit https://evergreen.peopleadmin.com/postings/4517 to apply.
Research Associate Job Roles in Washington
See all 33+ Research Associate Jobs in Washington
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
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 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 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.
See which research associate employers are hiring and sponsoring visas in Washington right now.
Search Research Associate Jobs in Washington