Research Professor Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Research Professor roles at U.S. universities are among the most reliably sponsored positions in academia. Universities file H-1B visa petitions, support EB-1A and EB-2 NIW green card pathways, and often qualify as cap-exempt institutions, letting you skip the annual H-1B lottery entirely.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The successful candidate will be an accomplished research leader with extensive experience in large-scale engineering research, technology development, and strategic program leadership. Individuals with distinguished careers in federal laboratories, aerospace organizations, or major research institutions are strongly encouraged to apply.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary responsibilities of this position include:
- Leading and contributing to high-impact research initiatives in advanced materials, aerospace systems, aerospace structures, intelligent systems, digital twins, advanced manufacturing, next-generation batteries, and the hydrogen economy.
- Assisting faculty and research centers in the development of large-scale, multidisciplinary, and multi-institutional research proposals.
- Expanding the College's research portfolio through strategic partnerships with federal agencies, industry, national laboratories, and academic institutions.
- Mentoring graduate students and early-career faculty in research development, proposal preparation, and scholarly activities.
- Supporting and strengthening the activities of departmental and college research centers and institutes.
- Providing instruction in specialized graduate or advanced undergraduate mechanical engineering courses aligned with the candidate's expertise.
Department Summary
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Akron prepares students to solve complex engineering challenges through a strong foundation in mechanics, thermofluids, materials, design, and advanced manufacturing. Through hands-on laboratory experiences, industry-sponsored projects, and research opportunities, students develop the technical and professional skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving engineering profession. The department is committed to innovation, student success, and workforce development, producing graduates who contribute to industry, research, and society at local, national, and global levels.
The Department consists of nationally recognized faculty and maintains active research programs across a broad range of engineering disciplines. Faculty collaborate extensively with industry, government agencies, and research centers to address emerging technological challenges and drive economic development.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
- Distinguished career with a major federal research organization.
- Demonstrated expertise in aerospace systems, propulsion, fluid mechanics, space systems, advanced manufacturing, or related areas aligned with departmental research priorities.
- Proven record of leading multidisciplinary technical teams and managing complex research and development programs.
- Evidence of successful collaboration with industry, government agencies, and academic institutions.
- Ability to contribute to undergraduate and graduate education through teaching, mentoring, and curriculum development.
- Established record of securing, managing, or supporting externally funded research programs.
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous experience supervising research scientists, engineers, or technical staff.
- National or international recognition through technical leadership, major program accomplishments, patents, awards, or professional society involvement.
- Demonstrated ability to foster partnerships that enhance student opportunities, workforce development, and research growth.
ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION
Application Instructions: To receive full consideration, applicants should submit:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Additional supporting materials may be requested during the review process.
Application Deadline: December 13, 2026.
Compensation: Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt): United States of America (Exempt)
Union Affiliation (if applicable):
For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:
Iron Bones
Email: ibones@uakron.edu
BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT
The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.
STATE OF RESIDENCE STATEMENT
It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.
INTRODUCTION
The successful candidate will be an accomplished research leader with extensive experience in large-scale engineering research, technology development, and strategic program leadership. Individuals with distinguished careers in federal laboratories, aerospace organizations, or major research institutions are strongly encouraged to apply.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary responsibilities of this position include:
- Leading and contributing to high-impact research initiatives in advanced materials, aerospace systems, aerospace structures, intelligent systems, digital twins, advanced manufacturing, next-generation batteries, and the hydrogen economy.
- Assisting faculty and research centers in the development of large-scale, multidisciplinary, and multi-institutional research proposals.
- Expanding the College's research portfolio through strategic partnerships with federal agencies, industry, national laboratories, and academic institutions.
- Mentoring graduate students and early-career faculty in research development, proposal preparation, and scholarly activities.
- Supporting and strengthening the activities of departmental and college research centers and institutes.
- Providing instruction in specialized graduate or advanced undergraduate mechanical engineering courses aligned with the candidate's expertise.
Department Summary
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Akron prepares students to solve complex engineering challenges through a strong foundation in mechanics, thermofluids, materials, design, and advanced manufacturing. Through hands-on laboratory experiences, industry-sponsored projects, and research opportunities, students develop the technical and professional skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving engineering profession. The department is committed to innovation, student success, and workforce development, producing graduates who contribute to industry, research, and society at local, national, and global levels.
