AI Researcher Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
AI Researcher roles are among the most actively sponsored positions in the U.S. right now. Most employers file H-1B visa petitions for this role, and many qualify for cap-exempt filing through universities and nonprofit research labs. A master's or PhD in computer science, machine learning, or a related field is standard. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsAt Franklin Templeton, we’re advancing our industry forward by developing new and innovative ways to help our clients achieve their investment goals. Our dynamic firm spans asset management, wealth management, and fintech, offering many ways to help investors make progress toward their goals. Our talented teams working around the globe bring expertise that’s both broad and unique. From our welcoming, inclusive, and flexible culture to our global and diverse business, we provide opportunities to help you reach your potential while helping our clients reach theirs.
Come join us in delivering better outcomes for our clients around the world!
About AI & Digital Asset Solutions
Financial markets are evolving at a breakneck pace—and so are the capabilities required to stay ahead. Investment teams are increasingly asking two questions: how to apply frontier AI to real investment problems (alpha generation, portfolio construction, risk decomposition, workflow automation), and how to rigorously evaluate digital assets alongside traditional asset classes.
AI & Digital Asset Solutions is a newly formed, entrepreneurial research team within Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions (FTIS) focused on answering both. We build practical tools, models, and frameworks that investment teams can use—bridging cutting-edge research and real-world deployment.
On the AI side, we design and implement AI-enabled capabilities across the investment lifecycle for FTIS —from agentic workflows and research copilots to enhancements in portfolio construction and client-facing tools—working closely with investment business partners, technology, and central AI teams. As an AI Research Analyst, you will get early exposure to solving real problems at the intersection of the two most exciting forces reshaping finance.
Responsibilities:
- Work with portfolio management, research, and business development teams to identify opportunities where AI can enhance alpha generation, portfolio construction, risk management, predictive analytics, and client-facing workflows
- Translate ambiguous investment problems into well-scoped technical solutions, accounting for real-world constraints, edge cases, and data limitations
- Work with central AI and engineering teams to productionize models and deploy them into investment workflows
- Help drive adoption of AI tools by communicating results clearly and enabling investment teams to use what you build
- Contribute to defining and articulating a firm-wide AI strategy for investment management, including identifying high-impact use cases, establishing best practices, and driving adoption across teams
Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in an applied quantitative field, ideally involving deploying DL/ML within an investment management organization
- Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a technical field such as computer science, machine learning, statistics, mathematics, or a related discipline preferred but not required
- Working knowledge of financial markets and investment concepts (e.g., portfolio construction, asset allocation, risk management) is a plus, but not required
- Strong programming skills in at least one modern language (e.g., C++, Python, Java, C#, JavaScript), with the ability to quickly learn new languages and frameworks as needed
- Experience developing or applying machine learning models (e.g., deep learning, time series modeling, or optimization techniques) in real-world settings
- High intellectual curiosity and an entrepreneurial mindset, with a proven ability to quickly learn new concepts and apply them to ambiguous, real-world problems
- Demonstrated experience working on open-ended, ambiguous problems, with the ability to independently scope questions, design approaches, and iterate toward practical solutions
- Proven experience owning end-to-end development of data or AI solutions, from initial concept and modeling through production deployment and real-world adoption
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex quantitative concepts to non-technical stakeholders
When Applying:
- Please upload your GitHub repository, along with your resume.
Work Schedule & Location:
- Hybrid work schedule
- Primary Work Location: Boston-MA
- Secondary Work Locations: San Mateo-CA, San Ramon-CA, Pasadena-CA
Compensation Range:
Franklin Templeton offers employees a competitive and valuable range of total rewards—monetary and non-monetary — designed to support their well-being and recognize their time, talents, and results. Along with base compensation, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, a 401(k) plan with a generous match, and recognition rewards. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a range of competitive healthcare options, insurance, and disability benefits, employee stock investment program, learning resources, career development programs, reimbursement for certain education expenses, paid time off (vacation / holidays / sick / leave / parental & caregiving leave / bereavement / volunteering / floating holidays) and a motivational well-being program. We expect the annual salary for this position to range between $150,000 to $200,000, plus an annual discretionary bonus, depending on location and level of relevant experience.
ASSOCIATE
LI-Hybrid
Experience our welcoming culture and reach your professional and personal potential!
Our culture is shaped by the variety of perspectives and experiences brought by talent from around the world. Regardless of your interests, lifestyle, or background, there’s a place for you at Franklin Templeton. We provide employees with the tools, resources, and learning opportunities to help them excel in their career and personal life.
By joining us, you will become part of a culture that focuses on employee well-being and provides multidimensional support for a positive and healthy lifestyle. We understand that benefits are at the core of employee well-being and may vary depending on individual needs. Whether you need support for maintaining your physical and mental health, saving for life’s adventures, taking care of your family members, or making a positive impact in your community, we aim to have your needs covered. Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton.
