Scientific Researcher Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Scientific researcher jobs attract strong visa sponsorship from universities, federal labs, and biotech firms because the roles meet H-1B visa specialty occupation criteria by definition. Employers filing Labor Condition Applications for research positions are common, and candidates with advanced STEM degrees often qualify for EB-2 green card pathways including the National Interest Waiver.
Find Scientific Researcher JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 25+ Scientific Researcher jobs
See all Scientific Researcher Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Scientific Researcher roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The individual in this position provides scientific and field research technical support to the University of Maine’s wild blueberry research program, based at Blueberry Hill Farm (BHF) in Jonesboro with occasional duties at the Wyman’s Center for Wild Blueberry Research and Innovation in Old Town. The position supports multiple faculty researchers working on wild blueberry entomology, plant pathology, integrated pest management (IPM), crop management, and irrigation/sustainability, and assists with federally funded minor-crop pesticide research conducted under the IR-4 program. The incumbent establishes and maintains research plots, scouts and samples for insect pests and diseases, collects and manages field research data, and assists with irrigation and water-use studies. The position also assists the Farm Superintendent with general farm operations and equipment needs, including operating tractors and other equipment during planting, pruning, and harvest, ensuring the farm has reliable, cross-trained support across research and production activities. Full-time, regular position, 40 hours per week, 5 days per week. Normal daily work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position pays $21.93/hour, or applicable transfer rate in accordance with the ACSUM collective bargaining agreement.
Responsibilities
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assists faculty researchers (e.g., in plant pathology, entomology, agroecology, IPM/crop management, weed science, and irrigation/sustainability) with establishing, maintaining, and harvesting wild blueberry field research plots at Blueberry Hill Farm in Jonesboro and occasionally at the Wyman’s Center in Old Town.
- Conducts field scouting and sample collection for insect pests (e.g., blueberry maggot, spotted wing drosophila) and diseases (e.g., mummy berry, stem and leaf diseases) and collects weekly in-season crop phenology data.
- Assists with IPM research, including deployment and monitoring of insect traps, disease incidence surveys, and collection of field-plot data.
- Supports irrigation and water-use research, including installing, operating, and maintaining irrigation equipment and soil moisture monitoring instrumentation.
- Assists with IR-4 minor-crop pesticide research, including preparing and applying experimental treatments, maintaining required Maine Commercial Pesticide Applicators License, maintaining application and safety records (e.g., FIFRA Good Laboratory Practice Standards), and assisting with residue/tolerance sample collection in support of EPA registration petitions.
- Contacts vendors and suppliers to order research and farm supplies and assists faculty with sourcing materials for field trials.
- Enter, organize, and maintain research data (yield, pest and disease counts, weather, irrigation) in spreadsheets/databases for faculty use, and supports student research assistants and seasonal field staff on data collection protocols and the safe operation of field equipment.
- Prepares, analyzes, and ships samples for laboratory analysis.
- Assists in the preparation of scientific reports and manuscripts, as well as research-related outreach publications and presentations.
- Assists the Farm Superintendent with general farm and mechanical support, including routine equipment upkeep, and operates farm tractors and other equipment during peak management, pruning, and harvest periods.
- Coordinates and supervises yearly soil sampling at Blueberry Hill Farm and other MAFES facilities.
- Maintains and updates logs, checklists, work records, and safety documentation.
- Adheres to all safety protocols and assists with maintaining compliance in general areas.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature or level at MAFES facilities, in coordination with the MAFES associate director and superintendents, as needed.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu.
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options.
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in a field related to the area of research or equivalent and more than 2 years of related laboratory research experience. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the education required of the assigned position.
- Demonstrated ability to accurately collect, record, and organize field research data.
- Demonstrated ability to solve problems and overcome challenges.
- Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
- Ability to learn and correctly apply field research and data collection protocols under the direction of faculty researchers, and to identify or learn to identify common wild blueberry insect pests, diseases, and plant growth stages.
- Possesses a valid Maine Class B driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.
- Possesses a Maine pesticide applicators license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.
- Ability to work outdoors in a variety of conditions, including heat, cold, dust, mud, and snow.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Preferred:
- Higher education degree (MS, MA, PhD) in agricultural sciences or a related field.
