Research And Development Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Research and Development roles are among the most consistently sponsored positions in the U.S., with employers regularly filing H-1B visa, O-1 visa, and EB-1 petitions for scientists, engineers, and technical researchers. Strong degree alignment and specialized expertise are the two factors that drive approval rates in this field.
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Office of Research Development
About the Department
The Office of Research Development (ORD) partners with faculty across the University of Chicago in their pursuit of funding for ambitious, interdisciplinary research. Part of the Research Strategy Office within the Office of Research and Partnerships, ORD helps faculty position their ideas for specific funding opportunities, build collaborative teams, and develop competitive proposals, from funding strategy and project management through narrative development, technical review, and final-stage preparation.
ORD also manages the campus-wide platform for internal competitions, including limited submission and seed funding opportunities, and prioritizes team science and capacity-building proposals that strengthen the impact of UChicago's research enterprise.
Job Summary
The Research Development Specialist is an operational and analytical partner within ORD, helping UChicago faculty find and compete for funding. The Specialist identifies and shares funding opportunities, administers the University's limited submission competitions and supporting systems, and develops research intelligence analyses and reports using AI-enabled tools. Reporting to the Executive Director of ORD, the Specialist works closely with ORD colleagues, faculty, research administrators, and university leaders.
We are looking for someone with sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and polished written communication who can manage multiple deadlines and systems independently and build credibility with faculty. The role offers the opportunity to deepen expertise in research development, research analysis, and emerging AI tools.
Responsibilities
- Identifies limited submission opportunities, clarifies sponsor requirements and eligibility, tracks deadlines and institutional limits, and shares opportunities with faculty and research support staff.
- Manages the internal competition process for limited federal opportunities, research-focused foundation opportunities, and seed funding programs.
- Serves as primary contact and global administrator for InfoReady Review (UChicago's limited submission platform) and the funding opportunity database, including user access, onboarding and training, system reporting, and vendor issue resolution.
- Curates ORD's weekly Funding Opportunities newsletter, conducts weekly quality assurance, and coordinates with other units that use the feed to share funding opportunities.
- Monitors the ORD email account, responding to or redirecting inquiries as appropriate.
- Supports proposal development workshops and seminars, and develops templates, toolkits, and best-practice guides for faculty and research teams.
- Contributes to research intelligence analyses and reports on funding trends, institutional strengths, and emerging opportunities, using AI-enabled tools to gather and synthesize information and reviewing outputs for accuracy and clarity.
- Evaluates and applies emerging proposal development and AI-enabled tools to improve the efficiency of ORD processes and the quality and competitiveness of proposals.
- Uses moderate/solid understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
- Has moderate/high levels of interactions with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in a STEM field.
Preferred Competencies
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, with a demonstrated ability to track deadlines, sponsor eligibility rules, and institutional limits across multiple concurrent competitions and processes.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities independently, keeping many moving parts on track with minimal oversight.
- Technical aptitude to administer web-based software platforms and databases, including managing user access, running system reports, and resolving issues with vendors, and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
- Excellent professional written communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex information clearly for faculty, research administrators, and university leaders.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a service-oriented role, building credibility and productive relationships with faculty and staff across the university.
- Familiarity with AI-enabled tools and a critical approach to evaluating their output, with sound judgment about accuracy and the appropriate handling of confidential information.
- Interest in, and a working understanding of (or ability to quickly learn), research development, research administration, and/or the university research funding landscape.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid work schedule.
- Use computers extensively throughout the workday, 4 hours or more.
- Stand for 2 to 4 hours.
- Sit for 4 hours or more.
- Use standard office equipment.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover letter (preferred)
- References (3 preferred, 2 required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Administration & Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$65,000.00 - $80,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
Department
Office of Research Development
About the Department
The Office of Research Development (ORD) partners with faculty across the University of Chicago in their pursuit of funding for ambitious, interdisciplinary research. Part of the Research Strategy Office within the Office of Research and Partnerships, ORD helps faculty position their ideas for specific funding opportunities, build collaborative teams, and develop competitive proposals, from funding strategy and project management through narrative development, technical review, and final-stage preparation.
ORD also manages the campus-wide platform for internal competitions, including limited submission and seed funding opportunities, and prioritizes team science and capacity-building proposals that strengthen the impact of UChicago's research enterprise.
Job Summary
The Research Development Specialist is an operational and analytical partner within ORD, helping UChicago faculty find and compete for funding. The Specialist identifies and shares funding opportunities, administers the University's limited submission competitions and supporting systems, and develops research intelligence analyses and reports using AI-enabled tools. Reporting to the Executive Director of ORD, the Specialist works closely with ORD colleagues, faculty, research administrators, and university leaders.
We are looking for someone with sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and polished written communication who can manage multiple deadlines and systems independently and build credibility with faculty. The role offers the opportunity to deepen expertise in research development, research analysis, and emerging AI tools.
Responsibilities
- Identifies limited submission opportunities, clarifies sponsor requirements and eligibility, tracks deadlines and institutional limits, and shares opportunities with faculty and research support staff.
- Manages the internal competition process for limited federal opportunities, research-focused foundation opportunities, and seed funding programs.
