Research Assistant Visa Sponsorship Jobs in West Virginia
West Virginia's research assistant jobs are concentrated at major universities and research institutions, including West Virginia University in Morgantown and Marshall University in Huntington. These institutions regularly support visa sponsorship for qualified candidates in scientific, medical, and social science research roles, making them the primary entry points for international research professionals in the state.
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The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant position.
About the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute
The WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI) is a comprehensive multidisciplinary patient care, education, research, and innovation institute providing neurological and mental healthcare for 330,000 patients annually. More than 300 physicians and scientists of the RNI improve lives by pioneering advances in neuroscience, brain health, and therapeutics. The RNI team uses the latest technologies with academic, government, and industry partners to make tangible progress to combat public health challenges ranging from addiction to Alzheimer’s disease. For more information visit WVUMedicine.org/RNI.
About the Opportunity
The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute is seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Research Technician to support preclinical research in the Focused Ultrasound (FUS) Laboratory. This role will contribute to studies investigating the safety, efficacy, and mechanistic underpinnings of therapeutic focused ultrasound for neuromodulation in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders. The technician will work within a translational research framework, supporting the development and validation of animal models that directly inform ongoing and future clinical applications. Core methodologies include in vivo electrophysiology, behavioral assays, histology, and immunohistochemistry.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
- 37.5-hour work week
- 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
- 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
- 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
- WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
- 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
- Wellness programs
- Support day-to-day laboratory operations, including maintaining compliance with safety protocols, ensuring proper function and calibration of research equipment (including FUS systems), managing inventory, and coordinating procurement of supplies
- Conduct preclinical experiments, including rodent handling, survival surgeries, stereotactic injections, and longitudinal monitoring of animal health and behavior
- Perform and support data acquisition techniques such as in vivo electrophysiology, ultrasound neuromodulation procedures, and behavioral testing paradigms
- Process and analyze biological specimens using histological and immunofluorescence techniques, including tissue sectioning, staining, and imaging
- Maintain detailed, accurate, and organized records of experimental procedures, datasets, and protocols using both physical and electronic lab systems
- Ensure adherence to institutional and federal animal care guidelines; assist with IACUC protocol preparation, documentation, and renewals
- Assist in routine testing, calibration, and troubleshooting of focused ultrasound hardware and associated instrumentation
- Contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation; may lead independent or semi-independent research projects under supervision
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to support translational alignment between preclinical findings and clinical objectives
- Perform additional research-related duties as assigned
Pay Grade: 15
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
- A minimum of 0-6 months of experience in the following:
- Neuroscience or biology research lab setting.
- Experience working with rodents in a laboratory setting is strongly preferred
- Experience with stereotactic surgery, electrophysiology, or imaging techniques (preferred).
- Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Foundational understanding of neuroscience, physiology, or biomedical research principles
- Strong organizational skills with attention to experimental detail and reproducibility
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document and present findings clearly
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, fast-paced research environment
- Willingness to work with biohazardous materials and comply with all required safety and training protocols
- Capacity to handle laboratory equipment, maintain supplies, and adhere to PPE requirements
Requirements
- This position may or may not require Medical Monitoring, including periodic health monitoring and/or training.
About WVU
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.
Job Posting: Apr 16, 2026
Posting Classification: Classified
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Schedule: Full-time

The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Research Assistant position.
About the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute
The WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI) is a comprehensive multidisciplinary patient care, education, research, and innovation institute providing neurological and mental healthcare for 330,000 patients annually. More than 300 physicians and scientists of the RNI improve lives by pioneering advances in neuroscience, brain health, and therapeutics. The RNI team uses the latest technologies with academic, government, and industry partners to make tangible progress to combat public health challenges ranging from addiction to Alzheimer’s disease. For more information visit WVUMedicine.org/RNI.
