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 JobsEmployment Type: Full time
Shift: Day Shift
Description:
Manages all aspects of Laboratory Outreach Operations, including areas of courier pick up/delivery, client supply needs, pre-analytical functions (draw stations, phlebotomy, and processing), resolution, send outs, and customer service. Regularly works with marketing, pathologists, managers, directors, and LIS staff. Plans and implements the required systems and procedures to achieve financial and operational goals within specified timeframe and budget.
- Supports and utilizes LEAN principles/productivity standards. Contributes to the formation of the vision, policies, standards and culture.
- Manages all aspects for work processes for the following departments; couriers, client services, processing, phlebotomy, storeroom, patient service centers (draw stations), resolution, and send outs.
- Looks for opportunities to streamline and cross train for efficiency in workflow as well as productivity standards.
- Interviews and hires staff in areas of responsibility.
- Ensures appropriateness of staff orientation and competency materials and coordinates completion according to facility and regulatory guidelines.
- Completes performance evaluations for direct report personnel.
- Performs disciplinary action when indicated.
- Writes and maintains work group job descriptions.
- Ensures compliance with the requirements of laboratory regulatory and accrediting agencies.
- Ensures standard operating policies and procedures are current and adhere to the Laboratory’s document control system.
- Assists the Laboratory Director with the development of budgets and monitors expenses appropriate to area of management.
- Develops and maintains quality management systems and performance improvement initiatives appropriate to the area of responsibility. Coordinates and facilitates the change process.
- Serves on hospital or departmental committees as assigned.
- Other tasks/duties as assigned by director.
General Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in medical technology or related field required.
- Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration or Business Administration is preferred.
- Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) required.
- Five (5) years’ clinical lab experience required.
- Minimum of three (3) years’ supervisory experience required.
- Valid driver’s/Chauffeurs License required, must meet Mercy’s Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, be at least 18 years of age, and be eligible to drive per Iowa state law.
- Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and regulatory standards and regulations required.
- Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training for child and dependent adult abuse within three (3) months of hire.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are 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, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Employment Type: Full time
Shift: Day Shift
Description:
Manages all aspects of Laboratory Outreach Operations, including areas of courier pick up/delivery, client supply needs, pre-analytical functions (draw stations, phlebotomy, and processing), resolution, send outs, and customer service. Regularly works with marketing, pathologists, managers, directors, and LIS staff. Plans and implements the required systems and procedures to achieve financial and operational goals within specified timeframe and budget.
- Supports and utilizes LEAN principles/productivity standards. Contributes to the formation of the vision, policies, standards and culture.
- Manages all aspects for work processes for the following departments; couriers, client services, processing, phlebotomy, storeroom, patient service centers (draw stations), resolution, and send outs.
- Looks for opportunities to streamline and cross train for efficiency in workflow as well as productivity standards.
- Interviews and hires staff in areas of responsibility.
- Ensures appropriateness of staff orientation and competency materials and coordinates completion according to facility and regulatory guidelines.
- Completes performance evaluations for direct report personnel.
- Performs disciplinary action when indicated.
- Writes and maintains work group job descriptions.
- Ensures compliance with the requirements of laboratory regulatory and accrediting agencies.
- Ensures standard operating policies and procedures are current and adhere to the Laboratory’s document control system.
- Assists the Laboratory Director with the development of budgets and monitors expenses appropriate to area of management.
- Develops and maintains quality management systems and performance improvement initiatives appropriate to the area of responsibility. Coordinates and facilitates the change process.
- Serves on hospital or departmental committees as assigned.
- Other tasks/duties as assigned by director.
General Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in medical technology or related field required.
- Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration or Business Administration is preferred.
- Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) required.
- Five (5) years’ clinical lab experience required.
- Minimum of three (3) years’ supervisory experience required.
- Valid driver’s/Chauffeurs License required, must meet Mercy’s Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, be at least 18 years of age, and be eligible to drive per Iowa state law.
- Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and regulatory standards and regulations required.
- Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training for child and dependent adult abuse within three (3) months of hire.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are 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, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
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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.