Senior Clinical Research Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Senior Clinical Research Scientists are among the more sponsorship-friendly roles in biotech and pharma, employers routinely file H-1B visa and O-1 visa petitions for qualified candidates. A master's or doctoral degree in a life sciences field is typically required, and most sponsors are large pharmaceutical companies, CROs, or academic medical centers. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsThe Earth and Environmental Science Area at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory welcomes applicants for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Integrated Hydrologic Modeling.
About the position:
You will conduct research as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists from LBNL’s Watershed Function Scientific Focus Area project. You will develop and utilize three-dimensional watershed models of a headwater system in the Upper Colorado River basin to study the effects of disturbance, land cover change, and hydroclimate on the water-energy budget. Focus on changes in snowpack and forest interactions are particularly relevant. The developed numerical models will leverage a large suite of in-situ and remotely sensed observational datasets, spanning from subsurface to atmosphere. You will have experience developing and running hydrologic and land model simulations and a working knowledge of high-performance computing environments.
Specific responsibilities will involve the use of ATS-EcoSIM, a new version of the distributed hydrologic model ATS (The Advanced Terrestrial Simulator), coupled to a trait-based plant-soil-microbe model (ATS-EcoSIM). The code provides a framework for three-dimensional hydrologic modeling to be coupled to biological and chemical processes, including plant water uptake, surface energy balance, and ecosystem biogeochemistry and microbiology. This position has an anticipated start date of January 4th, 2027.
You will:
-
Develop integrated hydrologic models of mountainous watersheds and perform high resolution/high-fidelity simulations with ATS-EcoSIM.
-
Collaborate and engage with a diverse team of scientists with a vast expertise in mountain environments, including groundwater-surface water interaction, plant physiology, geochemistry and reactive transport, geophysics, remote sensing, and atmospheric science.
-
Generate and synthesize large datasets produced via high performance computing.
-
Author peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports.
We are looking for:
-
Ph.D. in hydrology, civil, environmental engineering, or a related field.
-
Experience in numerical hydrologic models and land surface models.
-
Experience with Linux on cluster and/or high-performance computing environments.
-
Experience working with and manipulating large datasets with scripting languages such as Python, or compiled languages such as C++, and Fortran.
-
Experience implementing workflows with API wrappers and software such as Jupyter, R, or Python notebooks.
-
Ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists.
-
Ability to author peer-reviewed journal publications and technical reports.
Desired skills/knowledge:
- Ability to work with AI-agents.
Requested Application Materials:
-
Curriculum Vitae.
-
Cover Letter.
-
Statement of research experience and interests.
Additional information:
-
Application date: Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed. Priority consideration will be given to candidates as applications are received.
-
Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
-
Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $6,790 - $9,234 and is expected to start at $6,790 or above. Postdoc positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
-
Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
-
Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
-
Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:
-
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
-
Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available
-
24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays
-
Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs
-
Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange
-
A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
The Earth and Environmental Science Area at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory welcomes applicants for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Integrated Hydrologic Modeling.
About the position:
You will conduct research as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists from LBNL’s Watershed Function Scientific Focus Area project. You will develop and utilize three-dimensional watershed models of a headwater system in the Upper Colorado River basin to study the effects of disturbance, land cover change, and hydroclimate on the water-energy budget. Focus on changes in snowpack and forest interactions are particularly relevant. The developed numerical models will leverage a large suite of in-situ and remotely sensed observational datasets, spanning from subsurface to atmosphere. You will have experience developing and running hydrologic and land model simulations and a working knowledge of high-performance computing environments.
Specific responsibilities will involve the use of ATS-EcoSIM, a new version of the distributed hydrologic model ATS (The Advanced Terrestrial Simulator), coupled to a trait-based plant-soil-microbe model (ATS-EcoSIM). The code provides a framework for three-dimensional hydrologic modeling to be coupled to biological and chemical processes, including plant water uptake, surface energy balance, and ecosystem biogeochemistry and microbiology. This position has an anticipated start date of January 4th, 2027.
You will:
-
Develop integrated hydrologic models of mountainous watersheds and perform high resolution/high-fidelity simulations with ATS-EcoSIM.
-
Collaborate and engage with a diverse team of scientists with a vast expertise in mountain environments, including groundwater-surface water interaction, plant physiology, geochemistry and reactive transport, geophysics, remote sensing, and atmospheric science.
-
Generate and synthesize large datasets produced via high performance computing.
-
Author peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports.
We are looking for:
-
Ph.D. in hydrology, civil, environmental engineering, or a related field.
-
Experience in numerical hydrologic models and land surface models.
-
Experience with Linux on cluster and/or high-performance computing environments.
-
Experience working with and manipulating large datasets with scripting languages such as Python, or compiled languages such as C++, and Fortran.
