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Sponsorship verdict
Sponsorship possible
One solid signal, not two. Worth applying, and worth asking about sponsorship early.
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✓
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.
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The posting doesn’t mention sponsorshipSilence isn’t a refusal — ask the recruiter before investing much time.
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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.
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✓
What Harvard University paid sponsored hires in similar roles37 certified filings for “Research Fellow” (Molecular and Cellular Biologists) in MA: $76k–$81k, median $76k.
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✓
Confirmed live todayWhen a source last listed this job as open.
Details and sources
- Employer is on a government sponsor record
- 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. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
- No salary bar for this route
- H-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 roles
- 37 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).
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.
About the role
Job Summary:
Full-time Research Assistant (RA) wanted for an exciting, largescale project in the laboratory of Professor Randy Buckner.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
The RA's primary responsibilities include: (1) data acquisition using behavioral and neuroimaging techniques (MRI); (2) data entry, data checking, and quality control procedures; and (3) subject recruitment and enrollment through community outreach and advertising. Other responsibilities include serving as an interface among several collaborating lab groups, maintaining participant databases, scoring and processing data and assisting with administrative tasks.
Basic Qualifications:
Background in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field and previous research experience is required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
B.A., B.S. preferred. Candidates should have proficiency with basic computing packages such as MS Word and Excel and will have some familiarity with one or more of the following (Linux, MATLAB, SPM, FSL, fMRI). Strong interpersonal skills, prior research experience, high level of organization with careful attention to detail, and comfort with technical skills are required. This position requires a high degree of motivation and self-sufficiency, although extensive training and supervision will be provided.
• 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
• Other Information:
This is a one-year term position with renewal dependent upon continuation of funding. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to gain experience with cognitive neuroscience research including working with clinical populations in preparation for a graduate career. This position will be fully on site in Cambridge, MA and will require some flexibility in work hours to accommodate occasional evening and/or weekend MRI scan slots.
When applying for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter in our preferred format as one, combined document (resume followed by cover letter). Please also include a list of professional references with your resume.
All formal offers are made by FAS HR.
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 052. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page .
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment
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