J-1 Visa AI Research Scientist Jobs
AI Research Scientist roles in the United States are available to qualified international researchers through J-1 visa sponsorship under the Research Scholar or Short-Term Scholar program category. Designated sponsor organizations issue your DS-2019, while the university, national lab, or tech research institute where you'll work serves as your host.
Find J-1 Visa AI Research Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 25+ AI Research Scientist jobs
See all AI Research Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new AI Research Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsOverview:
The Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University (the Institute) seeks an outstanding postdoctoral fellow to work on an original nutrient profiling system, Food Compass, under the mentorship and guidance of Institute Director Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian.
Bringing together research, training, patient services, policy development, and community engagement, the Institute aims to serve as a catalyst to drive change, improve health, reduce health disparities, and create a more equitable and resilient healthcare system that recognizes the power of nourishing food. Its efforts are centered in health equity to work collaboratively with and improve the lives of traditionally marginalized, vulnerable populations. The Institute also hosts and builds networks with partnerships with stakeholders within and beyond healthcare to ensure that efforts advance well-being and policy broadly and reach the people who need them most.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
This is a full-time (12 months per year) position with an anticipated duration of 2-3 years, subject to annual review and renewal based on performance and available funding. The position is based in Boston, MA, and requires regular in-person work. Flexible and hybrid arrangements (e.g., 1–2 days per week remote) may be considered; fully remote work is not available. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The start date is negotiable. This position offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional development, travel, and collaboration with leading researchers and partners.
The successful candidate will meaningfully contribute to advancing the development, expansion, and application of Food Compass across various partnerships. This may include research and activities related to:
- Updating and expanding the Food Compass algorithm according to the latest science, including expansion to include novel health-related bioactive attributes;
- Supporting ongoing work and manuscripts, including related data manipulation and harmonization of large U.S. branded food databases, including application of AI tools for nutrient attribute coding, ingredient extraction, and large-scale dataset harmonization;
- Leading analyses describing dietary intake in the United States and internationally using Food Compass and existing dietary data from major data sources, including the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the USDA Branded Foods Database, UK Biobank, and others;
- Collaborating with food retailers, healthcare systems, international health-focused government agencies, nutrition-focused venture capital firms and coalitions, and other organizations to advance the role of NPS in consumer education and the creation of a healthier and more equitable food environment;
- Disseminating research findings to relevant stakeholders, including the scientific community, food system leaders, legislative bodies, and advocacy groups and agencies.
The fellow will work within a close-knit, collegial multi-disciplinary team of other trainees, students, and staff within the Institute. In addition to mentoring from Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, the fellow will interact with and gain knowledge and experience from a range of other expert faculty across the Institute and beyond. The fellow will also benefit from meetings, seminars, and coalitions of multi-sector leaders in Food is Medicine including healthcare, community-based, retail, policy, and advocacy organizations. The training program will emphasize the design and publication of original analyses and manuscripts as first author, career development, and transition toward an independent research career.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates must possess a relevant medical or doctoral degree (MD, PhD, DrPH, ScD) in quantitative sciences (biostatistics, artificial intelligence, epidemiology, etc.), health sciences (e.g., medicine, nutrition, public health, etc.), or related professions (e.g., economics, public policy, business, law, etc.). Strong quantitative and data skills are a must. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience applying AI and machine learning tools to manage, clean, and code complex nutrient content and food product datasets. Experience with data visualizations, front of pack labeling, and nutrition policy would also be an asset.
Individuals who work well across disciplines, are collegial and collaborative, and have interest in the intersections of nutrition, information systems, health, medicine, and equity will particularly thrive in this role. Candidates must have a track record of successful interdisciplinary research as evidenced by multiple original, peer-reviewed research publications in a relevant field. We seek candidates whose work is relevant to diverse stakeholders in public and health sectors.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
Required education, experience and skills
Applicants must have an MD or doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, ScD); additional training in biostatistics, coding, AI, epidemiology, nutrition, public health, economics, or related fields; and a record of original, first-author research publications in relevant areas. Candidates must have excellent quantitative/analytical research skills, strong written and oral communication skills, experience using analytic programs for data management and analysis (e.g., STATA, SPSS, SAS, R), and familiarity with AI tools for data processing, nutrient coding, and analysis of large food and dietary datasets, and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team with collaborators.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
A complete application will include; cover letter, CV, and names of three references (if available, reference letters welcomed). Applications should be submitted via Interfolio. Questions can be directed to Julia Sharib (julia.reedy@tufts.edu). Applications will be considered as they are received.
