Associate Researcher Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Associate Researcher roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. Many universities and research institutions are cap-exempt H-1B employers, which means no lottery and faster USCIS processing for candidates targeting academic or nonprofit research settings.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: PS Research Associate
Working Title: PS Research Associate
Career Progression Track: A00
FLSA Code: Professional
Patient Sensitive Job Code?: Yes
Standard Hours per Week: 40
Full Time or Part Time?: Full Time
Shift: Day
Work Schedule Summary: This position requires full-time in-office presence for up to six months, or longer depending on the successful completion of the probationary period. Afterward, possible hybrid after successful probation. Some evenings or weekend hours will be needed to accommodate participant schedules and recruitment opportunities.
VP Area: U of U Health - Academics
Department: 00958 - FMPH Administration
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment: External Posting
Pay Rate Range: $53,690 DOQ
Close Date: 01/10/2027
Job Summary: The Behavioral Sleep Medicine Laboratory (P.I. Kelly Baron, PhD, MPH) seeks a full-time research staff member to support ongoing studies examining sleep in menopause, healthy aging, and community-engaged research. The research staff member will work with a collaborative team conducting outpatient research in English and Spanish. Activities include participant screening and scheduling, data collection, retention, and support for day-to-day study operations. No overnight work is required; however, approximately 3–4 evening assessment sessions per month may be needed.
Our laboratory conducts research designed to improve health through sleep and circadian rhythms. We value an inclusive research environment, strong community partnerships, and work that advances health equity. This position offers hands-on experience across a range of behavioral sleep medicine and public health studies, from mechanistic to community-engaged research.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the study team to meet participant recruitment, screening, and retention goals.
- Schedule and conduct study screening and assessments.
- Maintain accurate study records and comply with ethical standards for research involving human participants.
- Support research activities in Spanish and English, as appropriate.
- Assist with additional study activities as delegated by the principal investigator and project director.
- Have opportunities to contribute to scientific abstracts and manuscripts.
- Completes other activities as delegated by the PI and the project director.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, or current training toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree, in a health-related field such as psychology, public health, nursing, social work, kinesiology, nutrition, counseling, or a related discipline.
Preferences
Bachelor’s degree, or current training toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree, in a health-related field such as psychology, public health, nursing, social work, kinesiology, nutrition, counseling, or a related discipline. Applicants should have strong communication and organizational skills and some research experience, including research completed in college or volunteer settings. Spanish-speaking ability is preferred but not required.
This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.
Type: Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information: The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
Job Title: PS Research Associate
Working Title: PS Research Associate
Career Progression Track: A00
FLSA Code: Professional
Patient Sensitive Job Code?: Yes
Standard Hours per Week: 40
Full Time or Part Time?: Full Time
Shift: Day
Work Schedule Summary: This position requires full-time in-office presence for up to six months, or longer depending on the successful completion of the probationary period. Afterward, possible hybrid after successful probation. Some evenings or weekend hours will be needed to accommodate participant schedules and recruitment opportunities.
VP Area: U of U Health - Academics
Department: 00958 - FMPH Administration
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment: External Posting
Pay Rate Range: $53,690 DOQ
Close Date: 01/10/2027
Job Summary: The Behavioral Sleep Medicine Laboratory (P.I. Kelly Baron, PhD, MPH) seeks a full-time research staff member to support ongoing studies examining sleep in menopause, healthy aging, and community-engaged research. The research staff member will work with a collaborative team conducting outpatient research in English and Spanish. Activities include participant screening and scheduling, data collection, retention, and support for day-to-day study operations. No overnight work is required; however, approximately 3–4 evening assessment sessions per month may be needed.
Our laboratory conducts research designed to improve health through sleep and circadian rhythms. We value an inclusive research environment, strong community partnerships, and work that advances health equity. This position offers hands-on experience across a range of behavioral sleep medicine and public health studies, from mechanistic to community-engaged research.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the study team to meet participant recruitment, screening, and retention goals.
