Research Intern Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Research interns can qualify for F-1 OPT, J-1 visa research scholar programs, or H-1B visa sponsorship if the role requires specialized knowledge. Most research positions qualify as specialty occupations under USCIS guidelines, especially in STEM fields. Academic institutions and research organizations frequently sponsor visas for qualified international candidates.
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INTRODUCTION
At Sage Bionetworks, we believe in the power of open science and interdisciplinary collaboration to create a new vision of human health. We strive for actionable biomedical insights through the responsible sharing and reuse of data, all guided by our deep scientific expertise and diligent governance controls. We're a dynamic, adaptable team, and at Sage, we highly value individuals who can flexibly navigate various roles and functions. Diversity in experiences, backgrounds, and identities is essential for our rich culture of learning and collaboration. Our partnerships, both within Sage and with external communities, are founded on principles of trust, transparency, and a commitment to growth. Together, we are leaving a lasting imprint on the fields of science and medicine.
In this role you will be a member of the Alzheimer’s Disease Translational Research Team working on a variety of National Institutes on Aging-supported programs focused on Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. You will apply your skill as an Alzheimer’s Disease Translational Research Intern by engaging in multi-omic research using data (transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenomic, metabolomic) from the AD Knowledge Portal and other public resources. The ideal candidate will have strong computational biology/bioinformatics skills as applied to multi-omic data, and will have enthusiasm for engaging with scientists and researchers across many disciplines. An example project might include applying pre-processing and normalization protocols for epigenetic, proteomic, and/or transcriptomic data, and running differential methylation/expression analyses. Harmonization and meta-analysis across different cohorts, and comparisons across brain regions, will also be considered. These and other -omics data may also be evaluated for molecular profile changes across stages of Alzheimer's disease neuropathology (progression). This work may lead to a publication or co-authorship, posting processed data, summary files, and/or code on the AD Knowledge Portal so that interested investigators may build on the work (Sage’s motto: “Better Science Together”), and/or presenting your work to internal and external (academic) colleagues.
Does a project like this sound exciting to you? Does this sound like a good fit for your skill set and research interests? Do you want to be an integral part of a team that includes computational biologists, research ethicists, software engineers, and data librarians? If so, you could be our next Intern!
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Scientific Research: Develop innovative research initiatives using exploratory and hypothesis-driven data analysis on complex, high-dimensional datasets.
* Analysis and Modeling: Utilize advanced statistics, machine learning methods, and study design expertise to pose research questions and analyze and interpret data.
* Methods Development: Create and document new methods, pipelines, and tools for data analysis, and adhere to standards of reproducible research.
* Dissemination: Communicate research findings through publication of peer-reviewed research papers, maintain detailed records, present to funders and collaborators, and participate in research conferences and workshops.
WHEN IS THE POSITION AVAILABLE AND HOURLY RATE
* 3-6 month position
* Full time or part time is ok
* Remote or in-person is ok
* Start date can be as soon as January 2027; Summer 2027 is also acceptable
* This position is an intern level position with an hourly wage of $35 - 40
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF YOU
* Are passionate about open science and collaboration, working with complex data, and supporting scientific research.
* Are pursuing or recently received a M.S. or Ph.D in Neuroscience, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, or related discipline; or commensurate experience.
* Have 1 year of research experience in a relevant field.
* Are experienced and well-versed in data extraction, data cleaning, complex statistical analysis, and machine learning techniques using tools like R or Python.
* Recognize the importance of applying critical thinking and thoughtful practices in your role, striving to ensure inclusivity, accessibility, and relevance for everyone.
Please submit a 100% original cover letter and CV. We value your authentic voice and personal writing style. This role requires critical thinking and clear communication, and your application is the first demonstration of those skills.
JOB FUNCTIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The following cognitive and physical activities outline the essential functions required for successful job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill these functions.
Physical Demands
* Extended periods of sitting at a desk and using a computer.
* Repeated wrist, hand, and finger movements.
* Requires clear vision for tasks like data analysis, transcribing, computer use, and reading.
* Occasionally lifting or moving objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
Cognitive Demands
* Able to work effectively under deadlines.
* Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
* Attention to detail and accuracy.
* Flexibility to adapt to changing environments, priorities and multitask.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
* Travel is required a minimum of two times per year for on-site events in Seattle, WA.
* Effective verbal and written communication skills.
* Works well in a team and maintains professionalism.
