AI Research Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
AI Research Scientists rank among the most actively sponsored roles in the U.S. Most employers file H-1B petitions for this position, and O-1A visas are a strong alternative for candidates with publications, patents, or conference presentations. A relevant graduate degree is almost always required. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Meta is seeking Research Scientists to join the Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) Chemistry team. The Chemistry team develops AI-based methods to model the world at the atomic level. Chemistry and materials science applications include energy sustainability, drug discovery, and new materials for display technologies. Researchers will drive fundamental methods development to enable predictive and generative AI models across these applications. They will work with an interdisciplinary team of domain scientists, AI experts, and software engineers, as well as academic and industrial partners.
AI Research Scientist, FAIR Chemistry Responsibilities:
- Provide technical leadership for a scientific direction in AI for science
- Perform research that advances the state-of-the-art in AI for chemistry and materials science
- Work closely with internal and external partners to realize impact of methods advances
- Work towards long-term goals, while identifying intermediate milestones
- Influence progress of relevant research communities by producing publications
- Open source high quality code and produce reproducible research
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
- A PhD in AI, computer science, data science, science/engineering, or related technical fields
- First-authored or last-authored publications at peer-reviewed conferences, such as ICML, NeurIPS, ICLR, and other similar venues
- 4+ years experience holding an industry, postdoctoral, faculty, or government researcher position
- Research background in machine learning, artificial intelligence, computational statistics, applied mathematics, AI for science, or related areas
- Experience in developing and debugging in Python or similar programming languages
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Research and engineering experience demonstrated via publications, grants, fellowships, patents, open source code
- Experience collaborating in a team environment on research projects
- Experience in applying AI systems to solve science and engineering problems
- Experience in molecular simulations, long timescale dynamics, or generative models
ABOUT META:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
COMPENSATION
- $184,000/year to $257,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.
INTRODUCTION
Meta is seeking Research Scientists to join the Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) Chemistry team. The Chemistry team develops AI-based methods to model the world at the atomic level. Chemistry and materials science applications include energy sustainability, drug discovery, and new materials for display technologies. Researchers will drive fundamental methods development to enable predictive and generative AI models across these applications. They will work with an interdisciplinary team of domain scientists, AI experts, and software engineers, as well as academic and industrial partners.
AI Research Scientist, FAIR Chemistry Responsibilities:
- Provide technical leadership for a scientific direction in AI for science
- Perform research that advances the state-of-the-art in AI for chemistry and materials science
- Work closely with internal and external partners to realize impact of methods advances
- Work towards long-term goals, while identifying intermediate milestones
- Influence progress of relevant research communities by producing publications
- Open source high quality code and produce reproducible research
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
- A PhD in AI, computer science, data science, science/engineering, or related technical fields
- First-authored or last-authored publications at peer-reviewed conferences, such as ICML, NeurIPS, ICLR, and other similar venues
- 4+ years experience holding an industry, postdoctoral, faculty, or government researcher position
- Research background in machine learning, artificial intelligence, computational statistics, applied mathematics, AI for science, or related areas
- Experience in developing and debugging in Python or similar programming languages
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Research and engineering experience demonstrated via publications, grants, fellowships, patents, open source code
- Experience collaborating in a team environment on research projects
- Experience in applying AI systems to solve science and engineering problems
- Experience in molecular simulations, long timescale dynamics, or generative models
ABOUT META:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
COMPENSATION
- $184,000/year to $257,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an AI Research Scientist
Target employers with H-1B cap-exempt status
Universities, nonprofit research labs, and federally funded R&D centers can sponsor H-1B visas outside the annual lottery. For AI researchers, institutions like MIT Lincoln Laboratory or national labs offer a direct path without cap risk.
Build a publication record before applying
Employers sponsoring H-1B or O-1A visas for AI Research Scientists expect peer-reviewed publications or conference papers. A strong research output at NeurIPS, ICML, or ICLR signals both technical credibility and visa eligibility simultaneously.
Consider the O-1A if your H-1B wasn't selected
The O-1A has no lottery and no annual cap. AI researchers with publications, citations, conference speaking credits, or awards may qualify. Immigration attorneys report strong O-1A approval rates for candidates with a solid academic or industry research record.
Clarify your degree field matches the role
H-1B approval requires a specialty occupation link between your degree and the position. A PhD in computer science, statistics, or electrical engineering typically satisfies this. Mismatches between degree field and job description are a common reason for RFEs.
Ask about premium processing upfront
Premium processing reduces USCIS adjudication to 15 business days. For AI Research Scientists negotiating start dates, confirming whether the employer will elect premium processing avoids delays that can push back your first day by months.
Document your research contributions precisely
Sponsors need to write a strong support letter explaining the specialized nature of your role. Give your employer detailed documentation of your projects, methodologies, and outcomes. Vague job descriptions increase the likelihood of a Request for Evidence.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do companies actually sponsor visas for AI Research Scientist roles?
Yes, and this is one of the most actively sponsored job titles in the U.S. Large tech companies, university labs, and government-affiliated research centers routinely file H-1B petitions for this role. DOL disclosure data consistently shows AI Research Scientist and related titles among the highest-volume H-1B filings each year. You can browse verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate.
What visa is most common for AI Research Scientists?
The H-1B is the most common visa for this role, typically requiring at least a master's degree in computer science, machine learning, statistics, or a closely related field. The O-1A is a strong alternative for candidates with a documented research record, including publications, citations, patents, or peer recognition. L-1B transfers are also used when researchers move from an overseas office to a U.S. entity.
Does a PhD improve my chances of getting sponsored?
It helps, but it isn't required. A PhD strengthens both the H-1B specialty occupation argument and the O-1A extraordinary ability case. However, many employers successfully sponsor candidates holding a master's degree with relevant research experience. The critical factor is that your degree field directly corresponds to the technical requirements of the specific AI research position.
What happens to my sponsorship if I switch research focus or team?
A significant change in job duties can require an amended H-1B petition. If your role shifts from, say, natural language processing research to computer vision in a way that changes the underlying job description, your employer should file an amendment before the change takes effect. Minor shifts within the same specialty typically don't require a new filing, but your employer's immigration counsel should make that determination.
How long does H-1B sponsorship take for this role?
Without premium processing, USCIS adjudication currently takes 3 to 6 months after the cap lottery in April, with an October 1 start date. With premium processing, adjudication is reduced to 15 business days from filing. For cap-exempt employers such as universities and nonprofit research organizations, H-1B petitions can be filed year-round and processed on the same premium processing timeline.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored AI Research Scientist jobs?
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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