J-1 Visa Clinical Research Assistant Jobs
Clinical Research Assistant positions in the U.S. fall under the J-1 visa Research Scholar or Trainee program category, depending on your career stage and host institution. Securing J-1 sponsorship requires a designated State Department sponsor to issue your DS-2019, separate from the research hospital or university hosting your placement.
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The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kansas seeks to fill a postdoctoral researcher position in computational and theoretical condensed matter physics. The postdoc will be co-supervised by Dr. Qunfei Zhou at the University of Kansas (KU) and Dr. Kirill Belashchenko at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).
Starting Date: Spring 2026, or as soon thereafter as the position can be filled (also negotiable).
Length of Appointment: The initial appointment would be for one year with the possibility of renewal annually for three subsequent years subject to review and to continued funding availability.
GENERAL DUTIES: The successful candidate will study exotic magnetic and topological states in two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals materials by applying and developing advanced computational and theoretical approaches. The postdoc will work within a collaborated team of experimental and computational experts from KU and UNL.
Job Description
Job Duties:
- Conduct the computational and theoretical research on magnetic and topological properties in van der Waals materials using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, tight-binding and machine learning methods.
- Provide theoretical predictions to guide experiments, and atomic-scale physical understanding to experimental observations.
- Publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Presenting work at local and national/international scientific conferences.
Specific Job Duties (percentage of time)
- 90% – computational and theoretical research. Provide theory support to experiments. Documentation, presentation and publication of research results.
- 10% – Assist the faculty in guiding the group's graduate and undergraduate students.
Required Qualifications
Evaluation of the required qualifications and preferred qualifications will be made through (1) records of accomplishments entered in CV, (2) description of research and education experience provided in the application materials, (3) references, (4) publications as appropriate, and (5) the interview process.
- A Ph.D. in physics, materials science or a related field by date of appointment.
- Research experience in density functional theory (DFT) or tight-binding modeling of materials, as demonstrated in application materials.
NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed 6 months.
This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in DFT or tight-binding modeling of materials, as evidenced in application materials.
- Previous work experience that required Python programming skills, as evidenced in application materials.
- Previous experience that required good communication skills, as evidenced in cover letter and other application materials.
Additional Candidate Instructions
In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (including publications list)
- At least two letters of recommendation
Application review begins Saturday, November 1, 2025, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Qunfei Zhou (qunfei.zhou@ku.edu)
Advertised Salary Range
$58,656 commensurate with experience
Application Review Begins
Saturday November 1, 2025
Anticipated Start Date
Thursday January 1, 2026
Posting Information
- Posting ID: 31506BR
- Department: Physics and Astronomy
- Primary Campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
- Assignment: On-Site
- Reg/Temp: Regular
- Employee Class: U-Unclassified Professional Staff
- Review Begins: 01-Nov-2025
Position Overview
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kansas seeks to fill a postdoctoral researcher position in computational and theoretical condensed matter physics. The postdoc will be co-supervised by Dr. Qunfei Zhou at the University of Kansas (KU) and Dr. Kirill Belashchenko at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).
Starting Date: Spring 2026, or as soon thereafter as the position can be filled (also negotiable).
Length of Appointment: The initial appointment would be for one year with the possibility of renewal annually for three subsequent years subject to review and to continued funding availability.
GENERAL DUTIES: The successful candidate will study exotic magnetic and topological states in two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals materials by applying and developing advanced computational and theoretical approaches. The postdoc will work within a collaborated team of experimental and computational experts from KU and UNL.
Job Description
Job Duties:
- Conduct the computational and theoretical research on magnetic and topological properties in van der Waals materials using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, tight-binding and machine learning methods.
- Provide theoretical predictions to guide experiments, and atomic-scale physical understanding to experimental observations.
- Publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Presenting work at local and national/international scientific conferences.
Specific Job Duties (percentage of time)
- 90% – computational and theoretical research. Provide theory support to experiments. Documentation, presentation and publication of research results.
- 10% – Assist the faculty in guiding the group's graduate and undergraduate students.
Required Qualifications
Evaluation of the required qualifications and preferred qualifications will be made through (1) records of accomplishments entered in CV, (2) description of research and education experience provided in the application materials, (3) references, (4) publications as appropriate, and (5) the interview process.
- A Ph.D. in physics, materials science or a related field by date of appointment.
- Research experience in density functional theory (DFT) or tight-binding modeling of materials, as demonstrated in application materials.
NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed 6 months.
