Senior User Researcher Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Senior User Researcher roles attract strong H-1B visa sponsorship because the position qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in human-computer interaction, psychology, or a related field. Most sponsors are mid-to-large tech companies with established immigration programs. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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SSD Social Sciences Computing Services: Longacre
About the Department
Social Sciences Computing Services provides the Social Sciences Division with direct support for research, administrative and teaching technologies and services.
Job Summary
The job manages a team of professional staff responsible for resolving end user issues regarding hardware, site licensing, software and networking. Manages customer support during the installation of applications and computer peripherals. Monitors the deployment of devices to customers, including computers, tablets, mobile phones, and printers/copiers.
The Social Sciences Computing Services (SSCS) Operations & IT Support Manager oversees the SSCS Operations team and is responsible for their day-to-day and strategic efforts in relation to End-User-Devices (EUDs) and associated peripherals. Under the direction of SSCS Assistant Dean of Information Technology, and as part of the SSCS Leadership Team, this role will plan and implement continual improvement in SSCS’s capacity to deliver excellent service, security, and innovation. Additional responsibilities include maintaining partnerships within the UChicago IT Community, participating in the leadership of SSCS, and leading the recruitment, hiring, and development of the Operations team.
Responsibilities
- Manages IT logistics for EUDs and peripherals across SSD, including purchasing, provisioning, deployment, and inventory tracking.
- Advocates for SSD in University-Wide discussions related to EUD policy.
- Develops and maintains documentation, practices, procedures, and policies governing the EUD lifecycle.
- Manages Operations team staff, including day-to-day supervision and performance oversight of the six Desktop Support Technicians.
- Participates in SSCS leadership activities, including strategic planning and partnership-building with other UChicago IT leaders.
- Recruits, hires, and trains new Operations staff.
- Manages professional staff and/or supervisors. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
- Manages all IT needs. Develops and implements business plans to deliver technical solutions.
- Ensures teams provide timely and appropriate responses to IT user support issues and compliance with University security requirements.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree.
Experience:
- Preferably in a higher education setting serving researchers.
- Demonstrated ability to learn independently.
- Demonstrated familiarity with a range of computer hardware, software, and peripheral equipment.
- Previous supervisory experience.
Technical Knowledge and Skills:
- Experience in a multi-platform network environment, including mail service and client support, backup and restore technologies, Macintosh and PC communication software support, various graphical user interfaces, and experience managing networked servers and workstations with knowledge of TCP/IP network services, system utilities, hardware installation, and OS installation.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS systems.
- Expertise supporting OneDrive, Box, Gmail, and other personal computing software.
Preferred Competencies
- Strong interpersonal communication skills.
- Knowledge of End Point Management Systems.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Outstanding deductive and investigative skills to identify and diagnose complex, non-intuitive technical problems.
- Integrity and credibility to work with sensitive data.
Working Conditions
- Ability to bend, stoop, and crouch in confined spaces required.
- Ability to lift, push, pull up to 50 pounds required.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover letter (required)
- References (3) (required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Information Technology
Role Impact
People Manager
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$100,563.50 - $130,141.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
Department
SSD Social Sciences Computing Services: Longacre
About the Department
Social Sciences Computing Services provides the Social Sciences Division with direct support for research, administrative and teaching technologies and services.
Job Summary
The job manages a team of professional staff responsible for resolving end user issues regarding hardware, site licensing, software and networking. Manages customer support during the installation of applications and computer peripherals. Monitors the deployment of devices to customers, including computers, tablets, mobile phones, and printers/copiers.
The Social Sciences Computing Services (SSCS) Operations & IT Support Manager oversees the SSCS Operations team and is responsible for their day-to-day and strategic efforts in relation to End-User-Devices (EUDs) and associated peripherals. Under the direction of SSCS Assistant Dean of Information Technology, and as part of the SSCS Leadership Team, this role will plan and implement continual improvement in SSCS’s capacity to deliver excellent service, security, and innovation. Additional responsibilities include maintaining partnerships within the UChicago IT Community, participating in the leadership of SSCS, and leading the recruitment, hiring, and development of the Operations team.
Responsibilities
- Manages IT logistics for EUDs and peripherals across SSD, including purchasing, provisioning, deployment, and inventory tracking.
- Advocates for SSD in University-Wide discussions related to EUD policy.
- Develops and maintains documentation, practices, procedures, and policies governing the EUD lifecycle.
- Manages Operations team staff, including day-to-day supervision and performance oversight of the six Desktop Support Technicians.
