Research Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Research specialist positions typically qualify for H-1B visa, O-1 visa, and EB-2 visa sponsorship due to their specialized nature and advanced degree requirements. Most roles require master's or PhD-level qualifications in relevant fields, making them strong candidates for employment-based immigration pathways. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
Find Research Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 2,739+ Research Specialist jobs
See all 2,739+ Research Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Control Risks is looking to hire an Online Threat Intelligence Researcher to support a major client of ours. This position will conduct open-source intelligence research to support our client's threat intelligence program. The role will provide open source intelligence support, focusing on Person of Interest research. OSINT analysts also support Executive Protection and employee, facility, event safety and security by providing persistent situational awareness research and support.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Monitor, triage, and assess high-volume intelligence alerts from OSINT and security platforms, identifying potential risks to employees.
- Conduct deeper-dive investigations into relevant threats and provide actionable insights to support incident response.
- Support response efforts for incidents impacting remote employees and travelers, including monitoring and communications during active events.
- Refine and optimize search queries and alerting frameworks to reduce noise and improve intelligence quality.
- Produce written reports outlining findings identified from threat monitoring and OSINT research.
- Partner closely with Corporate Security leadership to prioritize alerts, manage workload, and enhance intelligence processes.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A bachelor’s degree in history, political science, international relations, intelligence analysis, criminal justice, regional studies, or a related discipline
- 1+ years of experience in intelligence, travel security, protective intelligence, security analysis, threat management, risk management or a related field
- Proven ability to accurately draw conclusions by synthesizing raw data and information from multiple, unrelated sources into a finished comprehensive product
- Practical knowledge of open-source intelligence collection and threat analysis.
- Ability to prepare concise written reports with strong attention to detail.
- Experience in directing, collecting, and analyzing information, including following leads, in order to produce timely and actionable intelligence.
- Practical knowledge of the deep and dark web threat landscape preferable.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Control Risks offers a competitively positioned compensation and benefits package that is transparent and summarized in the full job offer.
- We operate a discretionary bonus scheme that incentivizes, and rewards individuals based on company and individual performance.
- Control Risks supports hybrid working arrangements, wherever possible, that emphasize the value of in-person time together - in the office and with our clients - while continuing to support flexible and remote working.
- Medical Benefits, Prescription Benefits, FSA, Dental Benefits, Vision Benefits, Life and AD&D, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Disability Benefits, Voluntary Benefits, 401 (K) Retirement, Nationwide Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program.
COMPENSATION
The base salary range for this position is $80000-95000 per year. Exact compensation offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Control Risks is committed to a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made in order to participate fully in the interview process, please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.
Control Risks participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment authorization of all newly hired employees. The E-Verify process is completed during new hire onboarding and completion of the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, at the start of employment. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates. For more information on E-Verify, please visit www.uscis.gov.
INTRODUCTION
Control Risks is looking to hire an Online Threat Intelligence Researcher to support a major client of ours. This position will conduct open-source intelligence research to support our client's threat intelligence program. The role will provide open source intelligence support, focusing on Person of Interest research. OSINT analysts also support Executive Protection and employee, facility, event safety and security by providing persistent situational awareness research and support.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Monitor, triage, and assess high-volume intelligence alerts from OSINT and security platforms, identifying potential risks to employees.
- Conduct deeper-dive investigations into relevant threats and provide actionable insights to support incident response.
- Support response efforts for incidents impacting remote employees and travelers, including monitoring and communications during active events.
- Refine and optimize search queries and alerting frameworks to reduce noise and improve intelligence quality.
- Produce written reports outlining findings identified from threat monitoring and OSINT research.
- Partner closely with Corporate Security leadership to prioritize alerts, manage workload, and enhance intelligence processes.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A bachelor’s degree in history, political science, international relations, intelligence analysis, criminal justice, regional studies, or a related discipline
- 1+ years of experience in intelligence, travel security, protective intelligence, security analysis, threat management, risk management or a related field
- Proven ability to accurately draw conclusions by synthesizing raw data and information from multiple, unrelated sources into a finished comprehensive product
- Practical knowledge of open-source intelligence collection and threat analysis.
