Research and Development Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Research and Development Specialist roles qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B visa, requiring a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as chemistry, biology, or engineering. Many R&D employers file LCAs and sponsor green cards through PERM, making this one of the more sponsorship-active job categories in STEM.
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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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Research and Development Specialist
Align your degree to your R&D subfield
Specialty occupation status depends on a direct connection between your degree and the specific R&D function you'll perform. A chemistry degree supporting a materials science role is straightforward; a general science degree for a biotech formulation role may trigger an RFE.
Search LCA filings by R&D job title
Use the OFLC Wage Search to identify employers who have filed LCAs for research and development roles. Filter by occupational title rather than company name to find sponsors active in your specific discipline, whether that's pharmaceutical research, product testing, or applied engineering.
Find verified R&D sponsors on Migrate Mate
R&D roles are spread across pharma, biotech, manufacturing, and defense industries. Migrate Mate shows employers with verified sponsorship history in research and development, so you can target companies already set up to file rather than cold-applying to firms with no LCA track record.
Get your foreign credentials evaluated early
If your R&D degree is from outside the U.S., get a credential evaluation from a NACES-recognized evaluator before you start applying. USCIS needs to confirm your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's in a relevant field, and delays in that evaluation can stall the whole petition.
Ask employers about PERM labor certification timelines
Many R&D roles sponsor green cards through PERM, but DOL backlogs mean the process can take 18 months or more just to certify the labor application. Ask during offer negotiations whether the employer has an established PERM practice and how they handle priority date strategy for research staff.
Clarify publication and IP terms before accepting
R&D roles often come with IP assignment clauses or publication restrictions. Before the employer files your LCA, confirm that any IP agreements don't conflict with your ability to demonstrate specialty occupation credentials, particularly if prior published research is part of your qualification evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research and Development Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS evaluates whether the specific R&D duties require at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. Roles in pharmaceutical research, materials science, or biotech formulation typically qualify. Generalist R&D positions where any science degree would suffice can face more scrutiny, so the job description language matters significantly.
What degree fields are acceptable for R&D Specialist visa sponsorship?
It depends on the specific R&D function. Chemistry, biochemistry, biology, chemical engineering, materials science, and electrical engineering are commonly accepted. The key is that your degree field must directly relate to the research duties, not just STEM broadly. If your degree is adjacent rather than exact, relevant coursework or a related graduate degree can strengthen the case.
How do I find R&D employers who actively sponsor visas?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified sponsorship history for research and development roles, so you can focus your search on companies already familiar with the LCA and H-1B process. This is especially useful in R&D, where sponsorship activity is concentrated in specific industries like pharma, biotech, semiconductor manufacturing, and defense contracting.
Do R&D Specialist roles commonly lead to green card sponsorship through PERM?
Yes, more often than many other job categories. Research and development roles at large employers in pharma, biotech, and manufacturing frequently include EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship. The PERM labor certification process requires employers to document that no qualified U.S. worker was available, which is a standard step DOL enforces regardless of the role's seniority level.
Can I use O*NET to check whether my R&D Specialist role qualifies for STEM OPT extension?
Yes. O*NET lists the Standard Occupational Classification code for Research and Development Specialist roles. Your DSO can use that code to verify whether the position falls under a STEM-designated CIP code that maps to your degree. If it does, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension before your initial 12-month OPT expires.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Research and Development 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.