Research Assistant Professor Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Research Assistant Professor positions frequently support H-1B visa, O-1 visa, and EB-2 visa sponsorship due to their specialized nature and advanced degree requirements. Universities often have cap-exempt H-1B status, allowing year-round filing without lottery constraints. Academic institutions also commonly sponsor EB-1B green cards for outstanding researchers with documented achievements in their field.
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Get Access To All JobsThe Earth and Environmental Science Area at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory welcomes applicants for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Integrated Hydrologic Modeling.
About the position:
You will conduct research as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists from LBNL’s Watershed Function Scientific Focus Area project. You will develop and utilize three-dimensional watershed models of a headwater system in the Upper Colorado River basin to study the effects of disturbance, land cover change, and hydroclimate on the water-energy budget. Focus on changes in snowpack and forest interactions are particularly relevant. The developed numerical models will leverage a large suite of in-situ and remotely sensed observational datasets, spanning from subsurface to atmosphere. You will have experience developing and running hydrologic and land model simulations and a working knowledge of high-performance computing environments.
Specific responsibilities will involve the use of ATS-EcoSIM, a new version of the distributed hydrologic model ATS (The Advanced Terrestrial Simulator), coupled to a trait-based plant-soil-microbe model (ATS-EcoSIM). The code provides a framework for three-dimensional hydrologic modeling to be coupled to biological and chemical processes, including plant water uptake, surface energy balance, and ecosystem biogeochemistry and microbiology. This position has an anticipated start date of January 4th, 2027.
You will:
-
Develop integrated hydrologic models of mountainous watersheds and perform high resolution/high-fidelity simulations with ATS-EcoSIM.
-
Collaborate and engage with a diverse team of scientists with a vast expertise in mountain environments, including groundwater-surface water interaction, plant physiology, geochemistry and reactive transport, geophysics, remote sensing, and atmospheric science.
-
Generate and synthesize large datasets produced via high performance computing.
-
Author peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports.
We are looking for:
-
Ph.D. in hydrology, civil, environmental engineering, or a related field.
-
Experience in numerical hydrologic models and land surface models.
-
Experience with Linux on cluster and/or high-performance computing environments.
-
Experience working with and manipulating large datasets with scripting languages such as Python, or compiled languages such as C++, and Fortran.
-
Experience implementing workflows with API wrappers and software such as Jupyter, R, or Python notebooks.
-
Ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists.
-
Ability to author peer-reviewed journal publications and technical reports.
Desired skills/knowledge:
- Ability to work with AI-agents.
Requested Application Materials:
-
Curriculum Vitae.
-
Cover Letter.
-
Statement of research experience and interests.
Additional information:
-
Application date: Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed. Priority consideration will be given to candidates as applications are received.
-
Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
-
Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $6,790 - $9,234 and is expected to start at $6,790 or above. Postdoc positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
-
Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
-
Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
-
Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:
-
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
-
Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available
-
24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays
-
Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs
-
Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange
-
A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
The Earth and Environmental Science Area at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory welcomes applicants for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Integrated Hydrologic Modeling.
About the position:
You will conduct research as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists from LBNL’s Watershed Function Scientific Focus Area project. You will develop and utilize three-dimensional watershed models of a headwater system in the Upper Colorado River basin to study the effects of disturbance, land cover change, and hydroclimate on the water-energy budget. Focus on changes in snowpack and forest interactions are particularly relevant. The developed numerical models will leverage a large suite of in-situ and remotely sensed observational datasets, spanning from subsurface to atmosphere. You will have experience developing and running hydrologic and land model simulations and a working knowledge of high-performance computing environments.
Specific responsibilities will involve the use of ATS-EcoSIM, a new version of the distributed hydrologic model ATS (The Advanced Terrestrial Simulator), coupled to a trait-based plant-soil-microbe model (ATS-EcoSIM). The code provides a framework for three-dimensional hydrologic modeling to be coupled to biological and chemical processes, including plant water uptake, surface energy balance, and ecosystem biogeochemistry and microbiology. This position has an anticipated start date of January 4th, 2027.
