Clinical Research Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Clinical Research Scientists work in specialty occupations that qualify for H-1B visa, O-1 visa, and EB-2 NIW sponsorship. Most roles require a master's or doctoral degree in a life sciences field. Employers including pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and academic medical centers regularly sponsor qualified candidates. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsThe Earth and Environmental Science Area at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory welcomes applicants for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Integrated Hydrologic Modeling.
About the position:
You will conduct research as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists from LBNL’s Watershed Function Scientific Focus Area project. You will develop and utilize three-dimensional watershed models of a headwater system in the Upper Colorado River basin to study the effects of disturbance, land cover change, and hydroclimate on the water-energy budget. Focus on changes in snowpack and forest interactions are particularly relevant. The developed numerical models will leverage a large suite of in-situ and remotely sensed observational datasets, spanning from subsurface to atmosphere. You will have experience developing and running hydrologic and land model simulations and a working knowledge of high-performance computing environments.
Specific responsibilities will involve the use of ATS-EcoSIM, a new version of the distributed hydrologic model ATS (The Advanced Terrestrial Simulator), coupled to a trait-based plant-soil-microbe model (ATS-EcoSIM). The code provides a framework for three-dimensional hydrologic modeling to be coupled to biological and chemical processes, including plant water uptake, surface energy balance, and ecosystem biogeochemistry and microbiology. This position has an anticipated start date of January 4th, 2027.
You will:
-
Develop integrated hydrologic models of mountainous watersheds and perform high resolution/high-fidelity simulations with ATS-EcoSIM.
-
Collaborate and engage with a diverse team of scientists with a vast expertise in mountain environments, including groundwater-surface water interaction, plant physiology, geochemistry and reactive transport, geophysics, remote sensing, and atmospheric science.
-
Generate and synthesize large datasets produced via high performance computing.
-
Author peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports.
We are looking for:
-
Ph.D. in hydrology, civil, environmental engineering, or a related field.
-
Experience in numerical hydrologic models and land surface models.
-
Experience with Linux on cluster and/or high-performance computing environments.
-
Experience working with and manipulating large datasets with scripting languages such as Python, or compiled languages such as C++, and Fortran.
-
Experience implementing workflows with API wrappers and software such as Jupyter, R, or Python notebooks.
-
Ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists.
-
Ability to author peer-reviewed journal publications and technical reports.
Desired skills/knowledge:
- Ability to work with AI-agents.
Requested Application Materials:
-
Curriculum Vitae.
-
Cover Letter.
-
Statement of research experience and interests.
Additional information:
-
Application date: Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed. Priority consideration will be given to candidates as applications are received.
-
Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
-
Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $6,790 - $9,234 and is expected to start at $6,790 or above. Postdoc positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
-
Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
-
Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
-
Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:
-
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
-
Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available
-
24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays
-
Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs
-
Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange
-
A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
The Earth and Environmental Science Area at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory welcomes applicants for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Integrated Hydrologic Modeling.
About the position:
You will conduct research as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists from LBNL’s Watershed Function Scientific Focus Area project. You will develop and utilize three-dimensional watershed models of a headwater system in the Upper Colorado River basin to study the effects of disturbance, land cover change, and hydroclimate on the water-energy budget. Focus on changes in snowpack and forest interactions are particularly relevant. The developed numerical models will leverage a large suite of in-situ and remotely sensed observational datasets, spanning from subsurface to atmosphere. You will have experience developing and running hydrologic and land model simulations and a working knowledge of high-performance computing environments.
Specific responsibilities will involve the use of ATS-EcoSIM, a new version of the distributed hydrologic model ATS (The Advanced Terrestrial Simulator), coupled to a trait-based plant-soil-microbe model (ATS-EcoSIM). The code provides a framework for three-dimensional hydrologic modeling to be coupled to biological and chemical processes, including plant water uptake, surface energy balance, and ecosystem biogeochemistry and microbiology. This position has an anticipated start date of January 4th, 2027.
You will:
-
Develop integrated hydrologic models of mountainous watersheds and perform high resolution/high-fidelity simulations with ATS-EcoSIM.
-
Collaborate and engage with a diverse team of scientists with a vast expertise in mountain environments, including groundwater-surface water interaction, plant physiology, geochemistry and reactive transport, geophysics, remote sensing, and atmospheric science.
-
Generate and synthesize large datasets produced via high performance computing.