Highlights of our benefits include:
- Three weeks paid time off the first year
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with 85% company match on your pre-tax and/or Roth contributions, up to the IRS limits
- Employee Stock Investment Program
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Purchase of company funds with no sales charge
- Onsite fitness center and recreation center*
- Onsite cafeteria*
*Only applicable at certain locations
Franklin Templeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.
If you believe that you need an accommodation or adjustment to search for or apply for one of our positions, please send an email to accommodations@franklintempleton.com. In your email, please include the accommodation or adjustment you are requesting, the job title, and the job number you are applying for. It may take up to three business days to receive a response to your request. Please note that only accommodation requests will receive a response.
At Franklin Templeton, we’re advancing our industry forward by developing new and innovative ways to help our clients achieve their investment goals. Our dynamic firm spans asset management, wealth management, and fintech, offering many ways to help investors make progress toward their goals. Our talented teams working around the globe bring expertise that’s both broad and unique. From our welcoming, inclusive, and flexible culture to our global and diverse business, we provide opportunities to help you reach your potential while helping our clients reach theirs.
Come join us in delivering better outcomes for our clients around the world!
About AI & Digital Asset Solutions
Financial markets are evolving at a breakneck pace—and so are the capabilities required to stay ahead. Investment teams are increasingly asking two questions: how to apply frontier AI to real investment problems (alpha generation, portfolio construction, risk decomposition, workflow automation), and how to rigorously evaluate digital assets alongside traditional asset classes.
AI & Digital Asset Solutions is a newly formed, entrepreneurial research team within Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions (FTIS) focused on answering both. We build practical tools, models, and frameworks that investment teams can use—bridging cutting-edge research and real-world deployment.
On the AI side, we design and implement AI-enabled capabilities across the investment lifecycle for FTIS —from agentic workflows and research copilots to enhancements in portfolio construction and client-facing tools—working closely with investment business partners, technology, and central AI teams. As an AI Research Analyst, you will get early exposure to solving real problems at the intersection of the two most exciting forces reshaping finance.
Responsibilities:
- Work with portfolio management, research, and business development teams to identify opportunities where AI can enhance alpha generation, portfolio construction, risk management, predictive analytics, and client-facing workflows
- Translate ambiguous investment problems into well-scoped technical solutions, accounting for real-world constraints, edge cases, and data limitations
- Work with central AI and engineering teams to productionize models and deploy them into investment workflows
- Help drive adoption of AI tools by communicating results clearly and enabling investment teams to use what you build
- Contribute to defining and articulating a firm-wide AI strategy for investment management, including identifying high-impact use cases, establishing best practices, and driving adoption across teams
Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in an applied quantitative field, ideally involving deploying DL/ML within an investment management organization
- Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a technical field such as computer science, machine learning, statistics, mathematics, or a related discipline preferred but not required
- Working knowledge of financial markets and investment concepts (e.g., portfolio construction, asset allocation, risk management) is a plus, but not required
- Strong programming skills in at least one modern language (e.g., C++, Python, Java, C#, JavaScript), with the ability to quickly learn new languages and frameworks as needed
- Experience developing or applying machine learning models (e.g., deep learning, time series modeling, or optimization techniques) in real-world settings
- High intellectual curiosity and an entrepreneurial mindset, with a proven ability to quickly learn new concepts and apply them to ambiguous, real-world problems
- Demonstrated experience working on open-ended, ambiguous problems, with the ability to independently scope questions, design approaches, and iterate toward practical solutions
- Proven experience owning end-to-end development of data or AI solutions, from initial concept and modeling through production deployment and real-world adoption
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex quantitative concepts to non-technical stakeholders
When Applying:
- Please upload your GitHub repository, along with your resume.
Work Schedule & Location:
- Hybrid work schedule
- Primary Work Location: Boston-MA
- Secondary Work Locations: San Mateo-CA, San Ramon-CA, Pasadena-CA
Compensation Range:
Franklin Templeton offers employees a competitive and valuable range of total rewards—monetary and non-monetary — designed to support their well-being and recognize their time, talents, and results. Along with base compensation, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, a 401(k) plan with a generous match, and recognition rewards. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a range of competitive healthcare options, insurance, and disability benefits, employee stock investment program, learning resources, career development programs, reimbursement for certain education expenses, paid time off (vacation / holidays / sick / leave / parental & caregiving leave / bereavement / volunteering / floating holidays) and a motivational well-being program. We expect the annual salary for this position to range between $150,000 to $200,000, plus an annual discretionary bonus, depending on location and level of relevant experience.
ASSOCIATE
LI-Hybrid
Experience our welcoming culture and reach your professional and personal potential!