The Department consists of nationally recognized faculty and maintains active research programs across a broad range of engineering disciplines. Faculty collaborate extensively with industry, government agencies, and research centers to address emerging technological challenges and drive economic development.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
- Distinguished career with a major federal research organization.
- Demonstrated expertise in aerospace systems, propulsion, fluid mechanics, space systems, advanced manufacturing, or related areas aligned with departmental research priorities.
- Proven record of leading multidisciplinary technical teams and managing complex research and development programs.
- Evidence of successful collaboration with industry, government agencies, and academic institutions.
- Ability to contribute to undergraduate and graduate education through teaching, mentoring, and curriculum development.
- Established record of securing, managing, or supporting externally funded research programs.
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous experience supervising research scientists, engineers, or technical staff.
- National or international recognition through technical leadership, major program accomplishments, patents, awards, or professional society involvement.
- Demonstrated ability to foster partnerships that enhance student opportunities, workforce development, and research growth.
ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION
Application Instructions: To receive full consideration, applicants should submit:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Additional supporting materials may be requested during the review process.
Application Deadline: December 13, 2026.
Compensation: Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt): United States of America (Exempt)
Union Affiliation (if applicable):
For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:
Iron Bones
Email: ibones@uakron.edu
BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT
The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.
STATE OF RESIDENCE STATEMENT
It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Research Professor
Verify your institution's cap-exempt status
Many universities and affiliated research institutes qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers, meaning your petition bypasses the annual lottery. Confirm this directly with the institution's international office before accepting an offer.
Document your research record for EB-1A
Compile citation records, peer-review invitations, grants awarded, and media coverage of your work. USCIS evaluates extraordinary ability across at least three of ten criteria, so your evidence file needs breadth, not just depth in one area.
Request PERM labor certification details upfront
If your employer pursues an EB-2 green card rather than a self-petition NIW, they must run a PERM recruitment process. Ask HR whether they've completed PERM for similar roles and how long their internal timeline runs.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring universities
Target institutions with active LCA filing history in research roles rather than applying broadly. Migrate Mate shows employers with verified DOL Labor Condition Application filings, so you can focus on universities already sponsoring positions like yours.
Match your O*NET profile to your offer letter
Your job duties as written in the offer letter and LCA must align with the O*NET occupation profile for your role. Gaps between your described duties and the standard definition are a common source of USCIS Requests for Evidence on research faculty petitions.
File the LCA wage check before salary negotiations close
Your employer must certify through DOL that your offered wage meets the prevailing wage for your role and location. Run the OFLC Wage Search for your job title and metro area before you finalize compensation so you're negotiating above the threshold, not scrambling to meet it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Research Professor roles qualify as specialty occupations for the H-1B?
Yes. Research Professor positions consistently meet USCIS's specialty occupation standard because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a directly related field, and in practice nearly all require a doctorate. The theoretical and applied nature of research work, combined with the academic hiring standard, makes this one of the more straightforward specialty occupation determinations USCIS processes.
Can a university sponsor an H-1B for a Research Professor without entering the lottery?
Many can. Universities, nonprofit research organizations affiliated with universities, and government research entities often qualify as cap-exempt employers under the H-1B rules. If your prospective employer holds cap-exempt status, USCIS will accept and adjudicate the I-129 petition at any time of year, with no lottery selection required. Confirm this with the institution's international scholar office during the offer stage.
What green card pathway is most common for Research Professors?
EB-1A and EB-2 NIW are the two most common routes. EB-1A requires demonstrating extraordinary ability across USCIS's criteria, such as awards, citations, peer-review service, and media coverage. EB-2 NIW allows self-petition if your research serves U.S. national interests, which academic and scientific research often satisfies. Both routes can proceed alongside an employer-sponsored EB-2 through PERM labor certification if the institution supports it.
Is a Ph.D. required, or will a master's degree support sponsorship?
For most Research Professor titles, a doctorate is the de facto hiring standard, and USCIS will expect your credentials to match the stated requirements in the job posting and offer letter. Some research-track roles at teaching-focused institutions accept a terminal master's degree in fields like nursing, fine arts, or certain applied sciences. The critical factor is that the offered position's own requirements, not a general standard, define what USCIS reviews.
Where should I look for Research Professor roles that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate lists Research Professor and related faculty positions at institutions with verified sponsorship history, so you're not guessing which employers will file. Filtering by academic and research employers saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering the institution doesn't sponsor international candidates until late in the process.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Research 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.