SALARY RANGE:
Minimum $67,500.00, Midpoint $72,875.00, Maximum $78,250.00
Overview:
The Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University (the Institute) seeks an outstanding postdoctoral fellow to work on an original nutrient profiling system, Food Compass, under the mentorship and guidance of Institute Director Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian.
Bringing together research, training, patient services, policy development, and community engagement, the Institute aims to serve as a catalyst to drive change, improve health, reduce health disparities, and create a more equitable and resilient healthcare system that recognizes the power of nourishing food. Its efforts are centered in health equity to work collaboratively with and improve the lives of traditionally marginalized, vulnerable populations. The Institute also hosts and builds networks with partnerships with stakeholders within and beyond healthcare to ensure that efforts advance well-being and policy broadly and reach the people who need them most.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
This is a full-time (12 months per year) position with an anticipated duration of 2-3 years, subject to annual review and renewal based on performance and available funding. The position is based in Boston, MA, and requires regular in-person work. Flexible and hybrid arrangements (e.g., 1–2 days per week remote) may be considered; fully remote work is not available. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The start date is negotiable. This position offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional development, travel, and collaboration with leading researchers and partners.
The successful candidate will meaningfully contribute to advancing the development, expansion, and application of Food Compass across various partnerships. This may include research and activities related to:
- Updating and expanding the Food Compass algorithm according to the latest science, including expansion to include novel health-related bioactive attributes;
- Supporting ongoing work and manuscripts, including related data manipulation and harmonization of large U.S. branded food databases, including application of AI tools for nutrient attribute coding, ingredient extraction, and large-scale dataset harmonization;
- Leading analyses describing dietary intake in the United States and internationally using Food Compass and existing dietary data from major data sources, including the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the USDA Branded Foods Database, UK Biobank, and others;
- Collaborating with food retailers, healthcare systems, international health-focused government agencies, nutrition-focused venture capital firms and coalitions, and other organizations to advance the role of NPS in consumer education and the creation of a healthier and more equitable food environment;
- Disseminating research findings to relevant stakeholders, including the scientific community, food system leaders, legislative bodies, and advocacy groups and agencies.
The fellow will work within a close-knit, collegial multi-disciplinary team of other trainees, students, and staff within the Institute. In addition to mentoring from Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, the fellow will interact with and gain knowledge and experience from a range of other expert faculty across the Institute and beyond. The fellow will also benefit from meetings, seminars, and coalitions of multi-sector leaders in Food is Medicine including healthcare, community-based, retail, policy, and advocacy organizations. The training program will emphasize the design and publication of original analyses and manuscripts as first author, career development, and transition toward an independent research career.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates must possess a relevant medical or doctoral degree (MD, PhD, DrPH, ScD) in quantitative sciences (biostatistics, artificial intelligence, epidemiology, etc.), health sciences (e.g., medicine, nutrition, public health, etc.), or related professions (e.g., economics, public policy, business, law, etc.). Strong quantitative and data skills are a must. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience applying AI and machine learning tools to manage, clean, and code complex nutrient content and food product datasets. Experience with data visualizations, front of pack labeling, and nutrition policy would also be an asset.
