Research Technician Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Research technicians qualify for H-1B sponsorship when the position requires specialized scientific knowledge and a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or related field. Many biotech companies, universities, and pharmaceutical firms sponsor H-1B visas for lab-based research roles, though competition varies by specialization and employer size. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.
Exciting Opportunity at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Join Our RNA Therapeutics Lab as a Research Technician!
The Olayan Center for Cancer Vaccines, a cornerstone of MSK’s immuno-oncology transformation, launched a new RNA Therapeutics Lab and is seeking a Research Technician to join from the ground up! In this role, you will directly contribute to the development of mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccines, supporting immune manufacturing, characterization, and innovation. You will be hands-on with in vivo and in cellulo studies to evaluate RNA vaccine performance, playing a key role in generating data that will support technology transfer and eventual GMP release, helping accelerate the translation of innovative vaccines into clinical use.
Role Overview
- Animal Handling: Conduct animal studies, including tumor implantation, drug administration (intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, etc.), tissue/tumor/fluids collection, and animal autopsies to assess vaccine efficacy.
- Techniques & Assays: Perform specialized techniques, such as flow cytometry, cell culture, electrophoresis, ELISA etc.
- Laboratory Support: Prepare and maintain lab equipment, instruments, solutions, stains, assays, and other essential supplies.
- Data Management: Record and analyze research data, prepare reports, and provide insights to the research team.
- Collaboration: Assist peers and researchers with ongoing projects, fostering a team-oriented, supportive environment.
Key Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or life sciences.
- Experience in flow-cytometry, cell culture and ELISA.
- Comfort working directly with animal models is required for this role.
Core Skills
- Attention to detail and strong record-keeping habits.
- Ability to follow protocols while troubleshooting when needed.
- Team-oriented approach to supporting postdocs and fellow researchers.
- Adaptability in a dynamic lab environment.
Additional Information
- Location: NYC; Zuckerman Research Center
- Schedule: M-F 37.5 hours per week (onsite)
- Reporting to the Associate Director
Helpful Links
- Compensation Philosophy
- Benefits
Pay Range: $26.21 - $39.24
FSLA Status: Non-Exempt
Closing
At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills. MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
About us
The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.
Exciting Opportunity at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Join Our RNA Therapeutics Lab as a Research Technician!
The Olayan Center for Cancer Vaccines, a cornerstone of MSK’s immuno-oncology transformation, launched a new RNA Therapeutics Lab and is seeking a Research Technician to join from the ground up! In this role, you will directly contribute to the development of mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccines, supporting immune manufacturing, characterization, and innovation. You will be hands-on with in vivo and in cellulo studies to evaluate RNA vaccine performance, playing a key role in generating data that will support technology transfer and eventual GMP release, helping accelerate the translation of innovative vaccines into clinical use.
Role Overview
- Animal Handling: Conduct animal studies, including tumor implantation, drug administration (intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, etc.), tissue/tumor/fluids collection, and animal autopsies to assess vaccine efficacy.
- Techniques & Assays: Perform specialized techniques, such as flow cytometry, cell culture, electrophoresis, ELISA etc.
- Laboratory Support: Prepare and maintain lab equipment, instruments, solutions, stains, assays, and other essential supplies.
- Data Management: Record and analyze research data, prepare reports, and provide insights to the research team.
- Collaboration: Assist peers and researchers with ongoing projects, fostering a team-oriented, supportive environment.
Key Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or life sciences.
- Experience in flow-cytometry, cell culture and ELISA.
- Comfort working directly with animal models is required for this role.
Core Skills
- Attention to detail and strong record-keeping habits.
- Ability to follow protocols while troubleshooting when needed.
- Team-oriented approach to supporting postdocs and fellow researchers.
- Adaptability in a dynamic lab environment.
Additional Information
- Location: NYC; Zuckerman Research Center
- Schedule: M-F 37.5 hours per week (onsite)
- Reporting to the Associate Director
Helpful Links
- Compensation Philosophy
- Benefits
Pay Range: $26.21 - $39.24
FSLA Status: Non-Exempt
Closing
At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills. MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Research Technician
Target biotech and pharmaceutical companies
Large pharma companies like Pfizer, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson regularly sponsor H-1B visas for research technicians. Biotech startups may be less likely to sponsor due to legal costs and complexity.
Emphasize specialized laboratory techniques
Highlight expertise in PCR, cell culture, mass spectrometry, or other advanced techniques. USCIS looks for specialized knowledge that requires formal training beyond basic lab experience.
Academic research positions offer advantages
Universities and research institutions are cap-exempt H-1B employers, meaning no lottery. Research technician positions at academic medical centers often qualify for immediate H-1B processing.
Document degree relevance clearly
Your bachelor's degree must relate directly to the research area. A biology degree works for molecular research, but a general studies degree typically won't qualify for specialty occupation requirements.
Consider research associate titles
Job titles matter for H-1B petitions. 'Research Associate' or 'Laboratory Research Specialist' may strengthen the specialty occupation argument compared to generic 'Research Technician' titles.
Build experience with specific instruments
Employers value technicians experienced with expensive specialized equipment like electron microscopes, flow cytometers, or DNA sequencers. This expertise supports the specialized knowledge requirement.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do research technicians qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, research technicians can qualify for H-1B sponsorship when the position requires specialized scientific knowledge and a relevant bachelor's degree. The role must involve complex research tasks beyond routine laboratory work. Universities, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms commonly sponsor H-1B visas for qualified research technician positions.
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as a research technician?
You typically need a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field. The degree must directly relate to your research area. Associate degrees or unrelated bachelor's degrees usually don't meet the specialty occupation requirement for H-1B petitions.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor research technicians?
Universities and academic medical centers offer the best sponsorship opportunities since they're cap-exempt from H-1B limits. Large pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Merck regularly sponsor research roles. Biotech companies vary by size and financial resources, with established firms more likely to sponsor than early-stage startups.
Can research technicians get green cards through their employers?
Yes, research technicians can pursue employment-based green cards, typically through the EB-2 or EB-3 categories. Academic research positions may qualify for National Interest Waiver applications, bypassing the labor certification requirement. The process typically requires demonstrating the research contributes to U.S. scientific advancement.
What happens if my H-1B lottery petition isn't selected?
Consider targeting cap-exempt employers like universities or research institutions that can file H-1B petitions year-round without lottery requirements. Alternative options include the O-1 visa for extraordinary ability researchers or pursuing additional education to strengthen future H-1B applications while maintaining legal status.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Research Technician 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.
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