Assistant Research Scientist
Quick facts
- Pay
- $65,000 - $80,000 a year
- Type
- Full-time
- Location
- Iowa City, IA
- Background
- PhD
- Experience
- 1+ years
- Industry
- Research and Science — 74 open jobs
- Visa in listing
- H-1B
- Apply
- Free to apply — never pay anyone for a job offer or visa sponsorship
Job description
The University of Iowa Materials Analysis, Testing, and Fabrication (MATFab) Facility is an Office of the Vice President for Research core resource, offering a wide array of instrumentation to research investigators.
The MATFab Facility is seeking an Assistant Research Scientist to manage X-ray equipment, perform experiments, and develop analytical methods. Equipment in the MATFab Facility includes powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Micro-Computed Tomography, and X-ray Fluorescence. Responsibilities include supporting data collection on the X-ray equipment, refining crystal structures collected on the single-crystal X-ray diffractometer as requested, repairing and maintaining instrumentation, and supporting key functions of a scientific user facility.
Work Modality: On-site
To learn more about the department visit https://matfab.research.uiowa.edu/
For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.
About Pay and Compensation:
Pay Grade: 5A
The hiring range for this position is anticipated to be $65,000-$80,000. Salary offers are based on a variety of factors, including education, experience, skills, and budget considerations. In limited circumstances, compensation outside of the anticipated range may be considered for candidates with exceptional qualifications.
Qualifications:
Education or Equivalency Required:
A Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field is required. This classification requires the awarded degree and cannot accept equivalent experience.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of 1 year of experience after Ph.D. completion in research/facility work involving X-ray equipment.
- Expert in collecting and analyzing both single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction data.
- Publication record that demonstrates the required research experience.
- Experience maintaining, repairing, and aligning X-ray diffraction instrumentation.
- Experience with software for single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction analysis and structure determination.
- Demonstrated attention to detail, accuracy, and strong organizational skills.
- Demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills.
Highly Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience with micro-computed tomography and X-ray fluorescence.
- Experience in programming for scientific applications.
- Experience with other microscopy and/or analytical instrumentation.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience in a shared instrumentation/user facility environment.
Position and Application Details and Instructions:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following required documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact: VPR Talent (vpr-talent@uiowa.edu)
This position is eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization. If your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation.
About the University of Iowa
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
Additional Information
- Classification Title: Asst Research Scientist/Engin
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
- Pay Level: 5A
Contact Information
- Organization: Research/Hygienics Lab
- Contact Name: VPR Talent
- Contact Email: vpr-talent@uiowa.edu
Visa sponsorship record: The University of Iowa
Sponsors actively| Fiscal year | H-1B LCAs | USCIS approvals | USCIS denials | PERM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2026 | 247 | 137 | 3 | — |
| FY2025 | 354 | 234 | 1 | 20 |
| FY2024 | 165 | 202 | 5 | — |
✔ The University of Iowa filed 54 H-1B applications for this kind of role (Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists) in the period above.
Also filed: H-1B1 Chile × 1 — a good sign for Australian (E-3), Chilean and Singaporean (H-1B1) candidates.
Roles they sponsor most
- house fellow physician63 LCAs · median $81k
- house resident physician58 LCAs · median $69k
- clinical assistant professor52 LCAs · median $261k
- clinical assistant professor34 LCAs · median $368k
- clinical assistant professor32 LCAs · median $329k
Which visas can work for this job
Occupation: Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists (SOC 19-1042).
- Mentioned in the listing
H-1B
- H-1B cap-exempt employer
Likely cap-exempt (university, affiliated hospital or nonprofit research body): H-1B can be filed any time of year, with no lottery. Confirm with HR.
- TN (citizens of Canada and Mexico)
This kind of role may fit the USMCA profession “Scientist (Biologist, Biochemist and others)” — it depends on the actual duties. No lottery, no cap; you need the matching degree or license.
- E-3 (Australia) and H-1B1 (Chile, Singapore)
This employer has filed before (H-1B1 Chile: 1). Same degree requirement as H-1B, but no lottery and a separate quota that is rarely filled.
- O-1 (extraordinary ability)
For candidates with awards, publications, press, a high salary or critical roles at distinguished organizations. No cap, no lottery; the employer files a petition.
- STEM OPT extension (F-1 students)
Requires an E-Verify employer. We didn't find this company in the E-Verify list — ask HR.
- Green card (EB-2 / EB-3 via PERM)
Filed 20 PERM labor certifications: they have a track record of sponsoring permanent residence.
Salary vs prevailing wage
Below Level IMedical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists · Iowa City, IA. Annual prevailing wages set by the Department of Labor (OFLC).
| Level | Prevailing wage | H-1B lottery odds* |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | $66,248 | ~15% |
| Level II | $74,963 | ~31% |
| Level III | $83,678 | ~46% |
| Level IV | $92,394 | ~61% |
This job pays $65,000–$80,000 a year — below the Level I prevailing wage. For H-1B the employer must pay at least the prevailing wage, so the offer would have to go up.
* Odds are DHS projections for the FY2027 wage-weighted lottery (actual results vary by year and employer). Since the FY2027 cap season the H-1B lottery is weighted by wage level: Level I = 1 entry, II = 2, III = 3, IV = 4. The level is set by the offered wage against the prevailing wage for the occupation and worksite. Separately, a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions for workers outside the US was announced in 2025; as of September 2026 a federal court ruling keeps it unenforceable while appeals continue — check the current status.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC disclosure data (H-1B/H-1B1/E-3 LCA, PERM), OFLC prevailing wage data, USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub, E-Verify participating employers. Data loaded: LCA FY2024–FY2026, PERM, USCIS Data Hub, OFLC wages; updated 2026-10-03. Employers are matched by name, so records of companies with similar names can occasionally be mixed up. This is general information, not legal advice — talk to an immigration attorney about your case.