Biology Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Biology roles can get H-1B visa sponsorship, but it depends heavily on the specific position and employer. Research scientist and lab positions at pharma companies, biotech firms, and universities are your best bets. Entry-level lab technician roles are harder to sponsor since employers may struggle to prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for the specific duties. A master's or Ph.D. dramatically improves your chances, and academic positions can also use J-1 visa or O-1 visas. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Position Information
School/College College of Arts and Sciences
Title College of Arts and Sciences - Assistant Professor - Biology
Assignment Category Full-Time
Rank Assistant Professor
Tenure Status Non-Tenure Track
Payroll Status Faculty 9
Job Description
The Department of Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track faculty position (9-month appointment) at the rank of Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will primarily teach introductory-level human physiology and/or microbiology courses, with a particular emphasis on supporting the learning and success of first-year and first-generation college students. The anticipated start date is August 15, 2027.
Our department is committed to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education through high-quality instruction, experiential learning, and student mentorship. Faculty expertise spans molecular and biomedical sciences, physiology, evolutionary biology, ecology, and environmental sciences. We foster a collaborative academic environment that values evidence-based teaching, curriculum innovation, and meaningful student engagement. Teaching faculty play an integral role in advancing our educational mission through effective instruction, curriculum development, and a commitment to creating supportive learning environments that promote student success.
As part of a leading research university and academic medical center, the Department of Biology offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and innovative teaching. Located in UAB’s Science & Engineering Complex, the department benefits from modern teaching laboratories, research spaces, and technologies that support hands-on learning and scientific discovery. Our faculty is dedicated to preparing students for a wide range of careers in the biological and health sciences, education, research, and related professions.
Applicants should submit the following documents as part of their application package:
- A cover letter (2 pages maximum)
- Curriculum vitae
- A teaching statement describing a summary of teaching philosophy, instructional experience, and experience in curriculum development and course design
- Sample course syllabi
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness, such as student evaluations and/or peer observations of teaching
- Names and contact information for at least three professional references
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a comprehensive R1 research university and academic medical center with a distinctive culture of interdisciplinary collaboration. UAB’s integration of academic and health sciences creates exceptional opportunities for research and education spanning basic science, behavioral and social sciences, medicine, public health, and clinical care. As Alabama’s largest research institution, UAB has established a national and international reputation for research, education, health care, and service, with a mission that extends throughout Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB continues to build momentum as a nationally recognized research institution. In 2026, U.S. News & World Report recognized UAB as the highest-ranked public institution in the Southeast for faculty research performance. UAB was also named to the 2025 Great Colleges to Work for Honor Roll, with recognition in six categories, including job satisfaction and support, faculty and staff well-being, shared governance, and faculty experience.
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the largest academic unit at UAB, with 19 academic departments, more than 300 full-time faculty, and more than 40 baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. The College brings together disciplines across the arts and humanities, natural and physical sciences, mathematics, and social and behavioral sciences. Its faculty and students benefit from a vibrant interdisciplinary environment that supports research, scholarship, creative activities, student success, and meaningful community engagement.
Required Qualifications
- A Ph.D. in Biology or related biological sciences by August 15, 2027.
- Demonstrated experience in classroom teaching and track record of excellence in undergraduate instruction.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in teaching human physiology or microbiology with real-world correlations, and in conjunction with a laboratory.
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse pre-health majors.
- Experience with large enrollment classes.
- A strong interest in evidence-based pedagogies and strategies to increase classroom engagement and inclusivity.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment to coordinate multi-section courses, align curricula, and share instructional resources.
- Experience teaching a higher-level specialty course such as endocrinology, neurophysiology, embryology, comparative physiology, or other courses in the applicant’s area of expertise that strengthen the department’s current curricular offerings.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number F2956P
Open Date 11/04/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Nondiscrimination Statement
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Pre-employment Background Check
A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.
Drug/Nicotine Screen (if applicable)
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Biology Jobs
Specialize within biology to strengthen your visa case
Broad biology roles can face scrutiny over whether a general degree is truly required. Specializing in areas like molecular biology, genetics, immunology, or neuroscience creates a clearer link between your training and the job requirements, which strengthens the H-1B specialty occupation argument.
Target pharmaceutical and biotech companies for industry roles
Companies like Pfizer, Merck, AbbVie, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals hire biologists for drug discovery, preclinical research, and quality control. These employers have established H-1B sponsorship processes and need specialized biology expertise that maps directly to recognized science SOC codes.
Consider academic and government research for cap-exempt positions
University biology departments, NIH intramural research programs, and organizations like the Smithsonian and USGS hire international biologists through cap-exempt H-1B or J-1 visa pathways. These positions avoid the lottery and often provide time to build the publication record needed for advanced visa categories.
Gain lab certifications and technical skills employers value
Proficiency in techniques like PCR, flow cytometry, CRISPR, cell culture, and next-generation sequencing makes you more competitive. Certifications from organizations like the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) can further differentiate your application for clinical and research lab roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find visa sponsorship with a biology degree?
Yes, biology graduates can find sponsorship in several sectors including pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, environmental science, and academic research. A bachelor's in biology qualifies for H-1B visa sponsorship if the role specifically requires that degree. Advanced degrees (master's or Ph.D.) open additional pathways and make you more competitive for research-focused positions.
What types of biology jobs are most likely to sponsor visas?
Research scientist and lab researcher positions at universities, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms have the strongest sponsorship track records. Roles in molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics are particularly in demand. Government research agencies like the NIH and NOAA also hire international biologists through structured visa programs.
Is biology considered STEM for OPT purposes?
Yes, biology and its sub-disciplines are STEM-designated fields. Graduates from U.S. biology programs qualify for the standard 12-month OPT plus the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. This applies to specializations including molecular biology, ecology, genetics, and microbiology.
How to find Biology jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Biology jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and universities that commonly sponsor H-1B, O-1, and other work visas for biologists. These organizations frequently need specialized talent in areas like molecular biology, microbiology, and clinical research.
Are field biology roles eligible for visa sponsorship?
Field biology positions in wildlife management, conservation, or ecological research can qualify for H-1B sponsorship if they require a specialized degree. However, these roles are less commonly sponsored than lab-based positions because many are seasonal, part-time, or funded by grants with restrictions on international hires. University-affiliated field research stations may offer the best opportunities.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Biology jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a biology in California will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.