Individuals who work well across disciplines, are collegial and collaborative, and have interest in the intersections of nutrition, information systems, health, medicine, and equity will particularly thrive in this role. Candidates must have a track record of successful interdisciplinary research as evidenced by multiple original, peer-reviewed research publications in a relevant field. We seek candidates whose work is relevant to diverse stakeholders in public and health sectors.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
Required education, experience and skills
Applicants must have an MD or doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, ScD); additional training in biostatistics, coding, AI, epidemiology, nutrition, public health, economics, or related fields; and a record of original, first-author research publications in relevant areas. Candidates must have excellent quantitative/analytical research skills, strong written and oral communication skills, experience using analytic programs for data management and analysis (e.g., STATA, SPSS, SAS, R), and familiarity with AI tools for data processing, nutrient coding, and analysis of large food and dietary datasets, and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team with collaborators.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
A complete application will include; cover letter, CV, and names of three references (if available, reference letters welcomed). Applications should be submitted via Interfolio. Questions can be directed to Julia Sharib (julia.reedy@tufts.edu). Applications will be considered as they are received.
SALARY RANGE:
Minimum $67,500.00, Midpoint $72,875.00, Maximum $78,250.00
See all J-1 Visa AI Research Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa AI Research Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as an AI Research Scientist
Align your CV to Research Scholar criteria
The Research Scholar category requires a postgraduate degree and a clearly defined research agenda. Frame your CV around published work, lab affiliations, and specific AI research objectives rather than general software or engineering experience.
Check for the two-year home residency requirement
If your J-1 visa is funded by your home government or if your country appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List, you'll face a two-year home residency requirement before changing to H-1B visa or a green card. Confirm your status before accepting any offer.
Target host institutions with active DS-2019 infrastructure
Universities, national laboratories, and federally funded research centers typically have in-house Responsible Officers who can issue your DS-2019 quickly. Prioritize these hosts over early-stage startups, which rarely have J-1 program infrastructure in place.
Search for J-1-compatible AI roles on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter U.S. employer listings by visa-compatibility signals for AI Research Scientist roles. This shortens the time you spend identifying host institutions that have the research infrastructure and sponsorship track record you need.
Negotiate the training plan before your start date
Your designated sponsor requires a detailed training plan outlining your research activities, supervision structure, and learning objectives. Finalize this document with your host supervisor before your DS-2019 is issued to avoid delays at the consulate.
Confirm host compliance with SEVIS reporting obligations
J-1 Research Scholars must be registered in SEVIS throughout their program. Ask your host institution's Responsible Officer how they handle mid-program reporting, address changes, and program extensions before you sign your offer letter.
AI Research Scientist J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to AI Research Scientist positions?
Most AI Research Scientist roles fall under the Research Scholar category, which is designed for postdoctoral researchers, scientists, and faculty conducting research at accredited universities, think tanks, or federally funded labs. If you're still completing your degree and joining a structured training program, the Intern category may apply instead. The Short-Term Scholar category covers research visits of six months or less with no intent to extend.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa, the employer or a separate organization?
A U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019 and holds the legal sponsorship responsibility, not your employer. Your employer is the host institution. Organizations like IIE and Cultural Vistas serve this sponsor role for many research programs, while large universities typically act as their own designated sponsors through an in-house Responsible Officer.
How do I find AI Research Scientist roles at institutions that support J-1 sponsorship?
Searching broadly for AI roles won't surface which positions have the research infrastructure needed for a J-1. Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers and institutions whose roles align with J-1 sponsorship signals for research-track positions. National laboratories, R1 universities, and large federally funded research institutes are the most reliable host environments because they already maintain active SEVIS-registered programs.
Does the two-year home residency requirement affect AI researchers on a J-1?
It can. If your exchange program is funded by your home country's government, or if your field appears on your country's Exchange Visitor Skills List published by the State Department, you're subject to a two-year home residency requirement. This means you must return home for two years before you can change to H-1B status or apply for a green card, which matters significantly if your host institution wants to convert your role to a permanent position.
Can an AI startup or private tech company host a J-1 Research Scholar?
Technically yes, but in practice it's uncommon. A private company acting as a host must either work through a designated sponsor organization or qualify as a recognized exchange visitor program sponsor itself. Most early-stage AI companies lack the administrative infrastructure, SEVIS registration, and Responsible Officer designation required to support a J-1 Research Scholar. Research-focused divisions of large tech companies with established international scholar programs are a more viable option.