- Participates in SSCS leadership activities, including strategic planning and partnership-building with other UChicago IT leaders.
- Recruits, hires, and trains new Operations staff.
- Manages professional staff and/or supervisors. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
- Manages all IT needs. Develops and implements business plans to deliver technical solutions.
- Ensures teams provide timely and appropriate responses to IT user support issues and compliance with University security requirements.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree.
Experience:
- Preferably in a higher education setting serving researchers.
- Demonstrated ability to learn independently.
- Demonstrated familiarity with a range of computer hardware, software, and peripheral equipment.
- Previous supervisory experience.
Technical Knowledge and Skills:
- Experience in a multi-platform network environment, including mail service and client support, backup and restore technologies, Macintosh and PC communication software support, various graphical user interfaces, and experience managing networked servers and workstations with knowledge of TCP/IP network services, system utilities, hardware installation, and OS installation.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS systems.
- Expertise supporting OneDrive, Box, Gmail, and other personal computing software.
Preferred Competencies
- Strong interpersonal communication skills.
- Knowledge of End Point Management Systems.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Outstanding deductive and investigative skills to identify and diagnose complex, non-intuitive technical problems.
- Integrity and credibility to work with sensitive data.
Working Conditions
- Ability to bend, stoop, and crouch in confined spaces required.
- Ability to lift, push, pull up to 50 pounds required.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover letter (required)
- References (3) (required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Information Technology
Role Impact
People Manager
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$100,563.50 - $130,141.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Senior User Researcher Jobs
Target companies with dedicated UX research teams
Companies large enough to have a standalone research function are far more likely to sponsor visas than startups where research is split across product roles. Look for postings that report to a Head of Research or VP of Design.
Document the degree-to-role connection clearly
USCIS scrutinizes specialty occupation eligibility. A degree in psychology, HCI, cognitive science, or a closely related field strengthens your petition significantly compared to a general business or communications background for this role.
Emphasize mixed-methods expertise in your application
Sponsors and immigration attorneys build stronger H-1B petitions when the role requires specialized skills. Quantitative research methods, usability testing frameworks, and experience with tools like eye-tracking equipment signal a genuinely specialized position.
Highlight seniority to support the specialty occupation argument
Senior-level titles carry more weight in sponsorship decisions. Years of progressive responsibility, prior research leadership, and domain expertise in a specific industry like fintech or healthcare make the petition harder for USCIS to challenge.
Ask about sponsorship before the final interview round
Many employers sponsor but never advertise it. Raise the question after initial screening, not in the first message. Framing it as confirming logistics rather than asking for a favor keeps the conversation professional and avoids early disqualification.
Consider employers with cap-exempt H-1B eligibility
Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and certain government-affiliated labs can file H-1B petitions outside the annual lottery. Senior User Researcher roles at academic medical centers or research institutes often qualify for this faster, lottery-free pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior User Researcher role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS requires that the position normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. Senior User Researcher roles tied to degrees in human-computer interaction, cognitive psychology, or information science meet that standard. Generic postings that accept any degree can weaken the petition, so the job description's language matters considerably.
Which visa types are realistic for Senior User Researchers seeking sponsorship?
H-1B visa is the most common path, though the annual lottery creates uncertainty. Australians should explore the E-3 visa, which has no lottery and faster processing. Canadians and Mexicans may qualify under the TN visa in a relevant professional category. Researchers with exceptional portfolios or significant recognition in the field may also be worth evaluating for O-1A eligibility.
How can I find Senior User Researcher jobs that sponsor visas?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, which removes the guesswork of cold-applying to roles that won't sponsor. Standard job boards don't filter this way, meaning most of your applications go to employers who have already ruled out sponsoring. Browsing Migrate Mate by role type saves significant time and targets companies already open to the process.
What degree do I need for an employer to sponsor my H-1B as a User Researcher?
A bachelor's degree or higher in human-computer interaction, cognitive science, psychology, information science, or a closely related field is the strongest foundation. A general business or communications degree can still qualify if the coursework is demonstrably relevant, but expect more scrutiny. Three years of specialized work experience can substitute for one year of formal education if your degree is in a less directly related field.
Are H-1B approval rates strong for User Research roles at large tech companies?
Approval rates for research-oriented specialty occupation roles at established tech employers are generally high when the petition is well-documented. Large companies with dedicated legal teams file stronger petitions than smaller employers navigating the process for the first time. Roles at companies like Google, Microsoft, or Amazon with clear degree requirements and defined research methodologies have historically had lower denial rates than ambiguously scoped positions.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Senior User 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.