Instructional Design Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Instructional Design Specialists are regularly sponsored for H-1B visas, as the role meets the specialty occupation standard through its requirement for a bachelor's degree or higher in instructional design, education technology, or a closely related field. Employers across higher education, healthcare, and corporate training actively file LCAs for this title. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsRequisition # 76042
Position Basics
Type of Position OTHER
Advertising Ends on: Extended Until Position is Filled
Advertising Started on: Thursday, September 24th, 2026
College: College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Department: Biology
Salary
Salary: Commensurate
Position Details
Full/Part Time Status: Full Time
Position Description:
The Department of Biology at the University of Iowa invites applications for an instructional track faculty position (non-tenure track, open rank), beginning August 2027. Initial appointment is for three years, subject to annual review. Instructional track faculty positions are renewable and include opportunities for promotion with longer appointment intervals. More information about the Instructional Track can be found at https://provost.uiowa.edu/human-resources-administration/faculty-hr-administration/faculty-appointment. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
This position will primarily contribute to administration and instruction in introductory courses for both majors and non-majors, including Human Biology courses (BIOL:1140 and 1141) and Foundations of Biology (BIOL:1411). Responsibilities of this position include providing instruction in lecture and laboratory settings and overseeing the teaching of the laboratory and/or discussion sections. Successful candidates will be expected to perform the following roles: define learning objectives and develop engaging lecture content that supports these learning objectives; train and supervise Biology graduate and undergraduate student TAs; revise or create course materials and assessments; revise or create lab activities, materials, and assessments; develop additional course materials such as syllabi, assessments, and lecture slides; and other instructional duties as needed. The course load will vary but is expected to be 2-3 per semester depending on class size, number of sections and amount of course prep needed.
Successful applicants will have:
1) a PhD or equivalent in biology or a related field in hand by the start date;
2) experience teaching biology lecture and/or laboratory courses; and
3) excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.
All applications must be completed online at https://jobs.uiowa.edu, referring to Requisition #76042. Applications must include a CV, a letter of interest, a two-page teaching statement, a one-page summary of related training and research experience, and the name and contact information for three references. Additional materials that may be included are course syllabi, teaching materials, and teaching evaluations. If you would like to submit these additional materials, please send them to Department Administrator, Becky Kick, at rebecca-kick@uiowa.edu.
Screening of applicants will begin on November 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
The Department and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are strongly committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful academic and work environment; the strategic plans of the University and College reflect this commitment.
The successful candidate will be required to disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation, including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment, along with a related release. The successful candidate will also be subject to a criminal background and credential check.
Education Requirement
Ph.D. or equivalent in biology or a related field in hand by the start date.
Required Qualifications
- Commitment to excellence in undergraduate biology education
- Experience teaching biology lecture and/or laboratory courses
- Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.
Desirable Qualifications
Demonstrated experience:
- Implementing learner-centered, evidence-based instructional practices and assessments;
- Using software platforms such as Canvas and TopHat (or similar software);
- Coordinating, supervising and mentoring graduate teaching assistants;
- Conducting laboratory preparatory and/or logistical meeting;
- Designing or re-designing courses;
- Analyzing student learning data to improve courses;
- Contributing a welcoming and respectful working and learning environment;
- One or more years of related research experience.
Online Application Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae
- Name and Contact Information of References
- Letter of Interest
- Two-page teaching statement
- One page summary of related training/research experience
Number of References: 3
To start the Online Application process for this position, click the "Apply for This Position" button located below the Contact Information.
Contact Information
Contact: Rebecca M Kick - rebecca-kick@uiowa.edu
Clas-Biology
Biology Building
129 East Jefferson Street
143 BB
Iowa City, IA 52242-1324
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu, to inquire or discuss accommodation needs.
Prospective employees may review the University Campus Security Policy and the latest annual crime statistics by contacting the Department of Public Safety at 319/335-5022.
Requisition # 76042
Position Basics
Type of Position OTHER
Advertising Ends on: Extended Until Position is Filled
Advertising Started on: Thursday, September 24th, 2026
College: College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Department: Biology
Salary
Salary: Commensurate
Position Details
Full/Part Time Status: Full Time
Position Description:
The Department of Biology at the University of Iowa invites applications for an instructional track faculty position (non-tenure track, open rank), beginning August 2027. Initial appointment is for three years, subject to annual review. Instructional track faculty positions are renewable and include opportunities for promotion with longer appointment intervals. More information about the Instructional Track can be found at https://provost.uiowa.edu/human-resources-administration/faculty-hr-administration/faculty-appointment. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
This position will primarily contribute to administration and instruction in introductory courses for both majors and non-majors, including Human Biology courses (BIOL:1140 and 1141) and Foundations of Biology (BIOL:1411). Responsibilities of this position include providing instruction in lecture and laboratory settings and overseeing the teaching of the laboratory and/or discussion sections. Successful candidates will be expected to perform the following roles: define learning objectives and develop engaging lecture content that supports these learning objectives; train and supervise Biology graduate and undergraduate student TAs; revise or create course materials and assessments; revise or create lab activities, materials, and assessments; develop additional course materials such as syllabi, assessments, and lecture slides; and other instructional duties as needed. The course load will vary but is expected to be 2-3 per semester depending on class size, number of sections and amount of course prep needed.