About the Opportunity
The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute is seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Research Technician to support preclinical research in the Focused Ultrasound (FUS) Laboratory. This role will contribute to studies investigating the safety, efficacy, and mechanistic underpinnings of therapeutic focused ultrasound for neuromodulation in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders. The technician will work within a translational research framework, supporting the development and validation of animal models that directly inform ongoing and future clinical applications. Core methodologies include in vivo electrophysiology, behavioral assays, histology, and immunohistochemistry.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
- 37.5-hour work week
- 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
- 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
- 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
- WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
- 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
- Wellness programs
- Support day-to-day laboratory operations, including maintaining compliance with safety protocols, ensuring proper function and calibration of research equipment (including FUS systems), managing inventory, and coordinating procurement of supplies
- Conduct preclinical experiments, including rodent handling, survival surgeries, stereotactic injections, and longitudinal monitoring of animal health and behavior
- Perform and support data acquisition techniques such as in vivo electrophysiology, ultrasound neuromodulation procedures, and behavioral testing paradigms
- Process and analyze biological specimens using histological and immunofluorescence techniques, including tissue sectioning, staining, and imaging
- Maintain detailed, accurate, and organized records of experimental procedures, datasets, and protocols using both physical and electronic lab systems
- Ensure adherence to institutional and federal animal care guidelines; assist with IACUC protocol preparation, documentation, and renewals
- Assist in routine testing, calibration, and troubleshooting of focused ultrasound hardware and associated instrumentation
- Contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation; may lead independent or semi-independent research projects under supervision
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to support translational alignment between preclinical findings and clinical objectives
- Perform additional research-related duties as assigned
Pay Grade: 15
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
- A minimum of 0-6 months of experience in the following:
- Neuroscience or biology research lab setting.
- Experience working with rodents in a laboratory setting is strongly preferred
- Experience with stereotactic surgery, electrophysiology, or imaging techniques (preferred).
- Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Foundational understanding of neuroscience, physiology, or biomedical research principles
- Strong organizational skills with attention to experimental detail and reproducibility
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document and present findings clearly
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, fast-paced research environment
- Willingness to work with biohazardous materials and comply with all required safety and training protocols
- Capacity to handle laboratory equipment, maintain supplies, and adhere to PPE requirements
Requirements
- This position may or may not require Medical Monitoring, including periodic health monitoring and/or training.
About WVU
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.
Job Posting: Apr 16, 2026
Posting Classification: Classified
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Schedule: Full-time
Research Assistant Job Roles in West Virginia
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Search Research Assistant Jobs in West VirginiaResearch Assistant Jobs in West Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and institutions sponsor visas for research assistants in West Virginia?
West Virginia University is the largest source of research assistant visa sponsorships in the state, particularly through its health sciences, engineering, and energy research programs. Marshall University and the WVU Health System also sponsor international researchers. Federal facilities like the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Morgantown occasionally support research roles, though federal hiring has additional requirements.
Which visa types are most common for research assistant roles in West Virginia?
The H-1B is the most common visa for research assistant positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specialty field. University-affiliated positions often use J-1 exchange visitor visas for postdoctoral researchers and research scholars. F-1 OPT and STEM OPT extensions are also frequently used by recent graduates transitioning into research assistant roles at West Virginia institutions before employer-sponsored petitions are filed.
Which cities in West Virginia have the most research assistant sponsorship jobs?
Morgantown is by far the leading city for research assistant sponsorship in West Virginia, driven by West Virginia University and NETL. Huntington is the secondary hub, anchored by Marshall University and its Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Charleston sees some research activity through state health agencies and private medical institutions, but Morgantown accounts for the significant majority of sponsored research positions statewide.
How to find research assistant visa sponsorship jobs in West Virginia?
Migrate Mate filters research assistant job listings specifically to employers in West Virginia who have a documented history of visa sponsorship. Rather than sorting through general job postings where sponsorship availability is unclear, Migrate Mate surfaces roles at institutions like WVU and Marshall University that are verified sponsors. This is particularly useful for international candidates on OPT or waiting on H-1B selection who need to confirm sponsorship upfront.
Are there state-specific considerations for research assistants seeking visa sponsorship in West Virginia?
West Virginia's research sector is heavily tied to university funding cycles and federal grants, which means sponsorship availability can shift based on grant renewals. Many research assistant positions are tied to specific faculty-led projects, so sponsorship is often contingent on continued funding. International candidates should confirm with hiring departments whether the position carries multi-year funding before relying on it for H-1B or J-1 sponsorship timelines.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research assistant jobs in West 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.
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