Our culture is shaped by the variety of perspectives and experiences brought by talent from around the world. Regardless of your interests, lifestyle, or background, there’s a place for you at Franklin Templeton. We provide employees with the tools, resources, and learning opportunities to help them excel in their career and personal life.
By joining us, you will become part of a culture that focuses on employee well-being and provides multidimensional support for a positive and healthy lifestyle. We understand that benefits are at the core of employee well-being and may vary depending on individual needs. Whether you need support for maintaining your physical and mental health, saving for life’s adventures, taking care of your family members, or making a positive impact in your community, we aim to have your needs covered. Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton.
Highlights of our benefits include:
- Three weeks paid time off the first year
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with 85% company match on your pre-tax and/or Roth contributions, up to the IRS limits
- Employee Stock Investment Program
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Purchase of company funds with no sales charge
- Onsite fitness center and recreation center*
- Onsite cafeteria*
*Only applicable at certain locations
Franklin Templeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.
If you believe that you need an accommodation or adjustment to search for or apply for one of our positions, please send an email to accommodations@franklintempleton.com. In your email, please include the accommodation or adjustment you are requesting, the job title, and the job number you are applying for. It may take up to three business days to receive a response to your request. Please note that only accommodation requests will receive a response.
See all 941+ AI Researcher jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new AI Researcher roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding AI Researcher Jobs
Target cap-exempt employers first
Universities, nonprofit research institutes, and government-affiliated labs can sponsor H-1B visas outside the annual lottery. For AI Researchers, this dramatically increases your odds of getting sponsored without waiting for a cap-subject slot.
Lead with publications and benchmarks
Employers evaluating AI Researchers want evidence of impact. Citing published papers, open-source contributions, or model performance benchmarks gives hiring managers and immigration attorneys concrete proof your role meets specialty occupation standards.
A PhD opens O-1A doors
AI Researchers with peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or awards may qualify for the O-1A extraordinary ability visa. It has no lottery, no annual cap, and is increasingly common for senior researchers at frontier AI labs.
Clarify your research scope early in interviews
Employers sometimes conflate AI Researchers with ML Engineers or Data Scientists, which affects how they structure sponsorship. Be specific about whether your role is research-focused to ensure the petition is filed under the right classification.
Degree field alignment matters for H-1B approval
USCIS requires your degree to directly relate to the research specialization. A PhD in physics applying to a natural language processing role may face scrutiny. Framing your coursework and thesis in terms of the job's technical requirements strengthens the petition.
EB-1A and NIW are realistic long-term paths
AI Researchers are well-positioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability or EB-2 National Interest Waiver green cards. Published research, citation counts, and national security or scientific impact arguments carry significant weight with USCIS adjudicators for both categories.
AI Researcher jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find AI Researcher JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do AI Researcher roles typically qualify as H-1B specialty occupations?
Yes. AI Researcher positions almost universally qualify as specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree, and in practice a master's or PhD, in computer science, machine learning, statistics, or a closely related field. USCIS has a strong approval record for this role when the job description is research-specific and the degree field aligns with the work.
Can I get sponsored as an AI Researcher without going through the H-1B lottery?
Yes, through two main paths. First, cap-exempt employers, including universities, nonprofit research labs, and certain government-affiliated institutions, can file H-1B petitions year-round outside the lottery. Second, AI Researchers with strong publication records may qualify for the O-1A visa, which has no lottery or annual cap. Browse current openings on Migrate Mate to filter for employers with a track record of cap-exempt or O-1A sponsorship.
Does my degree need to be in AI or machine learning specifically?
Not necessarily, but it needs to be directly relevant to the research role. Computer science, statistics, mathematics, cognitive science, and electrical engineering are all accepted. Where applicants run into trouble is when the degree is in an unrelated field and the connection to AI research isn't clearly documented. USCIS looks at coursework, thesis topics, and specializations, not just the degree title.
What visa options are available for senior AI Researchers beyond the H-1B?
Senior AI Researchers have several strong options. The O-1A visa suits those with published papers, speaking invitations, awards, or high citation counts. The EB-1A immigrant visa (extraordinary ability) and EB-2 National Interest Waiver both work well for researchers whose work has demonstrated scientific or national significance. Both green card categories allow self-petition without an employer sponsor, which is a meaningful advantage.
How do employers typically assess whether to sponsor an AI Researcher?
Most employers look at three things: research output (publications, conference presentations, open-source contributions), technical specialization (the more narrowly defined, the easier the H-1B justification), and long-term retention potential. Frontier AI companies and academic institutions are generally more experienced with sponsorship and more willing to absorb the cost. Startups may require more upfront conversation about the process.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored AI Researcher 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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