Research Data Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Research Data Scientists are strong H-1B visa candidates, the role requires a master's or PhD in statistics, computer science, or a related field, which satisfies the specialty occupation standard. Many research roles qualify for O-1 visa and EB-1 green card pathways if you have publications or peer recognition. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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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 4,841+ Research Data Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Data Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Research Data Scientist
Target employers with dedicated research divisions
Tech companies, pharmaceutical firms, national labs, and universities run dedicated research functions with established H-1B sponsorship pipelines. These employers file petitions routinely and have immigration counsel in place, making the process faster and less uncertain for you.
Lead with publications and citations in your application
Research Data Scientist roles demand evidence of original contribution. A strong publication record signals you're a researcher, not just an analyst, which strengthens both the employer's sponsorship case and your long-term O-1 or EB-1 eligibility from day one.
Understand how your degree field affects H-1B eligibility
USCIS requires your degree to align with the specific research domain. A statistics degree supports a biomedical research role less cleanly than a biostatistics degree. Misalignment is a common RFE trigger, so address it directly in your cover letter and resume.
Ask about cap-exempt employer options
Universities, affiliated research institutions, and nonprofit research organizations are exempt from the H-1B lottery. If you didn't get selected in the annual cap, these employers let you start immediately without waiting for the next registration cycle.
Build a record that supports an EB-1A or NIW petition
Research Data Scientists are well-positioned for employment-based green cards. Peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, grant awards, and peer review work all count as evidence. Start documenting these early, even before you have a sponsoring employer.
Browse Migrate Mate to find employers actively sponsoring this role
Not every company that posts a Research Data Scientist role will sponsor a visa. Migrate Mate filters jobs by sponsorship willingness, so you spend time applying to employers who have already committed to supporting international candidates in this specific field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Data Scientist role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. Research Data Scientist is a strong specialty occupation candidate because it requires at minimum a bachelor's degree, and typically a master's or PhD, in a specific field such as statistics, computer science, or applied mathematics. USCIS approves the majority of petitions for research-oriented data science roles at top employers, though RFEs are common when the degree field doesn't closely match the research domain.
Do I need a PhD to get sponsored as a Research Data Scientist?
Not always, but a PhD significantly improves your prospects. Many employers require a PhD for roles involving original research, model development, or publication output. A master's degree may be sufficient at companies where the role is more applied than academic. If you hold a bachelor's degree, substantial published research or equivalent work experience can compensate, but expect closer scrutiny from USCIS during the petition review.
Can a Research Data Scientist qualify for an O-1 visa instead of H-1B?
Yes, and it's often a better path if you didn't win the H-1B lottery. The O-1A visa covers individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, and research data scientists with peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, citations, grants, or peer review experience can meet the criteria. O-1 has no annual cap and no lottery, so qualified candidates can start work much faster than waiting for H-1B visa selection.
What green card pathway makes the most sense for Research Data Scientists?
The two strongest options are EB-1A (extraordinary ability) and EB-2 NIW (national interest waiver). EB-1A suits candidates with significant publication records, awards, or peer recognition. NIW is more accessible and fits researchers whose work has broader societal impact, such as public health, climate, or AI safety research. Both allow self-petition, meaning you don't need an employer to sponsor you, which is a major practical advantage.
Where should I look for Research Data Scientist jobs that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international candidates and filters Research Data Scientist roles by employers willing to sponsor visas. This removes the guesswork of applying to postings where sponsorship is unlikely. Research-heavy employers including major tech companies, biotech firms, and university-affiliated research labs appear frequently and are among the most experienced H-1B petitioners for this role.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Research Data Scientist 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.