- Ability to prepare concise written reports with strong attention to detail.
- Experience in directing, collecting, and analyzing information, including following leads, in order to produce timely and actionable intelligence.
- Practical knowledge of the deep and dark web threat landscape preferable.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Control Risks offers a competitively positioned compensation and benefits package that is transparent and summarized in the full job offer.
- We operate a discretionary bonus scheme that incentivizes, and rewards individuals based on company and individual performance.
- Control Risks supports hybrid working arrangements, wherever possible, that emphasize the value of in-person time together - in the office and with our clients - while continuing to support flexible and remote working.
- Medical Benefits, Prescription Benefits, FSA, Dental Benefits, Vision Benefits, Life and AD&D, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Disability Benefits, Voluntary Benefits, 401 (K) Retirement, Nationwide Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program.
COMPENSATION
The base salary range for this position is $80000-95000 per year. Exact compensation offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Control Risks is committed to a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made in order to participate fully in the interview process, please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.
Control Risks participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment authorization of all newly hired employees. The E-Verify process is completed during new hire onboarding and completion of the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, at the start of employment. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates. For more information on E-Verify, please visit www.uscis.gov.
See all 2,739+ Research Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Research Specialist
Emphasize specialized research methodologies
Highlight expertise in advanced statistical analysis, experimental design, or specialized software. Research sponsors value technical skills that demonstrate the specialty occupation requirement for H-1B petitions.
Target research institutions and think tanks
Universities, government contractors, and policy institutes frequently sponsor visas for research roles. These employers understand the immigration process and often have dedicated legal support for foreign talent.
Document publications and academic credentials
Research publications, conference presentations, and academic collaborations strengthen visa applications. This evidence supports both specialty occupation requirements and demonstrates your established expertise in the field.
Consider O-1 for distinguished researchers
Senior researchers with significant publications, citations, or awards may qualify for O-1 extraordinary ability visas. This path offers faster processing and fewer restrictions than H-1B applications.
Leverage interdisciplinary experience
Research roles often span multiple fields, from data science to policy analysis. Broad expertise can open opportunities with diverse employers who need specialized research capabilities across disciplines.
Network through academic conferences
Research conferences provide direct access to potential sponsors. Many employers recruit at academic events and understand the value of hiring international researchers with specialized knowledge and methodological expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do research specialist positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, most research specialist roles qualify as specialty occupations requiring advanced degrees in fields like economics, psychology, or data science. Employers must demonstrate the position requires specialized knowledge and that you possess the relevant educational background and experience to perform the research functions.
What degree do I need for research specialist visa sponsorship?
Most positions require a master's degree or higher in the relevant research field, such as statistics, social sciences, or natural sciences. Some roles accept a bachelor's degree with extensive research experience, but graduate-level education significantly strengthens both job prospects and visa applications for specialized research positions.
How to find Research Specialist jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Research Specialist jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Research Specialist roles are commonly available with H-1B visa, O-1, and TN visa sponsorship at biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical firms, academic institutions, government contractors, and research organizations. These employers frequently sponsor qualified international researchers with specialized expertise in their field.
Which visa types work best for research specialists?
H-1B is most common for standard research roles, while O-1 suits distinguished researchers with significant publications or awards. EB-2 provides a direct green card path for those with advanced degrees. J-1 visa exchange visitor visas work for academic research positions with training components at universities.
Do government contractors sponsor research specialists?
Yes, many government contractors sponsor H-1B and other visas for research specialists, especially those working on defense, health, or policy research. However, some classified projects require U.S. citizenship, limiting opportunities. Focus on contractors with unclassified research divisions or commercial research operations.
How do I demonstrate specialized knowledge for research roles?
Highlight expertise in advanced methodologies, specialized software, or niche research areas that aren't commonly taught at undergraduate level. Publications, conference presentations, and unique technical skills in statistical modeling or experimental design help establish the specialized nature required for visa approval.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Research Specialist 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.