- Previous experience with pesticide application and IR-4 trials.
- 1-3 years of experience working in commercial agricultural settings and/or agricultural research trials, preferably with small-fruit crops.
- Previous experience with agricultural irrigation systems (pivot, lateral line, drip).
- Experience with basic carpentry and maintenance of power tools and equipment.
- Demonstrated skills with data management and statistical analysis (e.g., Google & Microsoft Office Suites, R, MATLAB, ArcGIS).
OTHER INFORMATION
To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.
Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on October 30, 2026.
For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Lee Hecker at lee.hecker@maine.edu.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening and post offer physical.
The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.
CLERY ACT
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.
INTRODUCTION
The individual in this position provides scientific and field research technical support to the University of Maine’s wild blueberry research program, based at Blueberry Hill Farm (BHF) in Jonesboro with occasional duties at the Wyman’s Center for Wild Blueberry Research and Innovation in Old Town. The position supports multiple faculty researchers working on wild blueberry entomology, plant pathology, integrated pest management (IPM), crop management, and irrigation/sustainability, and assists with federally funded minor-crop pesticide research conducted under the IR-4 program. The incumbent establishes and maintains research plots, scouts and samples for insect pests and diseases, collects and manages field research data, and assists with irrigation and water-use studies. The position also assists the Farm Superintendent with general farm operations and equipment needs, including operating tractors and other equipment during planting, pruning, and harvest, ensuring the farm has reliable, cross-trained support across research and production activities. Full-time, regular position, 40 hours per week, 5 days per week. Normal daily work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position pays $21.93/hour, or applicable transfer rate in accordance with the ACSUM collective bargaining agreement.
Responsibilities
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assists faculty researchers (e.g., in plant pathology, entomology, agroecology, IPM/crop management, weed science, and irrigation/sustainability) with establishing, maintaining, and harvesting wild blueberry field research plots at Blueberry Hill Farm in Jonesboro and occasionally at the Wyman’s Center in Old Town.
- Conducts field scouting and sample collection for insect pests (e.g., blueberry maggot, spotted wing drosophila) and diseases (e.g., mummy berry, stem and leaf diseases) and collects weekly in-season crop phenology data.
- Assists with IPM research, including deployment and monitoring of insect traps, disease incidence surveys, and collection of field-plot data.
- Supports irrigation and water-use research, including installing, operating, and maintaining irrigation equipment and soil moisture monitoring instrumentation.
- Assists with IR-4 minor-crop pesticide research, including preparing and applying experimental treatments, maintaining required Maine Commercial Pesticide Applicators License, maintaining application and safety records (e.g., FIFRA Good Laboratory Practice Standards), and assisting with residue/tolerance sample collection in support of EPA registration petitions.
- Contacts vendors and suppliers to order research and farm supplies and assists faculty with sourcing materials for field trials.
- Enter, organize, and maintain research data (yield, pest and disease counts, weather, irrigation) in spreadsheets/databases for faculty use, and supports student research assistants and seasonal field staff on data collection protocols and the safe operation of field equipment.
- Prepares, analyzes, and ships samples for laboratory analysis.
- Assists in the preparation of scientific reports and manuscripts, as well as research-related outreach publications and presentations.
- Assists the Farm Superintendent with general farm and mechanical support, including routine equipment upkeep, and operates farm tractors and other equipment during peak management, pruning, and harvest periods.
- Coordinates and supervises yearly soil sampling at Blueberry Hill Farm and other MAFES facilities.
- Maintains and updates logs, checklists, work records, and safety documentation.
- Adheres to all safety protocols and assists with maintaining compliance in general areas.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature or level at MAFES facilities, in coordination with the MAFES associate director and superintendents, as needed.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu.
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options.
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in a field related to the area of research or equivalent and more than 2 years of related laboratory research experience. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the education required of the assigned position.
- Demonstrated ability to accurately collect, record, and organize field research data.
- Demonstrated ability to solve problems and overcome challenges.
- Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
- Ability to learn and correctly apply field research and data collection protocols under the direction of faculty researchers, and to identify or learn to identify common wild blueberry insect pests, diseases, and plant growth stages.
- Possesses a valid Maine Class B driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.