- Serves as primary contact and global administrator for InfoReady Review (UChicago's limited submission platform) and the funding opportunity database, including user access, onboarding and training, system reporting, and vendor issue resolution.
- Curates ORD's weekly Funding Opportunities newsletter, conducts weekly quality assurance, and coordinates with other units that use the feed to share funding opportunities.
- Monitors the ORD email account, responding to or redirecting inquiries as appropriate.
- Supports proposal development workshops and seminars, and develops templates, toolkits, and best-practice guides for faculty and research teams.
- Contributes to research intelligence analyses and reports on funding trends, institutional strengths, and emerging opportunities, using AI-enabled tools to gather and synthesize information and reviewing outputs for accuracy and clarity.
- Evaluates and applies emerging proposal development and AI-enabled tools to improve the efficiency of ORD processes and the quality and competitiveness of proposals.
- Uses moderate/solid understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
- Has moderate/high levels of interactions with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in a STEM field.
Preferred Competencies
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, with a demonstrated ability to track deadlines, sponsor eligibility rules, and institutional limits across multiple concurrent competitions and processes.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities independently, keeping many moving parts on track with minimal oversight.
- Technical aptitude to administer web-based software platforms and databases, including managing user access, running system reports, and resolving issues with vendors, and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
- Excellent professional written communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex information clearly for faculty, research administrators, and university leaders.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a service-oriented role, building credibility and productive relationships with faculty and staff across the university.
- Familiarity with AI-enabled tools and a critical approach to evaluating their output, with sound judgment about accuracy and the appropriate handling of confidential information.
- Interest in, and a working understanding of (or ability to quickly learn), research development, research administration, and/or the university research funding landscape.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid work schedule.
- Use computers extensively throughout the workday, 4 hours or more.
- Stand for 2 to 4 hours.
- Sit for 4 hours or more.
- Use standard office equipment.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover letter (preferred)
- References (3 preferred, 2 required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Administration & Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$65,000.00 - $80,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
See all 492+ Research And Development Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research And Development Jobs
Lead with your degree field, not just your title
H-1B approval for R&D roles hinges on degree-to-job alignment. A materials science degree supporting a materials research role is a stronger petition than a general engineering degree. Make the connection explicit in every application you submit.
Target employers with a track record of R&D sponsorship
Pharmaceutical companies, national laboratories, semiconductor firms, and university research centers file the most R&D petitions annually. Focusing your search on these employer categories significantly improves your odds of finding genuine sponsorship willingness.
Publications and patents carry real weight
USCIS evaluates specialty occupation through the lens of complexity. Peer-reviewed publications, patents, or conference presentations signal that your work operates at a level requiring the advanced degree the H-1B demands. Include these in your resume and cover letter.
Consider O-1A if your record is strong
R&D professionals with significant published research, awards, or demonstrated industry impact may qualify for the O-1A extraordinary ability visa. It has no annual cap, no lottery, and can be filed year-round, making it a reliable alternative to H-1B.
Understand the difference between research and development roles
Pure research positions at universities or national labs often qualify as cap-exempt, meaning employers can file H-1B petitions outside the annual lottery. Confirm whether your prospective employer qualifies before assuming you must enter the cap season.
Use Migrate Mate to find sponsors who have filed before
Migrate Mate surfaces R&D job listings from employers with verified sponsorship histories. Applying to companies that have already navigated the process reduces friction and signals the employer understands the commitment involved in sponsoring technical researchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa is most commonly used to sponsor Research and Development professionals?
The H-1B visa is the most common path, but R&D roles are also well-represented in O-1A petitions for researchers with strong publication records, and EB-1A or EB-2 NIW green card filings for those with demonstrated national importance. Employers at universities and federally funded research centers may qualify as cap-exempt, allowing H-1B visa filings outside the annual lottery entirely.
Does my degree field need to match the specific R&D role I'm applying for?
Yes, and this is one of the most common reasons R&D H-1B petitions face scrutiny. USCIS requires a direct relationship between the degree field and the position's duties. A biochemistry researcher with a biochemistry degree is straightforward. A broad engineering degree supporting a highly specialized research role may require additional documentation, such as expert opinion letters explaining the connection.
Are R&D jobs more likely to get H-1B approval than other roles?
Research and development positions generally have strong approval rates because the specialty occupation requirement is easier to satisfy. The roles typically require specific advanced degrees, involve complex methodologies, and command compensation consistent with degreed professionals. USCIS data consistently shows science and engineering occupations among the highest-volume and highest-approval H-1B categories.
Can I get sponsored for an R&D role without a PhD?
Yes. Most R&D sponsorship happens at the master's or bachelor's level, particularly in industry settings. A bachelor's degree in a directly related field is the minimum for H-1B eligibility. That said, PhD holders tend to face fewer questions about specialty occupation, and some research-focused roles, particularly at national labs or pharmaceutical companies, do expect advanced degrees.
Where can I find R&D jobs that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is the best starting point if you need sponsorship. It filters specifically for employers willing to sponsor, so you're not wasting time on listings that exclude international candidates. R&D roles in biotech, semiconductors, defense contractors, and university research programs appear regularly, and many of those employers have established processes for filing H-1B and O-1 petitions.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Research And Development 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.