Director Of Research Operations Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Director of Research Operations roles attract H-1B 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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The Director of Research Operations is a strategic leader, responsible for managing and overseeing the UCSF School of Nursing’s Office of Research. Reporting directly to the Associate Dean for Research, the Director plays a critical role in advancing the school’s research mission and the Associate Dean’s strategic priorities by leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of research support services. This position requires strong leadership skills, oversee complex administrative operations, and ensure alignment with school-wide initiatives and goals. The Director operates with a high degree of autonomy and expertise, ensuring the Office of Research delivers exceptional services that enhance faculty research success.
The Director’s Primary Responsibilities Include
- Strategic leadership and planning, impacting the office’s services and alignment with school-wide initiatives and goals
- Management, planning, administration, and coordination of the complex administrative operations of the Office of Research, for specialized research support
- Management of office budget and administration of funding opportunities held within the office
- Analysis and evaluation of research-related data and metrics related to the impact of the office services
- Coordination, synthesis and compilation of grant library and research document samples
- Policy development, compliance and governance as relates to research
- Communication and outreach to the school’s research faculty
- Collaboration and networking, forming interdisciplinary partnerships, enhancing university engagement, and representing the School of Nursing in both internal and external settings
The Director’s work has institutional-wide impact, both within the School and amidst the whole University. This role communicates directly with a wide variety of stakeholders, including school leadership, principal investigators, senior administrators, and research organizations. The Director will excel in this role by demonstrating proven leadership skills in managing, fostering collaboration, and driving institutional initiatives. Requires advanced knowledge of nursing research, grant processes, and compliance regulations. Exceptional ability to lead strategic planning, operational management, and data-driven decision-making. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders and build productive partnerships. The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. The salary range for this position is $87,900 - $187,700 (Annual Rate). To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
Department Description
The UCSF School of Nursing fosters excellence, opportunity, and innovation in nursing education, research, and clinical impact. The School consistently ranks among the top nursing schools in the nation and is recognized for its leadership in advancing health equity, improving health care delivery, and generating groundbreaking research supported by significant NIH funding. As one of UCSF’s four professional schools, the School of Nursing plays a critical role in the university’s mission of advancing health worldwide through education, research, and patient care. The School’s work is highly visible within the university and externally, contributing to UCSF’s reputation as a global leader in health sciences. The School of Nursing Dean’s Office administers the School’s core administrative and operational functions, providing centralized leadership for academic, research, and administrative activities across four academic departments and an organized research unit. The Dean’s Office oversees operations that support the School’s students, faculty, and staff and ensures alignment with the School’s strategic priorities and the broader mission of UCSF.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in related area; and / or equivalent experience / training.
- Minimum of 5 years of related work experience
- Advanced knowledge of University rules and regulations, processes, protocols and procedures for budget, accounting and fund management, and / or personnel management.
- Advanced interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills.
- Advanced knowledge of a variety of administrative operational activities such as event planning, basic fundraising processes, risk management planning, website design, accounting and payroll, and contracts and grants regulations and guidelines.
- Advanced knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
- Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
- Advanced knowledge of effective grant funding processes, procedures and techniques
- Advanced skills in short- and long-term strategic planning, analysis, problem-solving and customer service
- Extensive knowledge of program administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Maintains knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional and departmental policies.
- Knowledge of current compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.
- Experience with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, and cooperative agreements.
- Advanced ability to create grant writing and other communications skills in a variety of styles to ensure securing grant funding required.
