Research Director Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Research Director roles qualify for H-1B visa, O-1A, and EB-1 sponsorship. Employers regularly sponsor this position because it requires a graduate degree in a specialized field and demonstrates the advanced expertise USCIS looks for in specialty occupation and extraordinary ability petitions. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
PLEASE NOTE: This posting will close at 11:59PM (Eastern time) on the posted closing date. To receive full consideration, please be sure you have fully completed the entire application and attach any required documents.
Applications must be submitted through the online application system to be considered.
POSTING DETAILS
This position is designated as Exempt from the Human Resources Act (EHRA).
BENEFITS OF WORKING AT UNCW
At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers.
Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life—creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
As a member of the Seahawk community, you’ll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.
HIRING RANGE
Determined based on qualifications and/or experience.
WORKING TITLE
Director, Student Affairs Assessment, Research and Planning
VACANCY NUMBER
E1617
POSITION NUMBER
8573
LOCATION OF WORKPLACE
Main UNCW Campus
HOME DEPARTMENT
Student Life Assessment
DIVISION
Student Affairs - 40 Division
BRIEF SUMMARY OF WORK FOR THIS POSITION
The Director of Student Affairs Assessment, Research, and Planning serves on the Division Leadership Team as well as the University Assessment Council (UAC).
Responsibilities include:
- Manages all Division assessment initiatives and supports all Division strategic planning and accreditation compliance efforts.
- Provides leadership, coordination and expertise in designing, implementing, and interpreting assessment projects related to student development, co-curricular learning outcomes, and educational programming/services and measuring how these initiatives impact student success and retention.
- Provides expertise on the types of assessments that will be most effective, as well as guidance on designing instruments, sampling, data analysis, and reporting. It is essential that this person is not only an expert in conducting the various assessment processes but must also possess the ability to train staff and to consult others on best practices.
- Manages the annual reporting and strategic planning process for the Division.
- Supervise a Research Analyst, and 1-2 graduate assistants (as needed).
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Master’s degree with at least three years of experience in assessment research emphasizing learning evaluation.
- Experience in experimental research and survey design, data analysis, and statistical reporting are essential.
- Strong communication skills and understands the need for confidentiality when appropriate.
- Knowledge of appropriate technology in data management, application, and presentation of results.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Doctoral Degree.
- Data analysis / statistics experience.
- Strong analytic, writing, interpersonal, and computer skills.
- Demonstrated ability to summarize and present complex analysis of data to varied audiences and constituents.
- Strong technological skills and/or the ability to learn various technologies.
- Experience applying traditional statistical analyses in a research or program evaluation setting.
- Experience in developing analytics to make data actionable.
- Experience with assessment of student learning and program outcomes.
- A background in theory and practice in education, communication, social sciences or related field.
- Experience with program review.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSURES
N/A
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The Division of Student Affairs has recently been recognized as one of the “Top 18 Most Promising Places to Work in the U.S.” by Diverse Issues in Higher Education. The Division consists of multiple functional departments, each of which is responsible for providing a variety of student support, service, and educational programs which are accessible to all members of the university community. The staff members are dedicated individuals known for their passion and commitment to implementing programs and services that affect student development over the course of a lifetime. Student Affairs provides excellent delivery of student services that are responsive to student needs and promotes the quality of life and education both inside and outside the classroom. We build institutional traditions and lifelong affiliations through creative programs, vibrant student organizations, and a living/learning environment built on core values and uncompromising principles. The Division is a leader and primary spokesperson for students.
UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. UNCW is distinguished by its commitment to putting students first, supporting world-class faculty and staff, delivering transformative learning experiences, and leveraging its unique proximity to the ocean.
Recognized nationally for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and reflects emerging industries and interdisciplinary innovation.
A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s first bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.
The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNCW moved to its present location in the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660-acre campus is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington and features Georgian architecture and designated conservation areas. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) provides commercial air service to cities both domestic and abroad and is just six miles from the UNCW campus.
UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.
EEO STATEMENT
UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
MONTHS PER YEAR
12 Months
FTE
1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)
TYPE OF POSITION
Permanent
JOB POSTING DATE
09/21/2026
POSTING CLOSE DATE
10/19/2026
APPLICANT DOCUMENTS
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Resume
- Cover Letter
OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS
INTRODUCTION
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
PLEASE NOTE: This posting will close at 11:59PM (Eastern time) on the posted closing date. To receive full consideration, please be sure you have fully completed the entire application and attach any required documents.
Applications must be submitted through the online application system to be considered.
POSTING DETAILS
This position is designated as Exempt from the Human Resources Act (EHRA).
BENEFITS OF WORKING AT UNCW
At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers.
Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life—creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
As a member of the Seahawk community, you’ll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.
HIRING RANGE
Determined based on qualifications and/or experience.
WORKING TITLE
Director, Student Affairs Assessment, Research and Planning
VACANCY NUMBER
E1617
POSITION NUMBER
8573
LOCATION OF WORKPLACE
Main UNCW Campus
HOME DEPARTMENT
Student Life Assessment
DIVISION
Student Affairs - 40 Division
BRIEF SUMMARY OF WORK FOR THIS POSITION
The Director of Student Affairs Assessment, Research, and Planning serves on the Division Leadership Team as well as the University Assessment Council (UAC).
Responsibilities include:
- Manages all Division assessment initiatives and supports all Division strategic planning and accreditation compliance efforts.
- Provides leadership, coordination and expertise in designing, implementing, and interpreting assessment projects related to student development, co-curricular learning outcomes, and educational programming/services and measuring how these initiatives impact student success and retention.
- Provides expertise on the types of assessments that will be most effective, as well as guidance on designing instruments, sampling, data analysis, and reporting. It is essential that this person is not only an expert in conducting the various assessment processes but must also possess the ability to train staff and to consult others on best practices.
