Director Of Research Operations Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Director of Research Operations roles attract H-1B visa and O-1 visa sponsorship from universities, biotech firms, and research institutions. Most require a master's or PhD in a relevant field, and employers regularly sponsor because qualified candidates with operational research leadership experience are scarce. 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 6,867+ Director Of Research Operations Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Director Of Research Operations Jobs
Target research-intensive employers
Universities, academic medical centers, and biotech companies sponsor research operations directors far more consistently than general corporations. These organizations have dedicated HR infrastructure for visa petitions and sponsor repeatedly across departments.
Lead with your operational track record
Sponsorship decisions hinge on demonstrating irreplaceability. Quantify the scale of research programs you've managed, budgets overseen, and compliance frameworks you've built. Concrete outcomes make the specialty occupation case stronger for USCIS adjudicators.
Understand the specialty occupation standard
USCIS requires your role to normally demand a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific specialty. For research operations directors, a degree in public health, biology, or research administration typically satisfies this. Generic management degrees alone can weaken the petition.
Ask about visa history during interviews
Some employers have sponsored research operations directors before; others haven't. Asking early whether they've filed H-1B petitions signals you understand the process and helps you gauge how much internal education you'll need to provide.
Consider O-1A if H-1B lottery is a concern
Directors with published research, major grant funding, or recognized leadership roles in national associations may qualify for the O-1A visa, which has no annual cap or lottery. It rewards demonstrable impact over academic credentials alone.
Get your credentials evaluated if your degree is foreign
If you earned your degree outside the U.S., a credential evaluation from a NACES-member evaluator is essential. Research operations roles often require field-specific degrees, so confirming equivalency before applying prevents delays in the petition process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Director of Research Operations roles typically qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. Director of Research Operations positions generally qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations because they normally require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as research administration, public health, life sciences, or a related discipline. Employers at universities, hospital systems, and biotech firms sponsor this title regularly. Roles that blend general management with research oversight can face closer USCIS scrutiny, so the job description must clearly articulate the degree requirement.
What degree do employers typically require for a sponsored Director of Research Operations role?
Most employers require at least a master's degree in a relevant field, with a PhD preferred for positions at research universities or NIH-funded institutions. Common qualifying fields include research administration, public health, biomedical sciences, clinical research, or a discipline directly related to the research programs being managed. A general business or MBA degree alone may not satisfy USCIS specialty occupation requirements without substantial field-specific experience.
How does the H-1B lottery affect my chances of getting sponsored in this role?
If you're subject to the H-1B cap, your petition enters the annual lottery, which selected roughly 25% of registrations in recent fiscal years. However, many Director of Research Operations positions are at cap-exempt employers, particularly universities, nonprofit research institutions, and affiliated teaching hospitals. Cap-exempt employers can file H-1B petitions year-round with no lottery, making them significantly more practical targets if you're currently outside H-1B status.
Could I qualify for an O-1A visa as a Director of Research Operations?
Possibly, if your career includes markers of distinction recognized by USCIS under the O-1A criteria. These include peer-reviewed publications, major grants awarded in your name, judging the work of others in your field, a critical role at a distinguished institution, or membership in selective professional associations. Research operations leaders who have built national programs, secured large federal funding, or hold leadership roles in organizations like NCURA may have a credible O-1A case worth evaluating with an immigration attorney.
Where can I find Director of Research Operations jobs that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate curates visa-sponsorship-friendly job listings specifically for international candidates, making it a practical starting point for this search. Beyond the job board, focus your outreach on R1 research universities, academic medical centers, and federally funded research institutes, where sponsorship infrastructure already exists. Filtering by employer type before applying saves significant time, since sponsorship willingness varies sharply between sectors.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Director Of Research Operations 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.