Staff Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Staff Scientist roles at U.S. research institutions and biotech firms regularly sponsor H-1B visas, and many qualify for EB-1B or EB-2 NIW green card pathways given the research credentials involved. Employers in this space are familiar with the sponsorship process, making it one of the more accessible research tracks for international candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsGENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform environmental and industrial hygiene site investigations, assessments, and surveys to identify physical, chemical, and environmental risks. Responsibilities may include conducting asbestos surveys, indoor air quality assessments, lead paint sampling, radon sampling, soil/water/material sampling, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), and Property Condition Assessments (PCAs). May assist with regulatory compliance evaluations including stormwater SWPPP inspections.
Develop sampling strategies, implement data collection plans, and perform fieldwork that may include lifting equipment, working outdoors in varying weather conditions, and navigating uneven terrain. Research regulatory standards; evaluate analytical results; prepare risk assessments and technical reports; and provide recommendations for corrective actions or environmental/industrial hygiene improvements. Communicate findings to clients clearly and professionally.
ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint: Perform building inspections for asbestos-containing materials in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Conduct air monitoring and visual inspections during asbestos and lead abatement projects. Sample painted coatings in commercial and industrial settings.
Microbial and Indoor Environmental Quality Consulting: Conduct microbial and water damage assessments and microbial remediation monitoring. Conduct comprehensive IEQ assessments in various settings, including commercial, institutional, and industrial environments. Identify sources of indoor air pollutants, including biological, chemical, and particulate matter. Evaluate ventilation systems and recommend improvements to enhance IEQ. Develop and implement IEQ management plans to maintain healthy indoor environments.
Industrial Hygiene Assessments: Under the supervision of a Board-Certified Industrial Hygienist, perform qualitative and quantitative exposure assessments, including noise assessments and hearing conservation program audits. Conduct health and safety audits, ventilation and lighting surveys, and indoor environmental quality investigations. Carry out employee exposure assessments and provide recommendations for hazard mitigation. Calibrate, clean, and maintain field monitoring equipment, including sampling devices, sampling media, and sample pumps and meters.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety: Follow safety rules, guidelines, and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning and report any safety issues or concerns to management. Adhere to strict company health and safety standards and maintain quality standards on all projects.
Project Support and Documentation: Develop operations and maintenance plans and microbial remediation protocols. Provide remediation oversight and air monitoring services. Maintain accurate and thorough project documentation.
REQUIREMENTS
- 1-3 years of relevant experience in industrial hygiene, safety, asbestos, microbial, or lead-based paint.
- Willingness to acquire necessary certifications for microbial, asbestos, and lead inspections within 6 months or sooner.
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, building science, or a related field, preferred. Experience with sampling, fieldwork, and environmental data collection.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable violation history. Travel throughout the north Florida, south Georgia, and south Alabama. Overnight travel as needed.
- Ability to climb ladders, lift and carry equipment (generally up to 50 lbs.), and stand for long periods.
- Strong understanding of federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in using environmental sampling equipment and software. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent report writing skills, proficiency in related computer software (Word, Excel).
About us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Our national environmental team helps our clients do the right thing for their projects, and for our planet. Our professionals include environmental architects, archaeologists, biologists, engineers, geologists, historians, industrial hygienists, planners, and scientists. Working together in the field, office, or lab, we help guide clients through the steps and processes to address environmental challenges and move their projects forward as quickly, safely, and sustainably as possible. With services including site assessment, planning and permitting including cultural and natural resources, sustainability and resiliency, regulatory compliance, and industrial hygiene and safety, we’re at the forefront of helping clients succeed and communities thrive.
EEO Statement
Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform environmental and industrial hygiene site investigations, assessments, and surveys to identify physical, chemical, and environmental risks. Responsibilities may include conducting asbestos surveys, indoor air quality assessments, lead paint sampling, radon sampling, soil/water/material sampling, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), and Property Condition Assessments (PCAs). May assist with regulatory compliance evaluations including stormwater SWPPP inspections.
Develop sampling strategies, implement data collection plans, and perform fieldwork that may include lifting equipment, working outdoors in varying weather conditions, and navigating uneven terrain. Research regulatory standards; evaluate analytical results; prepare risk assessments and technical reports; and provide recommendations for corrective actions or environmental/industrial hygiene improvements. Communicate findings to clients clearly and professionally.
ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint: Perform building inspections for asbestos-containing materials in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Conduct air monitoring and visual inspections during asbestos and lead abatement projects. Sample painted coatings in commercial and industrial settings.
Microbial and Indoor Environmental Quality Consulting: Conduct microbial and water damage assessments and microbial remediation monitoring. Conduct comprehensive IEQ assessments in various settings, including commercial, institutional, and industrial environments. Identify sources of indoor air pollutants, including biological, chemical, and particulate matter. Evaluate ventilation systems and recommend improvements to enhance IEQ. Develop and implement IEQ management plans to maintain healthy indoor environments.