-
Experience implementing workflows with API wrappers and software such as Jupyter, R, or Python notebooks.
-
Ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists.
-
Ability to author peer-reviewed journal publications and technical reports.
Desired skills/knowledge:
- Ability to work with AI-agents.
Requested Application Materials:
-
Curriculum Vitae.
-
Cover Letter.
-
Statement of research experience and interests.
Additional information:
-
Application date: Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed. Priority consideration will be given to candidates as applications are received.
-
Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
-
Salary range: The monthly salary range for this position is $6,790 - $9,234 and is expected to start at $6,790 or above. Postdoc positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
-
Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
-
Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
-
Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:
-
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
-
Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available
-
24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays
-
Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs
-
Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange
-
A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
See all 2,368+ Senior Clinical Research Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Senior Clinical Research Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Senior Clinical Research Scientist
Target large pharma and CROs first
Companies like Pfizer, Eli Lilly, ICON, and Syneos Health have established immigration programs and file H-1B petitions routinely. Smaller biotech startups may be willing but lack the infrastructure, leading to delays and errors in the petition process.
Align your degree field with your research area
USCIS scrutinizes specialty occupation claims closely for research roles. Your degree in pharmacology, biochemistry, or a related life science should directly correspond to your therapeutic area, a mismatch between field and function is a common RFE trigger.
Document your publications and clinical trial contributions
Peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and named contributions to IND submissions or regulatory filings strengthen both your H-1B petition and any future O-1A application. Compile this record before you start applying for sponsored positions.
Understand the H-1B lottery timeline before accepting offers
If you need cap-subject H-1B approval, registration opens in March for an October start. Cap-exempt employers, hospital systems, nonprofits, and universities, can file anytime. Knowing this prevents accepting an offer you cannot start on time.
Ask specifically about GCP experience in your application materials
Employers sponsoring Senior Clinical Research Scientists want evidence of Good Clinical Practice compliance, protocol development, and cross-functional trial management. Making these explicit in your resume signals you can contribute immediately and reduces employer hesitation about sponsorship costs.
Consider the O-1A if you have an exceptional research profile
Senior scientists with patents, significant citations, awards, or regulatory authorship credits may qualify for O-1A status, which has no lottery and no annual cap. This is worth exploring with an immigration attorney before relying solely on the H-1B registration process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which visa types do employers most commonly sponsor for Senior Clinical Research Scientists?
The H-1B visa is the most common pathway. Senior Clinical Research Scientist roles qualify as specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree, and in practice almost always a master's or PhD, in pharmacology, biochemistry, biostatistics, or a closely related field. Employers with cap-exempt status, such as academic medical centers or nonprofit research institutes, can file H-1B petitions year-round. The O-1A is a strong alternative for candidates with a publication record, patents, or significant regulatory contributions.
Does a three-year bachelor's degree qualify for H-1B sponsorship in this role?
It can, but it requires careful documentation. USCIS accepts a three-year bachelor's degree combined with relevant postgraduate education or substantial work experience as equivalent to a U.S. four-year degree for specialty occupation purposes. For Senior Clinical Research Scientist positions, most petitions involve a master's or doctoral degree anyway, which removes the equivalency question entirely. If your highest credential is a three-year degree, work with your employer's immigration counsel to build a strong equivalency argument before filing.
How strong is H-1B approval for clinical research roles?
Approval rates for clinical research and life sciences positions are historically solid, but USCIS issues Requests for Evidence when the job description is broad or the degree field doesn't clearly map to the role. Senior-level titles help, they signal specialized knowledge rather than generalist functions. Petitions from large pharmaceutical companies and established CROs with dedicated immigration teams tend to have fewer RFEs than first-time sponsor employers. Specific documentation of protocol design responsibilities, regulatory filing involvement, and supervisory scope strengthens the specialty occupation argument.
What should I look for in a sponsoring employer beyond the visa offer itself?
Look for employers who use experienced immigration counsel, have filed H-1B petitions before, and are willing to cover petition fees rather than passing costs to you. Ask during the offer stage whether they sponsor for green card as well, many Senior Clinical Research Scientists pursue EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship after establishing themselves. You can browse companies currently posting sponsored roles for this title on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for visa-sponsoring employers.
Can I switch employers mid-H-1B as a Senior Clinical Research Scientist?
Yes. H-1B portability allows you to start working for a new employer as soon as they file an H-1B transfer petition, without waiting for approval, provided your current H-1B was previously approved and you haven't violated status. The new employer files a new I-129 petition covering your specific role and responsibilities. Keep copies of your existing approval notices and pay stubs, as the new employer's counsel will need them to establish portability eligibility.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Senior Clinical Research Scientist 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.