Research Assistant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Research assistant roles are commonly sponsored at U.S. universities and research institutions, often through J-1 visa or cap-exempt H-1B visas. The catch is that many research assistant positions are tied to graduate programs, so your visa pathway may depend on whether you're enrolled as a student (F-1 with assistantship) or hired as staff. Pay can be modest, but the cap-exempt H-1B visa route through universities is a major advantage since there's no lottery. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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POSITION OVERVIEW
The Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Qualitative Research Assistant to support an HIV care engagement research project. This temporary/casual position (10 hours per week) will focus on co-facilitating qualitative focus groups with young adults navigating HIV care. The Research Assistant will work closely with the Principal Investigator and community partners to collect high-quality qualitative data that will inform intervention development and service improvement.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Department of Family Social Science (FSoS) prepares students to use research to discover and apply knowledge, build interpersonal communication skills, and develop personally and professionally. Considered one of the premier family departments in the United States and globally, our history reaches back to the very first classes taught at the University of Minnesota in 1884. We are leaders in community-based participatory research to develop community-based programs and educational models. We are dedicated to increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion across our academic programs, within our faculty, and in teaching and learning, research, outreach and engagement, and clinical practice.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Focus Group Co-Facilitation (40%)
- Co-facilitate qualitative focus groups with research participants, following semi-structured interview guides developed by the PI
Participant Recruitment and Coordination (20%)
- Assist with participant recruitment, scheduling, and communication, including coordination with community partner organizations
Focus Group Preparation and Logistics (15%)
- Prepare focus group materials, including consent forms, demographic surveys, recording equipment setup, and participant incentives
Field Notes and Documentation (15%)
- Take detailed field notes during and immediately after each focus group session, capturing key themes, group dynamics, and contextual observations
Data Management and IRB Compliance (10%)
- Support qualitative data management tasks, including organizing audio recordings, assisting with transcript review, and maintaining secure data files in accordance with IRB protocols
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- BA/BS in a social science field
- Experience or demonstrated interest in qualitative research methods, including focus groups or interviews
- Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with communities affected by HIV or related health disparities
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.
The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
LOCATION
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Qualitative Research Assistant to support an HIV care engagement research project. This temporary/casual position (10 hours per week) will focus on co-facilitating qualitative focus groups with young adults navigating HIV care. The Research Assistant will work closely with the Principal Investigator and community partners to collect high-quality qualitative data that will inform intervention development and service improvement.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Department of Family Social Science (FSoS) prepares students to use research to discover and apply knowledge, build interpersonal communication skills, and develop personally and professionally. Considered one of the premier family departments in the United States and globally, our history reaches back to the very first classes taught at the University of Minnesota in 1884. We are leaders in community-based participatory research to develop community-based programs and educational models. We are dedicated to increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion across our academic programs, within our faculty, and in teaching and learning, research, outreach and engagement, and clinical practice.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Focus Group Co-Facilitation (40%)
- Co-facilitate qualitative focus groups with research participants, following semi-structured interview guides developed by the PI
Participant Recruitment and Coordination (20%)
- Assist with participant recruitment, scheduling, and communication, including coordination with community partner organizations
Focus Group Preparation and Logistics (15%)
- Prepare focus group materials, including consent forms, demographic surveys, recording equipment setup, and participant incentives
Field Notes and Documentation (15%)
- Take detailed field notes during and immediately after each focus group session, capturing key themes, group dynamics, and contextual observations
Data Management and IRB Compliance (10%)
- Support qualitative data management tasks, including organizing audio recordings, assisting with transcript review, and maintaining secure data files in accordance with IRB protocols
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- BA/BS in a social science field
- Experience or demonstrated interest in qualitative research methods, including focus groups or interviews
- Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with communities affected by HIV or related health disparities
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.
The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
LOCATION
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Research Assistant
Start with university labs for cap-exempt H-1B access
University-affiliated research assistant positions qualify for cap-exempt H-1B filing, meaning no lottery and year-round processing. This is especially valuable for entry-level researchers who may not yet have the credentials for O-1A or EB pathways.
Negotiate authorship on publications early
Even as a research assistant, contributing to published papers builds your immigration case for the future. Co-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals count toward O-1A and EB-1 criteria, so clarify authorship expectations when joining a lab.
Target federally funded research and development centers
FFRDCs like MITRE, Aerospace Corporation, and Battelle are H-1B cap-exempt. Research assistant positions at these organizations avoid the lottery while offering competitive pay and research training opportunities.
Use STEM OPT to demonstrate value before sponsorship
If you graduated from a U.S. STEM program, your 36 months of OPT work authorization give you time to publish, build lab skills, and prove your contributions. Employers are more willing to invest in sponsorship for someone with a demonstrated track record in their lab.
Research Assistant jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Research Assistant JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can research assistants get H-1B visa sponsorship?
Research assistant positions can qualify for H-1B sponsorship if the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Positions at universities and nonprofit research organizations are also cap-exempt, eliminating the lottery requirement. However, some research assistant roles classified as general support staff may not meet the specialty occupation threshold, so the job description and degree requirement matter.
Is a research assistantship a good stepping stone to longer-term sponsorship?
Yes, research assistant roles at universities can serve as an effective bridge. Many labs hire international graduates on OPT and later sponsor cap-exempt H-1B petitions. The experience, co-authorships, and skills you gain also strengthen future O-1A or EB-2 NIW applications.
What visa do most international research assistants use initially?
Many start on OPT or STEM OPT after graduating from a U.S. university. J-1 research scholar visas are also common for those coming directly from abroad to work in academic labs. University-based positions may later transition to cap-exempt H-1B sponsorship.
How to find Research Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Research Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on universities, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and tech firms that commonly sponsor H-1B, J-1, or O-1 visas for research positions. These organizations frequently need skilled researchers and are experienced with the visa sponsorship process for academic and scientific roles.
Do think tanks sponsor visas for research assistants?
Some do, though it varies by organization. Larger think tanks like Brookings, RAND Corporation, and the Urban Institute have sponsored H-1B visas for research roles. Smaller policy institutes may prefer candidates already authorized to work in the U.S., so targeting organizations with established sponsorship practices can improve your odds.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Research Assistant jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a research assistant in Texas will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.
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