- Manages the annual reporting and strategic planning process for the Division.
- Supervise a Research Analyst, and 1-2 graduate assistants (as needed).
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Master’s degree with at least three years of experience in assessment research emphasizing learning evaluation.
- Experience in experimental research and survey design, data analysis, and statistical reporting are essential.
- Strong communication skills and understands the need for confidentiality when appropriate.
- Knowledge of appropriate technology in data management, application, and presentation of results.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Doctoral Degree.
- Data analysis / statistics experience.
- Strong analytic, writing, interpersonal, and computer skills.
- Demonstrated ability to summarize and present complex analysis of data to varied audiences and constituents.
- Strong technological skills and/or the ability to learn various technologies.
- Experience applying traditional statistical analyses in a research or program evaluation setting.
- Experience in developing analytics to make data actionable.
- Experience with assessment of student learning and program outcomes.
- A background in theory and practice in education, communication, social sciences or related field.
- Experience with program review.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSURES
N/A
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The Division of Student Affairs has recently been recognized as one of the “Top 18 Most Promising Places to Work in the U.S.” by Diverse Issues in Higher Education. The Division consists of multiple functional departments, each of which is responsible for providing a variety of student support, service, and educational programs which are accessible to all members of the university community. The staff members are dedicated individuals known for their passion and commitment to implementing programs and services that affect student development over the course of a lifetime. Student Affairs provides excellent delivery of student services that are responsive to student needs and promotes the quality of life and education both inside and outside the classroom. We build institutional traditions and lifelong affiliations through creative programs, vibrant student organizations, and a living/learning environment built on core values and uncompromising principles. The Division is a leader and primary spokesperson for students.
UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. UNCW is distinguished by its commitment to putting students first, supporting world-class faculty and staff, delivering transformative learning experiences, and leveraging its unique proximity to the ocean.
Recognized nationally for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and reflects emerging industries and interdisciplinary innovation.
A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s first bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.
The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNCW moved to its present location in the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660-acre campus is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington and features Georgian architecture and designated conservation areas. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) provides commercial air service to cities both domestic and abroad and is just six miles from the UNCW campus.
UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.
EEO STATEMENT
UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
MONTHS PER YEAR
12 Months
FTE
1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)
TYPE OF POSITION
Permanent
JOB POSTING DATE
09/21/2026
POSTING CLOSE DATE
10/19/2026
APPLICANT DOCUMENTS
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Resume
- Cover Letter
OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS
See all 4,934+ Research Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Director roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Director Jobs
Lead with your publication and citation record
USCIS officers weigh scholarly output heavily for Research Director petitions. A strong publication record with measurable citations strengthens both H-1B specialty occupation arguments and O-1A extraordinary ability claims significantly.
Ensure your degree field matches the research domain
Your graduate degree must align specifically with the research area you'll be directing. A PhD in molecular biology won't support a Research Director role in economics. The field match is a core specialty occupation requirement USCIS scrutinizes.
Document your leadership over research teams and budgets
Research Director petitions benefit from evidence of organizational leadership. Offer letters and employer support letters should specify staff headcount, grant funding managed, and institutional scope to distinguish the role from individual contributor researcher positions.
Target employers with established immigration infrastructure
Universities, research hospitals, national laboratories, and large pharmaceutical or technology firms routinely sponsor Research Directors. These institutions have in-house immigration counsel and understand the documentation requirements, which reduces delays and RFE risk considerably.
Consider the O-1A if you have exceptional credentials
Research Directors with peer-reviewed publications, grants awarded, judging or reviewing experience, or press coverage may qualify for O-1A status. This path bypasses the H-1B lottery entirely and can be filed at any time of year.
Prepare for peer review and judging evidence requests
If applying for O-1A or EB-1A, document any conference peer reviewing, grant panel participation, or editorial board service. These activities satisfy the USCIS criterion for judging others' work, one of the most accessible criteria for senior researchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Research Director title qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. Research Director is a recognized specialty occupation because it requires at minimum a bachelor's degree, and typically a master's or PhD, in a specific field directly related to the research domain. USCIS has consistently approved H-1B visa petitions for this title across academia, biotech, government contractors, and private industry.
What visa options exist for Research Directors beyond the H-1B?
Research Directors with a strong scholarly record often qualify for the O-1A extraordinary ability visa, which has no lottery and can be filed year-round. Those pursuing permanent residence may be strong EB-1A or EB-2 NIW candidates, particularly if their research serves a national interest. Browse Research Director roles on Migrate Mate to filter by employers who sponsor multiple visa types.
What degree level does USCIS expect for a Research Director petition?
Most approved Research Director H-1B petitions involve a master's degree or PhD in the relevant discipline. A bachelor's degree alone can work if it's in a highly specific field and the role description clearly requires that specialization, but expect closer scrutiny. Employers typically require a graduate degree in job postings, which supports the specialty occupation argument.
How does the EB-1A path work for Research Directors?
The EB-1A requires meeting at least three of ten USCIS criteria demonstrating extraordinary ability. Research Directors commonly satisfy criteria through prizes or awards, peer-reviewed publications, high citation counts, judging roles, and leading or critical roles at distinguished institutions. USCIS approved approximately 56% of EB-1A petitions in FY 2024, and the category is current for most nationalities.
Do Research Director roles at universities sponsor differently than private sector roles?
Universities and nonprofit research institutions are cap-exempt for H-1B purposes, meaning they can file H-1B petitions at any time of year without entering the lottery. This is a significant practical advantage. Private sector Research Director roles are cap-subject and must go through the annual April lottery registration, making the O-1A or TN visa an important backup depending on your nationality.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Research Director 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.