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.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Lau Lab in the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at Emory University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to conduct research at the intersection of statistical modeling, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and infectious disease epidemiology.
The fellow will develop and apply novel statistical, mathematical, computational, and machine learning methods, with particular emphasis on deep learning and modern AI approaches, to improve our understanding, inference, and prediction of infectious disease dynamics. Potential research areas include epidemic forecasting, deep learning–based simulation-based inference, generative and foundation models for epidemiology, phylodynamics, and integration of heterogeneous surveillance data.
Projects are strongly grounded in real-world public health applications, including pandemic preparedness, outbreak forecasting, infectious disease surveillance, and data-driven public health decision-making. The fellow will have substantial opportunities to develop independent research directions and lead high-impact methodological and applied publications.
Position Details
- Start date: Spring-Summer 2027 preferred; timing is flexible for an exceptional candidate
- Initial term: 1 year, with the expectation of renewal based on performance, mutual fit, and funding
- Location: Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
JOB DESCRIPTION
Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career. The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc. Designs and evaluates experiments. Develops new ideas that promote current research. Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator. May be responsible for operation of specific equipment. May teach techniques to others, train, and supervise research staff. Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee. The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available. Appointments cannot exceed five years.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS etc) in an appropriate field. Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills. The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues. Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in statistics, biostatistics, computer science, applied mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence, or another closely related quantitative field
- Strong interest in applying quantitative and computational methods to infectious disease epidemiology
- Strong background in statistical/mathematical modeling, machine learning, or computational methods
- Experience with deep learning, probabilistic modeling, scientific machine learning, or related modern AI methods is particularly desirable
- Strong interest in interdisciplinary research
- Proficiency in Python and R; experience with additional scientific computing frameworks is desirable
- Strong research record and evidence of growing independence
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Candidates are not expected to have prior experience in every area listed above. Applicants with particularly strong methodological or computational backgrounds who are genuinely interested in applying their expertise to infectious disease problems are encouraged to apply.
Research Environment
The Lau Lab provides a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment spanning biostatistics, epidemiology, computer science, and infectious disease dynamics. The fellow will work closely with Dr. Max Lau and will have opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers at Emory from Computer Science, Epidemiology and Biology. Postdoctoral fellows will receive strong support for professional development, including conference travel, interdisciplinary collaborations, development of independent research programs, and publication in leading methodological and scientific journals.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should apply through the Emory portal.
Please include:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Statement of research interests
- Contact information for two references. Reference letters will be requested from candidates selected for interview.
Questions may be directed to Dr. Max Lau at msy.lau@emory.edu.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
INTRODUCTION
Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Lau Lab in the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at Emory University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to conduct research at the intersection of statistical modeling, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and infectious disease epidemiology.
The fellow will develop and apply novel statistical, mathematical, computational, and machine learning methods, with particular emphasis on deep learning and modern AI approaches, to improve our understanding, inference, and prediction of infectious disease dynamics. Potential research areas include epidemic forecasting, deep learning–based simulation-based inference, generative and foundation models for epidemiology, phylodynamics, and integration of heterogeneous surveillance data.
Projects are strongly grounded in real-world public health applications, including pandemic preparedness, outbreak forecasting, infectious disease surveillance, and data-driven public health decision-making. The fellow will have substantial opportunities to develop independent research directions and lead high-impact methodological and applied publications.
Position Details
- Start date: Spring-Summer 2027 preferred; timing is flexible for an exceptional candidate
- Initial term: 1 year, with the expectation of renewal based on performance, mutual fit, and funding
- Location: Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
JOB DESCRIPTION
Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career. The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc. Designs and evaluates experiments. Develops new ideas that promote current research. Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator. May be responsible for operation of specific equipment. May teach techniques to others, train, and supervise research staff. Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee. The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available. Appointments cannot exceed five years.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS etc) in an appropriate field. Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills. The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues. Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in statistics, biostatistics, computer science, applied mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence, or another closely related quantitative field
- Strong interest in applying quantitative and computational methods to infectious disease epidemiology
- Strong background in statistical/mathematical modeling, machine learning, or computational methods
- Experience with deep learning, probabilistic modeling, scientific machine learning, or related modern AI methods is particularly desirable
- Strong interest in interdisciplinary research
- Proficiency in Python and R; experience with additional scientific computing frameworks is desirable
- Strong research record and evidence of growing independence
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Candidates are not expected to have prior experience in every area listed above. Applicants with particularly strong methodological or computational backgrounds who are genuinely interested in applying their expertise to infectious disease problems are encouraged to apply.
Research Environment
The Lau Lab provides a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment spanning biostatistics, epidemiology, computer science, and infectious disease dynamics. The fellow will work closely with Dr. Max Lau and will have opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers at Emory from Computer Science, Epidemiology and Biology. Postdoctoral fellows will receive strong support for professional development, including conference travel, interdisciplinary collaborations, development of independent research programs, and publication in leading methodological and scientific journals.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should apply through the Emory portal.
Please include:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Statement of research interests
- Contact information for two references. Reference letters will be requested from candidates selected for interview.
Questions may be directed to Dr. Max Lau at msy.lau@emory.edu.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.
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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.