You will:
-
Develop integrated hydrologic models of mountainous watersheds and perform high resolution/high-fidelity simulations with ATS-EcoSIM.
-
Collaborate and engage with a diverse team of scientists with a vast expertise in mountain environments, including groundwater-surface water interaction, plant physiology, geochemistry and reactive transport, geophysics, remote sensing, and atmospheric science.
-
Generate and synthesize large datasets produced via high performance computing.
-
Author peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports.
We are looking for:
-
Ph.D. in hydrology, civil, environmental engineering, or a related field.
-
Experience in numerical hydrologic models and land surface models.
-
Experience with Linux on cluster and/or high-performance computing environments.
-
Experience working with and manipulating large datasets with scripting languages such as Python, or compiled languages such as C++, and Fortran.
-
Experience implementing workflows with API wrappers and software such as Jupyter, R, or Python notebooks.
-
Ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists.
-
Ability to author peer-reviewed journal publications and technical reports.
Desired skills/knowledge:
- Ability to work with AI-agents.
Requested Application Materials:
-
Curriculum Vitae.
-
Cover Letter.
-
Statement of research experience and interests.
Additional information:
-
Application date: Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed. Priority consideration will be given to candidates as applications are received.
-
Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
-
Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $6,790 - $9,234 and is expected to start at $6,790 or above. Postdoc positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
-
Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
-
Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
-
Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:
-
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
-
Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available
-
24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays
-
Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs
-
Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange
-
A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
See all 8,999+ Research Assistant Professor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Assistant Professor roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Research Assistant Professor
Target cap-exempt institutions
Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government research facilities can file H-1B petitions year-round without lottery participation, significantly improving your sponsorship odds.
Emphasize your research contributions
Document publications, citations, conference presentations, and grant funding in your application materials. Immigration officers evaluate research impact when assessing specialty occupation requirements.
Consider the EB-1B pathway early
Outstanding researchers with international recognition, significant publications, and demonstrated impact may qualify for EB-1B green cards, which have shorter processing times than EB-2.
Prepare for degree evaluation requirements
Foreign degrees often need formal credential evaluation services. Plan 4-6 weeks for this process, as USCIS requires documentation proving degree equivalency to U.S. standards.
Leverage postdoc experience strategically
Previous postdoctoral positions demonstrate specialized training and research capability. Frame this experience as building toward the assistant professor role when discussing career progression with employers.
Understand academic timeline constraints
Academic hiring cycles typically run August through March. Coordinate visa timing with appointment start dates, especially for positions beginning in fall semesters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Research Assistant Professor positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, Research Assistant Professor roles typically qualify as specialty occupations requiring advanced degrees in specific fields. Universities and research institutions are often cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B visa petitions year-round without entering the lottery system that limits other employers.
What degree requirements apply for visa sponsorship in this role?
Most positions require a PhD in the relevant research field, though some accept master's degrees with extensive research experience. USCIS requires the degree to be directly related to the research area. Foreign degrees need credential evaluation to establish U.S. equivalency.
How do approval rates differ for academic H-1B petitions?
Academic institutions historically see higher H-1B approval rates than private companies, often exceeding 90%. The cap-exempt status, established research mission, and clear specialty occupation nature of academic roles contribute to this success rate.
How to find Research Assistant Professor jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Research Assistant Professor positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international academics with sponsoring institutions. Focus your search on universities, research hospitals, and government laboratories that commonly sponsor H-1B, O-1, or J-1 visas for academic researchers. These employers typically have experience with the visa process and dedicated international hiring departments to support foreign faculty candidates.
Can Research Assistant Professors apply for employment-based green cards?
Yes, through multiple pathways. EB-1B targets outstanding researchers with international recognition and significant publications. EB-2 with National Interest Waiver suits researchers whose work benefits U.S. national interests. Standard EB-2 requires PERM labor certification, which universities commonly support.
What happens if my appointment is temporary or renewable?
H-1B petitions can be approved for temporary positions if they meet specialty occupation requirements. Universities often sponsor multi-year appointments or renewals. However, temporary positions may complicate green card applications, as some categories require permanent position offers.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Research Assistant Professor 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.