- Possesses a Maine pesticide applicators license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.
- Ability to work outdoors in a variety of conditions, including heat, cold, dust, mud, and snow.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Preferred:
- Higher education degree (MS, MA, PhD) in agricultural sciences or a related field.
- Previous experience with pesticide application and IR-4 trials.
- 1-3 years of experience working in commercial agricultural settings and/or agricultural research trials, preferably with small-fruit crops.
- Previous experience with agricultural irrigation systems (pivot, lateral line, drip).
- Experience with basic carpentry and maintenance of power tools and equipment.
- Demonstrated skills with data management and statistical analysis (e.g., Google & Microsoft Office Suites, R, MATLAB, ArcGIS).
OTHER INFORMATION
To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.
Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on October 30, 2026.
For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Lee Hecker at lee.hecker@maine.edu.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening and post offer physical.
The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.
CLERY ACT
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.
See all Scientific Researcher Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Scientific Researcher roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Scientific Researcher Jobs
Align your degree field precisely
H-1B specialty occupation requires your degree to directly relate to the research role, not just STEM broadly. A biochemistry PhD supporting a computational biology position may draw an RFE if the connection isn't explicit in your offer letter and the LCA job description.
Distinguish postdoc from permanent researcher roles
Postdoctoral appointments are often temporary, which can limit H-2B visa eligibility and complicate green card PERM filings. Target permanent research scientist or staff scientist titles, which support EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship far more cleanly than fixed-term postdoc contracts.
Verify prevailing wage before accepting an offer
Your employer must pay at least the DOL prevailing wage for your research role and location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the Level I through Level IV wage for your occupation before negotiations, so you can flag any shortfall before the LCA is filed.
Find sponsors with active LCA filing history
Use Migrate Mate to identify employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for scientific researcher roles in your target city. This shows verified sponsorship activity, not just a careers page claim, so you're applying to employers who've already done the paperwork before.
Build a specialty occupation evidence file early
USCIS scrutinizes whether a research role genuinely requires a specific bachelor's or higher degree. Gather your publications, grants, patents, and any peer-review invitations before the petition is filed. These documents support both the specialty occupation argument and any EB-2 extraordinary ability or NIW case.
Ask about cap-exempt status at universities and nonprofits
Research positions at universities, affiliated teaching hospitals, and qualifying nonprofit research organizations are exempt from the H-1B annual cap and lottery. You can start in H-1B status at any point in the year, not just October 1, which matters if your current OPT or other status is expiring soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do scientific researcher jobs qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. Research scientist roles qualify as H-1B specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering. Most employers sponsoring these roles are universities, federal contractors, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms, all of which routinely file Labor Condition Applications with DOL for research positions.
What green card pathway is available for scientific researchers?
Scientific researchers with an advanced degree often qualify for EB-2 sponsorship, which requires PERM labor certification unless you self-petition under the National Interest Waiver. The NIW is particularly relevant if your research benefits the U.S. broadly, such as work in public health, clean energy, or national security. EB-3 is also an option for roles requiring at least two years of experience or a bachelor's degree.
Does my postdoc count as work experience for visa sponsorship purposes?
It depends on how the role is classified. Postdoctoral appointments are typically treated as training rather than permanent employment, which means they may not satisfy the progressive experience standard for EB-3 skilled worker petitions. However, publications, grants, and specialized techniques developed during a postdoc can strengthen an H-1B specialty occupation argument or an EB-2 NIW petition significantly.
Which employers sponsor scientific researchers for visas?
Universities and research universities sponsor the highest volume of scientific researcher H-1B positions and are often cap-exempt. Federal contract research organizations, NIH-funded institutions, and large pharmaceutical and biotech companies also sponsor frequently. Use Migrate Mate to browse verified sponsoring employers in your research field and location, so you're only applying to organizations with confirmed LCA filing activity.
Can a foreign PhD student transition directly from OPT to H-1B as a researcher?
Yes, and the transition is often smoother than in other fields because many research employers are cap-exempt. If your employer is a university or qualifying nonprofit, there's no lottery and no October 1 start date requirement. STEM OPT extends your work authorization for up to 24 months while you pursue sponsorship, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to authorize the STEM OPT extension.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Scientific Researcher 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.