Successful applicants will have:
1) a PhD or equivalent in biology or a related field in hand by the start date;
2) experience teaching biology lecture and/or laboratory courses; and
3) excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.
All applications must be completed online at https://jobs.uiowa.edu, referring to Requisition #76042. Applications must include a CV, a letter of interest, a two-page teaching statement, a one-page summary of related training and research experience, and the name and contact information for three references. Additional materials that may be included are course syllabi, teaching materials, and teaching evaluations. If you would like to submit these additional materials, please send them to Department Administrator, Becky Kick, at rebecca-kick@uiowa.edu.
Screening of applicants will begin on November 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
The Department and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are strongly committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful academic and work environment; the strategic plans of the University and College reflect this commitment.
The successful candidate will be required to disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation, including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment, along with a related release. The successful candidate will also be subject to a criminal background and credential check.
Education Requirement
Ph.D. or equivalent in biology or a related field in hand by the start date.
Required Qualifications
- Commitment to excellence in undergraduate biology education
- Experience teaching biology lecture and/or laboratory courses
- Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.
Desirable Qualifications
Demonstrated experience:
- Implementing learner-centered, evidence-based instructional practices and assessments;
- Using software platforms such as Canvas and TopHat (or similar software);
- Coordinating, supervising and mentoring graduate teaching assistants;
- Conducting laboratory preparatory and/or logistical meeting;
- Designing or re-designing courses;
- Analyzing student learning data to improve courses;
- Contributing a welcoming and respectful working and learning environment;
- One or more years of related research experience.
Online Application Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae
- Name and Contact Information of References
- Letter of Interest
- Two-page teaching statement
- One page summary of related training/research experience
Number of References: 3
To start the Online Application process for this position, click the "Apply for This Position" button located below the Contact Information.
Contact Information
Contact: Rebecca M Kick - rebecca-kick@uiowa.edu
Clas-Biology
Biology Building
129 East Jefferson Street
143 BB
Iowa City, IA 52242-1324
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu, to inquire or discuss accommodation needs.
Prospective employees may review the University Campus Security Policy and the latest annual crime statistics by contacting the Department of Public Safety at 319/335-5022.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Instructional Design Specialist
Target industries with established sponsorship track records
Higher education institutions, hospital systems, and large technology companies file LCAs for Instructional Design Specialists far more consistently than small businesses. Focusing your search on these sectors significantly improves your odds of finding a sponsor.
Align your degree field to the job description
H-1B approval depends on a direct connection between your degree field and the role. Degrees in instructional design, educational technology, curriculum development, or learning sciences provide the clearest support. A general education degree may require additional documentation.
Emphasize e-learning tools and LMS expertise in your resume
Employers sponsoring this role look for proficiency in platforms like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or Canvas. Concrete tool experience strengthens both your candidacy and the specialty occupation argument USCIS evaluates during adjudication.
Apply early relative to the H-1B cap season
H-1B registrations open in March for an October 1 start date. Securing a job offer and completing employer onboarding before February gives your employer enough time to prepare the petition without rushing the LCA certification process.
Consider cap-exempt employers if you miss the lottery
Universities, affiliated research institutions, and certain nonprofits are exempt from the H-1B cap. Instructional design roles at these organizations can be sponsored year-round, making them a strong fallback if you are not selected in the annual lottery.
Use Migrate Mate to find employers actively sponsoring this role
Browse Migrate Mate to identify employers who have a verified history of sponsoring Instructional Design Specialists. Filtering by visa-sponsoring companies saves time and focuses your applications on employers already set up to support the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Instructional Design Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS evaluates specialty occupation status by assessing whether the role normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Instructional Design Specialist positions typically require a degree in instructional design, educational technology, or curriculum development, which satisfies that standard. Roles where any bachelor's degree is accepted regardless of field can face additional scrutiny, so the job description wording matters significantly.
What degree fields give the strongest support for sponsorship in this role?
Degrees in instructional design, educational technology, learning sciences, or curriculum and instruction are the most defensible. A degree in a closely related field like cognitive psychology or human-computer interaction can also work if the employer's job description ties the coursework directly to the duties. A general education or communications degree alone may not be sufficient without supplemental documentation showing field-specific qualifications.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor Instructional Design Specialists?
Universities and community colleges represent the largest sponsoring segment, partly because they qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers. Large hospital networks, insurance companies, and technology firms with internal learning and development teams also file regularly. Boutique e-learning agencies and small training consultancies are far less likely to have the legal infrastructure or budget to support a sponsorship petition. Migrate Mate lists employers in this role with active sponsorship history.
Can I get an H-1B for this role if I have a three-year bachelor's degree from India or Australia?
Potentially yes, but it requires careful documentation. USCIS does not automatically recognize three-year degrees as equivalent to a U.S. four-year bachelor's degree. A credential evaluation from a NACES-member organization that finds your degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's is usually required. Some evaluators also consider a three-year degree combined with a postgraduate diploma or significant work experience as meeting the standard. Your employer's immigration attorney should assess this early in the process.
What happens to my visa status if my employer loses funding or eliminates my instructional design position?
If your H-1B employment ends, you have a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsoring employer, change to another visa status, or depart the United States. A new employer can file an H-1B transfer petition during this window, and you can begin working once the transfer is filed rather than waiting for approval. Acting quickly is important because the grace period does not pause for weekends or federal holidays.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Instructional Design Specialist 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.