- Schedule and conduct study screening and assessments.
- Maintain accurate study records and comply with ethical standards for research involving human participants.
- Support research activities in Spanish and English, as appropriate.
- Assist with additional study activities as delegated by the principal investigator and project director.
- Have opportunities to contribute to scientific abstracts and manuscripts.
- Completes other activities as delegated by the PI and the project director.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, or current training toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree, in a health-related field such as psychology, public health, nursing, social work, kinesiology, nutrition, counseling, or a related discipline.
Preferences
Bachelor’s degree, or current training toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree, in a health-related field such as psychology, public health, nursing, social work, kinesiology, nutrition, counseling, or a related discipline. Applicants should have strong communication and organizational skills and some research experience, including research completed in college or volunteer settings. Spanish-speaking ability is preferred but not required.
This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.
Type: Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information: The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
See all 16,923+ Associate Researcher Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Associate Researcher roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Associate Researcher Jobs
Align your degree field precisely
Your degree must directly relate to your research area, not just to research broadly. A biology degree won't support an Associate Researcher role in computational linguistics. Pull the O*NET occupation profile to confirm the typical education field employers cite in LCA filings.
Target cap-exempt research employers first
Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government-affiliated labs can file H-1B petitions outside the annual lottery. Prioritizing these employers eliminates lottery risk entirely and can shorten your path to an approved petition by months.
Verify prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Your employer must pay at least the DOL prevailing wage for your role and location. Run your job title and work location through the OFLC Wage Search before accepting an offer so you know the minimum your employer is legally required to meet.
Find sponsors with active LCA filing history on Migrate Mate
Search Migrate Mate to identify employers with verified LCA filings for research roles in your location. Targeting employers who have sponsored similar positions before cuts the time you spend on outreach to organizations that have never navigated the process.
Secure a written specialty occupation justification
USCIS scrutinizes Associate Researcher petitions when the job description sounds generalist. Ask your employer to document in the offer letter and I-129 support letter why a bachelor's degree in a specific field is the minimum requirement, not just preferred.
Time your PERM filing to your contract timeline
If your employer plans to sponsor you for a green card via PERM, the labor certification process can run well over a year. Starting PERM while you're still in valid H-1B status avoids status gaps and keeps your priority date as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which visas can sponsor Associate Researcher roles?
H-1B is the most common path, since Associate Researcher qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. J-1 visa is available for postdoctoral or exchange-based research roles through a designated sponsor organization. Universities and nonprofits can also file cap-exempt H-1B petitions, bypassing the annual lottery entirely and allowing year-round filing.
Does my degree field have to match my specific research area?
Yes. USCIS requires a direct relationship between your degree and the duties of the role, not just a general connection to research. A chemistry degree won't support an Associate Researcher position in social policy analysis. If your degree is adjacent rather than exact, your employer's support letter needs to explain the specific theoretical link, and you may face a Request for Evidence.
Are Associate Researcher positions at universities lottery-exempt?
Yes, in most cases. Institutions of higher education and affiliated nonprofits are cap-exempt under USCIS rules, so their H-1B petitions are not subject to the annual 65,000 cap or the lottery. This means you can receive an approval at any time of year, and there's no registration window to miss. Confirm your specific employer qualifies as cap-exempt before relying on this.
How do I find employers actively sponsoring Associate Researcher roles?
Browse Migrate Mate to find employers with verified sponsorship history for research positions in your field and location. Focusing on organizations that have already filed for similar roles means you're targeting employers who understand the H-1B process, reducing the chance of an offer falling through due to employer hesitation about sponsorship costs or complexity.
Can an Associate Researcher role support a green card application?
Yes. EB-2 applies if the role requires an advanced degree or the employer can demonstrate exceptional ability. EB-3 covers skilled worker positions requiring at least two years of experience. Most Associate Researcher green cards go through the PERM labor certification process first, where DOL must certify that no qualified U.S. worker is available before the employer files the I-140 petition with USCIS.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Associate 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.