* Follows company policies, procedures, and relevant laws and regulations.
* Note: This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to modification as job duties evolve.
About us
Sage Bionetworks is a nonprofit biomedical research organization that was founded in Seattle in 2009. We focus on advancing human health through open science practices and radical collaboration, with a view to breaking down existing silos in science and technology. Through our work, we guide responsible data sharing and reuse, benchmark scientific methods and results, and empower participants to be active partners in research. We are a bold team of scientists, engineers, product developers, governance specialists and business experts, working to bring data and communities together in unique ways that accelerate medical progress. As a growing organization, Sage is supported through a dynamic portfolio of competitive research grants, commercial partnerships, and philanthropic contributions.
At Sage Bionetworks, we implement equitable workplace strategies to guarantee fair compensation. Actual compensation is determined based on current market data, experience, and internal pay parity. This position is an intern level position with an hourly wage of $35 - 40. All interns are eligible for a number of benefits, including but not limited to:
* Paid Holidays
* Paid Sick Time
* Paid Personal Days
* Access to org-wide meetings, workshops, training, etc.
* Mentorship program
* Transportation Benefits, if applicable
We have a distributed workforce and support remote/on-site/hybrid work arrangements within the United States. All interviews will be conducted virtually unless otherwise communicated.
At Sage Bionetworks, we uphold equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status. We strictly prohibit discrimination and harassment based on these protected categories, in compliance with federal and state equal employment opportunity laws. If you’d like to request a reasonable accommodation, please let HR know prior to your interview.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Research Intern
Target research universities and national labs
Universities, national laboratories, and research institutions are cap-exempt H-1B employers. They can file petitions year-round without lottery participation, making sponsorship more accessible for research roles.
Emphasize your specialized research background
USCIS requires specialty occupation roles for H-1B approval. Highlight advanced coursework, thesis research, published papers, or laboratory experience that directly relates to the research position.
Consider J-1 research scholar programs
Many research institutions offer J-1 research scholar visas for internships and short-term positions. This pathway often has fewer restrictions than H-1B and allows cultural exchange participation.
Leverage STEM OPT extensions if eligible
F-1 students in STEM fields can extend OPT for 24 additional months. This gives you three years total to gain research experience while seeking H-1B sponsorship opportunities.
Network with principal investigators and research directors
Research funding often comes with visa sponsorship budgets. Connect directly with PIs leading projects in your field rather than only applying through general HR channels.
Highlight publications and conference presentations
Published research, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed work strengthen your specialty occupation case. These credentials demonstrate the advanced knowledge USCIS expects for H-1B approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do research intern positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, research intern positions typically qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship if they require specialized knowledge in a specific field and a bachelor's degree or higher. USCIS generally considers research roles specialty occupations, especially in STEM fields, life sciences, and social research. Academic institutions and research organizations are often cap-exempt employers, making H-1B filing more accessible.
What degree requirements apply to research intern visa sponsorship?
Most research intern positions require a bachelor's degree in a field directly related to the research area. For H-1B sponsorship, the degree field must match the job specialty. For example, a biology research role would require a biology, biochemistry, or related life sciences degree. Some positions may accept equivalent experience using the three-to-one rule.
Can international students work as research interns on F-1 status?
Yes, F-1 students can work as research interns through on-campus employment during studies, CPT for academic credit, or OPT after graduation. STEM students get 24-month OPT extensions, providing three years total to gain research experience. Many use this time to seek H-1B sponsorship from their research employer.
How to find Research Intern jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Research Intern positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on universities, pharmaceutical companies, tech firms, and government research institutions that commonly offer H-1B, J-1 visa, or F-1 OPT sponsorship for research roles. These organizations frequently need international talent for specialized research projects and are experienced with visa processes.
Do research positions at universities avoid H-1B lottery requirements?
Yes, universities, affiliated nonprofit research organizations, and government research facilities are H-1B cap-exempt employers. They can file H-1B petitions year-round without participating in the lottery system. This makes research positions at academic institutions particularly attractive for international candidates seeking visa sponsorship.
What makes research intern applications more likely to get visa approval?
Strong research backgrounds, published work, relevant advanced degrees, and clear specialty occupation roles increase approval odds. Positions requiring specific technical knowledge, laboratory skills, or research methodologies align well with H-1B specialty occupation requirements. Working with established researchers or principal investigators also strengthens the sponsorship case.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Research Intern 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.