Industrial Hygiene Assessments: Under the supervision of a Board-Certified Industrial Hygienist, perform qualitative and quantitative exposure assessments, including noise assessments and hearing conservation program audits. Conduct health and safety audits, ventilation and lighting surveys, and indoor environmental quality investigations. Carry out employee exposure assessments and provide recommendations for hazard mitigation. Calibrate, clean, and maintain field monitoring equipment, including sampling devices, sampling media, and sample pumps and meters.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety: Follow safety rules, guidelines, and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning and report any safety issues or concerns to management. Adhere to strict company health and safety standards and maintain quality standards on all projects.
Project Support and Documentation: Develop operations and maintenance plans and microbial remediation protocols. Provide remediation oversight and air monitoring services. Maintain accurate and thorough project documentation.
REQUIREMENTS
- 1-3 years of relevant experience in industrial hygiene, safety, asbestos, microbial, or lead-based paint.
- Willingness to acquire necessary certifications for microbial, asbestos, and lead inspections within 6 months or sooner.
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, building science, or a related field, preferred. Experience with sampling, fieldwork, and environmental data collection.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable violation history. Travel throughout the north Florida, south Georgia, and south Alabama. Overnight travel as needed.
- Ability to climb ladders, lift and carry equipment (generally up to 50 lbs.), and stand for long periods.
- Strong understanding of federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in using environmental sampling equipment and software. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent report writing skills, proficiency in related computer software (Word, Excel).
About us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Our national environmental team helps our clients do the right thing for their projects, and for our planet. Our professionals include environmental architects, archaeologists, biologists, engineers, geologists, historians, industrial hygienists, planners, and scientists. Working together in the field, office, or lab, we help guide clients through the steps and processes to address environmental challenges and move their projects forward as quickly, safely, and sustainably as possible. With services including site assessment, planning and permitting including cultural and natural resources, sustainability and resiliency, regulatory compliance, and industrial hygiene and safety, we’re at the forefront of helping clients succeed and communities thrive.
EEO Statement
Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.
See all 967+ Staff Scientist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Staff Scientist
Document your research contributions precisely
Staff Scientist petitions live or die on evidence of a specialty occupation. Compile publications, grant contributions, patents, and lab leadership records before applying. USCIS scrutinizes whether the role genuinely requires a specific advanced degree, not just a general science background.
Target employers with active research pipelines
Biotech companies with active IND filings, NIH-funded academic labs, and national laboratories file LCAs regularly for Staff Scientist roles. These employers have established immigration infrastructure, which shortens the time between offer and petition filing significantly.
Verify your wage tier before accepting an offer
Staff Scientist is a broad title with wide wage variation by specialty. Use the OFLC Wage Search to confirm your offer meets at least Level II prevailing wage for your specific SOC classification and work location before signing anything.
Search verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Filter Staff Scientist openings on Migrate Mate to see employers with confirmed LCA filing history for research roles. This cuts out positions where sponsorship is listed as a possibility but rarely materializes in practice.
Assess EB-1B eligibility alongside your H-1B
Many Staff Scientists with peer-reviewed publications and citation records qualify for the EB-1B outstanding researcher green card, which bypasses PERM labor certification entirely. Ask your employer early whether their legal team has experience with EB-1B petitions, not just H-1B filings.
Clarify co-investigator status during offer negotiation
If your role includes principal or co-investigator responsibilities on federal grants, confirm this is reflected in your offer letter. USCIS uses the job description to evaluate specialty occupation, and vague titles like 'research support' can trigger a Request for Evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which visas are most commonly used to sponsor Staff Scientist positions?
The H-1B is the primary work visa for Staff Scientist roles because the position qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at minimum a bachelor's degree in a directly related scientific field. Many employers also pursue EB-2 or EB-1B green card sponsorship for researchers with strong publication records, since EB-1B avoids the PERM labor certification process entirely.
Does a Staff Scientist role qualify for the H-1B specialty occupation requirement?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS evaluates whether the specific duties require a degree in a directly related field, not just any science background. A Staff Scientist role tied to a narrow research area, such as structural biology or computational chemistry, is a stronger H-1B candidate than a generalist research support role. Your employer's offer letter and job description need to reflect this specificity clearly.
Can a Staff Scientist self-petition for a green card without employer sponsorship?
Yes, through the EB-2 National Interest Waiver. If your research has national importance and you can demonstrate it benefits the U.S. beyond a single employer, you can file your own I-140 without employer involvement or a PERM labor certification. Staff Scientists with significant publication records, citation impact, or work in fields like public health, clean energy, or national security tend to build the strongest NIW cases.
What degree does a Staff Scientist need for visa sponsorship?
Most Staff Scientist positions require at minimum a master's degree, and many require a Ph.D. in a directly related scientific discipline. For H-1B purposes, USCIS looks at whether a specific degree in a specific field is the normal minimum for entry into the occupation. A general science degree without a relevant specialization can complicate the specialty occupation argument, particularly at research institutions with precise sub-discipline requirements.
Where can I find Staff Scientist jobs that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate lists Staff Scientist openings from employers with verified sponsorship history, so you're not sorting through postings where sponsorship is uncertain. The platform surfaces roles from research institutions, biotech firms, and national laboratories that have an established track record of filing for research-level positions.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Staff 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.