Jobs / United States / Harvard University
Research Assistant III
Harvard University · 🇺🇸 Cambridge, MA, US
Sponsorship verdict
Sponsorship possible
One solid signal, not two — worth applying, and worth asking about sponsorship early.
- Employer is on a government sponsor recordThe US Department of Labor certified 123 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 73 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
- The posting doesn’t mention sponsorshipSilence isn’t a refusal — ask the recruiter before investing much time.
- No salary bar for this routeH-1B has no fixed salary bar: the employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the role and area. Cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level. Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/29/2025-23853/weighted-selection-process-for-registrants-and-petitioners-seeking-to-file-cap-subject-h-1b, rules effective 2026-02-27.
- What Harvard University paid sponsored hires in similar roles37 certified filings for “Research Fellow” (Molecular and Cellular Biologists) in MA: $76k–$81k, median $76k. Most were filed at wage level I (73%) — 1 lottery entry, ≈15% projected selection odds for cap-subject employers. Source: US Department of Labor LCA disclosure data (Oct 2025 – Jun 2026).
- Confirmed live todayWhen a source last listed this job as open.
US H-1B: cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level — Level I gets 1 entry, Level IV gets 4 (DHS projected selection odds ≈15% at Level I to ≈61% at Level IV). Universities and non-profit research employers are cap-exempt. The $100,000 fee for new petitions from abroad is currently blocked by a court order (appeal pending).
A verdict summarises public evidence; it is not legal advice and never a guarantee — the employer and the immigration authority decide. Sign in to factor in where you can already work.
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Sponsor Radar — Harvard University
The US Department of Labor certified 123 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 73 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
Past sponsorship or register membership never guarantees sponsorship for this vacancy or for you. Full Sponsor Radar for Harvard University →
About the role
Job Summary: This Research Assistant works within the Ramanathan lab, alongside graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and performs scientific experiments under minimal direction in the area of Stem Cell biology and human development. The majority of their time is spent coordinating multiple aspects of the labs research projects and carrying out laboratory experiments utilizing specific laboratory techniques and equipment while under minimal direction. There may be some coordination with labs external to Harvard to arrange transfer of lab samples as needed but travel is not required for this position. This employee may conduct some training of new lab members in scientific techniques standardized in the lab but does not directly oversee them or approve time. Job-Specific Responsibilities: • Coordinates multiple aspects of research project and carries out laboratory experiments utilizing specific laboratory techniques and equipment • Manufactures cortical tissue from multiple cell lines, specifically IPS line, embryonic stem cell line, and a GMP line • Makes genetic modifications, passaging and maintaining each of the lines (both the parental and the modified fluorescent reporter lines in each of the background), • Assisting lab members in mouse work, breeding, and surgeries • Collaborates with other lab members on experimental design, setting up protocols and developing new laboratory techniques • Processes, organizes, summarizes, and analyzes data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms • May train and oversee the work of others in laboratory techniques and procedures • Assists with laboratory maintenance such as maintaining and/or purchasing equipment and supplies, working with vendors and undertaking special projects as required Working Conditions: • Work is typically performed in a laboratory setting on campus in Cambridge, MA. • May be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials, human cell culture work. Physical Requirements: • May be required to lift, move and transport related research equipment. Basic Qualifications ( required ) : • College or advanced degree preferably in a related discipline; directly related work experience may substitute. Additional Qualifications and Skills ( preferred ) : • 3+ years of experience in a biological research setting, including human stem cell work including extensive undergraduate lab research experience. • Either experience maintaining, passaging, expanding, or differentiating stem cell lines, or experience with mouse work (maintenance, breeding, surgeries) • Basic molecular biology experience, including PCR/qPCR, cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, CRISPR, transfection, or viral transduction. • Experience with immunostaining, flow cytometry, and related molecular assays. • Experience optimizing protocols and troubleshooting cell-based experiments. • This position is a 1 year term appointment from the date of hire, with renewal contingent upon funding and performance. • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education Other Information: • All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources. Work Format Details This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. Salary Grade and Ranges This position is salary grade level 054. Please visi