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values. In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Organization
Campus
Job Code and Payroll Title
004801 ADMIN OFCR 4 CX
Job Category
Administrative Support
Bargaining Unit
Teamsters Local 2010 - Clerical and Allied Services Unit (CX)
Employee Class
Career
Percentage
100%
Location
San Francisco, CA
Campus
Mission Bay (SF)
Work Style
Flexible
Shift
Days
Shift Length
8 Hours
Additional Shift Details
M-F 8-5
Job Summary
The Director of Research Operations is a strategic leader, responsible for managing and overseeing the UCSF School of Nursing’s Office of Research. Reporting directly to the Associate Dean for Research, the Director plays a critical role in advancing the school’s research mission and the Associate Dean’s strategic priorities by leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of research support services. This position requires strong leadership skills, oversee complex administrative operations, and ensure alignment with school-wide initiatives and goals. The Director operates with a high degree of autonomy and expertise, ensuring the Office of Research delivers exceptional services that enhance faculty research success.
The Director’s Primary Responsibilities Include
- Strategic leadership and planning, impacting the office’s services and alignment with school-wide initiatives and goals
- Management, planning, administration, and coordination of the complex administrative operations of the Office of Research, for specialized research support
- Management of office budget and administration of funding opportunities held within the office
- Analysis and evaluation of research-related data and metrics related to the impact of the office services
- Coordination, synthesis and compilation of grant library and research document samples
- Policy development, compliance and governance as relates to research
- Communication and outreach to the school’s research faculty
- Collaboration and networking, forming interdisciplinary partnerships, enhancing university engagement, and representing the School of Nursing in both internal and external settings
The Director’s work has institutional-wide impact, both within the School and amidst the whole University. This role communicates directly with a wide variety of stakeholders, including school leadership, principal investigators, senior administrators, and research organizations. The Director will excel in this role by demonstrating proven leadership skills in managing, fostering collaboration, and driving institutional initiatives. Requires advanced knowledge of nursing research, grant processes, and compliance regulations. Exceptional ability to lead strategic planning, operational management, and data-driven decision-making. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders and build productive partnerships. The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. The salary range for this position is $87,900 - $187,700 (Annual Rate). To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
Department Description
The UCSF School of Nursing fosters excellence, opportunity, and innovation in nursing education, research, and clinical impact. The School consistently ranks among the top nursing schools in the nation and is recognized for its leadership in advancing health equity, improving health care delivery, and generating groundbreaking research supported by significant NIH funding. As one of UCSF’s four professional schools, the School of Nursing plays a critical role in the university’s mission of advancing health worldwide through education, research, and patient care. The School’s work is highly visible within the university and externally, contributing to UCSF’s reputation as a global leader in health sciences. The School of Nursing Dean’s Office administers the School’s core administrative and operational functions, providing centralized leadership for academic, research, and administrative activities across four academic departments and an organized research unit. The Dean’s Office oversees operations that support the School’s students, faculty, and staff and ensures alignment with the School’s strategic priorities and the broader mission of UCSF.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in related area; and / or equivalent experience / training.
- Minimum of 5 years of related work experience
- Advanced knowledge of University rules and regulations, processes, protocols and procedures for budget, accounting and fund management, and / or personnel management.
- Advanced interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills.
- Advanced knowledge of a variety of administrative operational activities such as event planning, basic fundraising processes, risk management planning, website design, accounting and payroll, and contracts and grants regulations and guidelines.
- Advanced knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
- Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
- Advanced knowledge of effective grant funding processes, procedures and techniques
- Advanced skills in short- and long-term strategic planning, analysis, problem-solving and customer service
- Extensive knowledge of program administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Maintains knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional and departmental policies.
- Knowledge of current compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.
- Experience with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, and cooperative agreements.
- Advanced ability to create grant writing and other communications skills in a variety of styles to ensure securing grant funding required.
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values. In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Organization
Campus
Job Code and Payroll Title
004801 ADMIN OFCR 4 CX
Job Category
Administrative Support
Bargaining Unit
Teamsters Local 2010 - Clerical and Allied Services Unit (CX)
Employee Class
Career
Percentage
100%
Location
San Francisco, CA
Campus
Mission Bay (SF)
Work Style
Flexible
Shift
Days
Shift Length
8 Hours
Additional Shift Details
M-F 8-5
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Director Of Research Operations
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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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 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.
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