-
Author peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports.
We are looking for:
-
Ph.D. in hydrology, civil, environmental engineering, or a related field.
-
Experience in numerical hydrologic models and land surface models.
-
Experience with Linux on cluster and/or high-performance computing environments.
-
Experience working with and manipulating large datasets with scripting languages such as Python, or compiled languages such as C++, and Fortran.
-
Experience implementing workflows with API wrappers and software such as Jupyter, R, or Python notebooks.
-
Ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists.
-
Ability to author peer-reviewed journal publications and technical reports.
Desired skills/knowledge:
- Ability to work with AI-agents.
Requested Application Materials:
-
Curriculum Vitae.
-
Cover Letter.
-
Statement of research experience and interests.
Additional information:
-
Application date: Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed. Priority consideration will be given to candidates as applications are received.
-
Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
-
Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $6,790 - $9,234 and is expected to start at $6,790 or above. Postdoc positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
-
Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
-
Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
-
Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:
-
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
-
Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available
-
24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays
-
Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs
-
Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange
-
A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
See all 2,368+ Clinical Research Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Clinical Research Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Clinical Research Scientist
Target CROs and pharma sponsors first
Contract research organizations and large pharmaceutical companies have established immigration infrastructure and sponsor Clinical Research Scientists routinely. These employers process H-1B petitions far more efficiently than smaller biotech startups or academic departments new to sponsorship.
Confirm your degree field matches the role
H-1B specialty occupation requires a direct nexus between your degree field and the job duties. A degree in clinical pharmacology, biostatistics, or epidemiology maps cleanly. A general biology degree may require additional documentation to satisfy USCIS specialty occupation standards.
Register for the H-1B lottery by March
USCIS opens H-1B registration in early March each year. Your employer must register you before the deadline. Missing it means waiting a full year. Confirm your employer's immigration counsel has you registered before the window closes.
Consider the O-1A if you have published research
Clinical Research Scientists with peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or significant trial leadership may qualify for the O-1A extraordinary ability visa. This bypasses the lottery entirely and is worth discussing with an immigration attorney before assuming H-1B is your only path.
EB-2 NIW is viable if your research has national impact
If your clinical research addresses public health priorities or rare disease areas, you may self-petition for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver without employer sponsorship. This is particularly relevant for researchers working in oncology, infectious disease, or neglected conditions.
Get the LCA details in writing before accepting an offer
Ask your employer to confirm the prevailing wage level on the Labor Condition Application before you sign. The LCA wage level directly affects your H-1B petition and sets the floor for what you must be paid throughout the sponsorship period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Clinical Research Scientist roles qualify as H-1B specialty occupations?
Yes. Clinical Research Scientist positions consistently qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations because the role normally requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific scientific field such as clinical pharmacology, biochemistry, or biostatistics. USCIS has a strong approval history for this title across pharmaceutical and academic medical employers, though job duty documentation matters.
What degree do I need for a Clinical Research Scientist to sponsor my H-1B?
Most employers require a master's degree or Ph.D. in a life sciences field for Clinical Research Scientist roles, though some entry-level positions accept a bachelor's degree with substantial clinical trial experience. USCIS requires the degree field to directly relate to the job duties, so a degree in clinical research, pharmacology, epidemiology, or a closely related discipline is strongest.
Which employers most commonly sponsor Clinical Research Scientists?
The largest H-1B sponsors for this role are major pharmaceutical companies, large contract research organizations, and academic medical centers with active clinical trial programs. These employers have in-house immigration teams and sponsor researchers regularly. You can browse open Clinical Research Scientist roles from verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate.
Can I qualify for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver as a Clinical Research Scientist?
Potentially, yes. The NIW is well-suited for clinical researchers whose work addresses public health challenges with national significance, such as oncology trials, infectious disease research, or studies targeting rare conditions. You must show your work has substantial merit, national scope, and that waiving the job offer requirement serves U.S. interests. An immigration attorney can assess your publication and trial record.
What happens to my H-1B sponsorship if my clinical trial project ends mid-petition?
Your H-1B status is tied to the employer, not the specific project. As long as your employer-employee relationship continues and your duties remain consistent with the approved petition, project transitions do not require a new filing. If your role changes significantly, your employer should file an amended H-1B petition. A gap in employment, however, can put your status at risk.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Clinical 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.