This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in DFT or tight-binding modeling of materials, as evidenced in application materials.
- Previous work experience that required Python programming skills, as evidenced in application materials.
- Previous experience that required good communication skills, as evidenced in cover letter and other application materials.
Additional Candidate Instructions
In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (including publications list)
- At least two letters of recommendation
Application review begins Saturday, November 1, 2025, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Qunfei Zhou (qunfei.zhou@ku.edu)
Advertised Salary Range
$58,656 commensurate with experience
Application Review Begins
Saturday November 1, 2025
Anticipated Start Date
Thursday January 1, 2026
Posting Information
- Posting ID: 31506BR
- Department: Physics and Astronomy
- Primary Campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
- Assignment: On-Site
- Reg/Temp: Regular
- Employee Class: U-Unclassified Professional Staff
- Review Begins: 01-Nov-2025
See all 82+ J-1 Visa Clinical Research Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Clinical Research Assistant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Clinical Research Assistant
Verify your IRB credentials match host requirements
Many U.S. research institutions require CITI Program certification before onboarding J-1 exchange visitors. Complete your Good Clinical Practice and Human Subjects Research modules before applying so credentialing delays don't stall your DS-2019 issuance.
Distinguish Trainee from Research Scholar eligibility
If you graduated within the past year and lack an advanced degree, the J-1 Trainee category fits. If you hold a graduate degree and are conducting independent research, Research Scholar is correct. Applying under the wrong category triggers rejection from the designated sponsor.
Search host employers on Migrate Mate before cold outreach
Clinical research positions often go unlisted because labs recruit through institutional networks. Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers actively hosting J-1 exchange visitors in research roles so your outreach targets organizations already familiar with the sponsorship process.
Confirm your host institution has an existing sponsor agreement
Academic medical centers and contract research organizations often hold pre-negotiated agreements with designated sponsors like IIE or Cultural Vistas. Ask HR whether an institutional agreement exists before negotiating your offer, since this affects DS-2019 timeline and training plan requirements.
Draft your training plan before the offer stage
Your designated sponsor requires a detailed Training Plan outlining weekly objectives, supervision structure, and learning goals tied to clinical research. Preparing a draft before the offer is finalized lets you negotiate training plan terms with your prospective supervisor rather than scrambling post-offer.
Check whether your role triggers the two-year home residency requirement
J-1 Research Scholar positions funded by your home government or a U.S. government agency can carry a two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e). Confirm your funding source with your designated sponsor before accepting an offer, since this affects future H-1B visa or green card eligibility.
Clinical Research Assistant J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Clinical Research Assistant roles?
It depends on your career stage. Current degree candidates completing a research placement typically qualify under the J-1 Intern category. Early-career professionals who have graduated but are building clinical research skills qualify under Trainee. Researchers with advanced degrees conducting independent or collaborative research at a U.S. institution qualify under Research Scholar. Your designated sponsor, not your host employer, makes the final category determination based on your credentials and program structure.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Clinical Research Assistant?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as IIE, Cultural Vistas, or a university with its own Exchange Visitor Program designation. The hospital, research institute, or CRO where you work is the host organization, not the legal sponsor. The designated sponsor issues your DS-2019 form, monitors your program compliance, and signs off on any training plan amendments throughout your exchange.
Can I use Migrate Mate to find Clinical Research Assistant positions that accommodate J-1 sponsorship?
Yes. Migrate Mate lets you filter for U.S. employers in research and healthcare settings that have hosted J-1 exchange visitors, which is particularly useful because many clinical research openings are filled through institutional referrals rather than public job postings. Identifying employers already familiar with the DS-2019 process significantly reduces the friction in the offer and sponsor-enrollment stages.
Does the two-year home residency requirement apply to Clinical Research Assistant positions?
It can. J-1 Research Scholar and Trainee positions become subject to the two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e) if your exchange is funded by your home government, a U.S. government agency, or if your home country has designated your field as in short supply. If triggered, you must return home for two years before changing to most other visa categories, including H-1B or immigrant visas. Your designated sponsor can review your specific funding and nationality situation before you commit.
What does the J-1 training plan require for a Clinical Research Assistant placement?
Your designated sponsor requires a written Training Plan that details your program objectives week by week, names your on-site supervisor, describes evaluation procedures, and explains how each activity advances your professional development in clinical research. For research roles, the plan must demonstrate that the work is primarily educational rather than a replacement for a regular employee. Your host institution's research administration office typically collaborates on this document before the sponsor issues the DS-2019.