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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Get Access To All JobsSUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator(s) and Clinical Research Coordinator, assist in recruitment, acquisition, and analysis of patient information for multiple clinical research projects. Interviews patients to gather information, prepares and maintains study record, enters data via computer, performs statistical analyses of resultant data. Participates in qualitative/quantitative analyses of resultant data. Reviews relevant literature to gather information; may participate in development of research protocols.
Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers, and one another.
In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:
- Instill Trust and Value Differences
- Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate
Responsibilities
Provides assistance to Principal Investigators to coordinate clinical research activities related to department’s field of study and investigators specific study.
A.) Assists research physician in identification and follow up of patients meeting criteria for inclusion in clinical research studies; ensures protocol eligibility requirements are met.
B.) Establishes and/or maintains study record for each participant. Interviews patient and/or family to explain nature of study, elicit cooperation and gather information to complete study questionnaire. Facilitates obtaining informed consent. May schedule patient appointments and call patients to complete documentation.
C.) May review medical records to abstract information necessary to complete forms. May request and follow up on missing data such as laboratory test results and the like.
D.) Monitors adherence to protocol; alerts physician when laboratory tests ordered have not been performed, medication protocol not followed, etc.
Collects and organizes patient data into appropriate format to facilitate data entry. Operates computer to enter study information into database.
Using pre-packaged software and according to needs of research supervisor, performs computer-assisted statistical analysis such as multiple antecedent variables, linear regression, frequencies, cross tabulations and the like. May write non-complex programs using computer and software-compatible language to reformat information, create new files, etc.
Maintains computer equipment, arranges for internal/external service as necessary to effect repairs and maintenance.
Prepares related graphs and charts or results of data gathered. Participates in quantitative and qualitative analyses of resultant information.
May assist in planning research protocols.
Coordinates activities of others assigned to research project to interview patients, complete forms or perform other tasks.
Reviews literature pertaining to research being conducted in order to better understand project and gather relevant information.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
BASIC KNOWLEDGE:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Applied or Life Sciences or related area, including courses in research methodologies and microcomputer systems.
Experience:
- Three to six months on-the-job experience to become familiar with specific research studies.
- Knowledge of theory and techniques of research methodology.
- Organizational skills to organize and prioritize own efforts on multiple projects and to gather research information, format appropriately for computer data entry, prepare and maintain records and reports, etc.
- Interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and hospital professionals to gather and exchange information.
- Analytical skills to participate in developing research protocols, perform statistical analyses and participate in qualitative/quantitative analyses of research data.
- Technical ability to operate and maintain computer system.
- Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Often works within a specific department to identify, enroll, and follow up with research patients. May spend much of the time standing and walking between departments, offices, Medical Records, etc.
INDEPENDENT ACTION
Perform independently within the department’s policies and practices. Refers specific complex problems to the supervisor when clarification of the departmental policies and procedures are required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None.
Pay Range
$41,537.60-$68,556.80
Location
Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Work Type
9:30am-5:30pm — occasional evenings/weekends
Work Shift
Day
Daily Hours
8 hours
Driving Required
Yes
Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.
SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator(s) and Clinical Research Coordinator, assist in recruitment, acquisition, and analysis of patient information for multiple clinical research projects. Interviews patients to gather information, prepares and maintains study record, enters data via computer, performs statistical analyses of resultant data. Participates in qualitative/quantitative analyses of resultant data. Reviews relevant literature to gather information; may participate in development of research protocols.
Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers, and one another.
In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:
- Instill Trust and Value Differences
- Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate
Responsibilities
Provides assistance to Principal Investigators to coordinate clinical research activities related to department’s field of study and investigators specific study.
A.) Assists research physician in identification and follow up of patients meeting criteria for inclusion in clinical research studies; ensures protocol eligibility requirements are met.
B.) Establishes and/or maintains study record for each participant. Interviews patient and/or family to explain nature of study, elicit cooperation and gather information to complete study questionnaire. Facilitates obtaining informed consent. May schedule patient appointments and call patients to complete documentation.
C.) May review medical records to abstract information necessary to complete forms. May request and follow up on missing data such as laboratory test results and the like.
D.) Monitors adherence to protocol; alerts physician when laboratory tests ordered have not been performed, medication protocol not followed, etc.
Collects and organizes patient data into appropriate format to facilitate data entry. Operates computer to enter study information into database.
Using pre-packaged software and according to needs of research supervisor, performs computer-assisted statistical analysis such as multiple antecedent variables, linear regression, frequencies, cross tabulations and the like. May write non-complex programs using computer and software-compatible language to reformat information, create new files, etc.
Maintains computer equipment, arranges for internal/external service as necessary to effect repairs and maintenance.
Prepares related graphs and charts or results of data gathered. Participates in quantitative and qualitative analyses of resultant information.
May assist in planning research protocols.
Coordinates activities of others assigned to research project to interview patients, complete forms or perform other tasks.
Reviews literature pertaining to research being conducted in order to better understand project and gather relevant information.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
BASIC KNOWLEDGE:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Applied or Life Sciences or related area, including courses in research methodologies and microcomputer systems.
Experience:
- Three to six months on-the-job experience to become familiar with specific research studies.
- Knowledge of theory and techniques of research methodology.
- Organizational skills to organize and prioritize own efforts on multiple projects and to gather research information, format appropriately for computer data entry, prepare and maintain records and reports, etc.
- Interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and hospital professionals to gather and exchange information.
- Analytical skills to participate in developing research protocols, perform statistical analyses and participate in qualitative/quantitative analyses of research data.
- Technical ability to operate and maintain computer system.
- Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Often works within a specific department to identify, enroll, and follow up with research patients. May spend much of the time standing and walking between departments, offices, Medical Records, etc.
INDEPENDENT ACTION
Perform independently within the department’s policies and practices. Refers specific complex problems to the supervisor when clarification of the departmental policies and procedures are required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None.
Pay Range
$41,537.60-$68,556.80
Location
Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Work Type
9:30am-5:30pm — occasional evenings/weekends
Work Shift
Day
Daily Hours
8 hours
Driving Required
Yes
Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.
See all 1,840+ Research Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Assistant roles.
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.
Consider J-1 research scholar programs when applying from abroad
The J-1 research scholar visa allows up to five years of research work at U.S. institutions. Many universities use this category for international research assistants, and it can serve as a bridge to H-1B or permanent residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can research assistants get H-1B visa sponsorship?
Research assistant positions can qualify for H-1B visa 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 visa 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.