J-1 Visa Functional Consultant Jobs
Functional Consultant roles in the United States are accessible to international professionals through the J-1 Trainee or Intern program categories, depending on your career stage. A U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019 and provides sponsorship, while your host employer guides your day-to-day training.
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INTRODUCTION
Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to apply integrated experimental and computational approaches to investigate the fundamental rules governing gene regulation in plants and microbes.
In this exciting role, you will drive the development of high-throughput biochemical and functional genomics assays, leveraging automation, miniaturization, and advanced sequencing technologies to generate large-scale datasets. In parallel, you will develop and apply computational pipelines that integrate sequence analysis, structural modeling, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools to enable predictive modeling of biological systems. You will have the opportunity to contribute to JGI’s strategic initiatives in AI-powered functional genomics, working within a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment to translate innovative methods into scalable, production-ready workflows.
The JGI’s mission is to provide the global research community with access to the most advanced integrative genome science capabilities in support of the DOE's research mission to solve the world’s evolving energy and environmental challenges. The JGI supports projects in genome sequencing, synthesis, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and natural products in plants, fungi, algae, and microorganisms. This position is headquartered on the Lab’s main site at the Integrative Genomics Building (IGB).
This position has an anticipated start date of June 1, 2026.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
- Design, develop, and optimize high-throughput biochemical and genomic assays to interrogate gene regulation in plants and microbes.
- Investigate how variation in protein sequence and structure influences binding to DNA and ligands using experimental and computational approaches.
- Develop and implement multiplexed functional genomics methods, including adaptation of single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq technologies across diverse organisms.
- Generate large-scale datasets using automated liquid handling systems, assay miniaturization, and advanced sequencing platforms.
- Build custom computational pipelines for data processing, integration, and analysis, incorporating sequence analysis, structural modeling, and AI-based predictive tools.
- Collaborate with computational biologists and software engineers to develop robust, scalable data analysis and predictive classification workflows for high-performance computing environments.
- Contribute to JGI strategic milestones related to AI-driven functional genomics and the generation of empirical datasets for genomic and protein language models.
- Document experimental methods, computational workflows, and results to ensure reproducibility and knowledge sharing.
- Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications and present findings at internal meetings, scientific conferences, and seminars.
- Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technical staff to translate research innovations into standardized, automation-compatible user products.
- Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements.
WHAT IS REQUIRED:
- A recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-2 years) in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Computational Biology, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline.
- Demonstrated experience in both experimental (wet lab) and computational research methodologies.
- Proficiency in executing molecular biology or biochemical protocols and analyzing high-throughput datasets.
- Experience with scripting or programming languages (e.g., Python, R, or similar) for data analysis and pipeline development.
- Demonstrated ability to lead or significantly contribute to research projects, with a record of recent or pending peer-reviewed publications.
- Strong organizational skills including experience maintaining detailed and accurate records of results and analyzed data.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience presenting at group meetings and conferences, and publishing research findings.
- Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills including experience conducting independent, data-driven research and collaborating with an interdisciplinary research team.
DESIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE:
- Experience with recombinant protein expression, purification, or in vitro biochemical characterization.
- Experience with protein structure modeling software and AI-based predictive tools, including genomic and protein language models.
- Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) and functional genomics methodologies.
- Experience with single-cell or single-nucleus transcriptomics, transcription factor binding assays, or designing massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs).
- Familiarity with automated liquid handling platforms and microfluidic systems.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Application Date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume and a cover letter describing their interest in this position by May 14, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
- Appointment Type: This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
- Salary Range: The salary range for this position is $5,929 - $7,108 monthly / $71,148 - $85,296 annually and is expected to start at $5,929 monthly / $71,148 annually or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
- Background Check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
WORK MODALITY:
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab located at 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Functional Consultant
Build a Training Plan Before Applying
Designated J-1 sponsors require a detailed Training or Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002) outlining your learning objectives by phase. Draft this document before you approach host employers, mapping your consulting focus areas to specific monthly milestones.
Confirm Your Program Category Eligibility
If you're currently enrolled in a degree program, the Intern category applies. If you've graduated or have relevant professional experience, you qualify for the Trainee category, which allows up to 18 months in the business and management field.
Target Host Employers with ERP or Advisory Practices
Functional Consultant roles cluster in enterprise software, management consulting, and systems integration. Search Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers in those sectors who have hosted J-1 participants or demonstrated openness to international exchange arrangements.
Verify the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement Early
Participants funded by their home government or whose home country has a skills shortage designation may face a two-year home residency requirement after their J-1 ends. Confirm your status through your country's exchange-visitor agreements before accepting an offer.
Align Your Wage Offer with DOL Standards
Your host employer must pay J-1 Trainees at the same rate as U.S. workers in equivalent roles. Cross-check the offered wage against the OFLC Wage Search for your specific SOC code and work location before your training plan is finalized and submitted.
Document Functional Skills Using O*NET Terminology
Designated sponsors and their compliance reviewers map your proposed training to recognized occupational standards. Use O*NET's task and skill descriptors for the Functional Consultant occupation when writing your DS-7002 to make review faster and approvals cleaner.
Functional Consultant jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Functional Consultant JobsFunctional Consultant J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Functional Consultant roles?
Most Functional Consultants enter on the Trainee category, which covers business, management, and information technology training for professionals with a degree plus one year of relevant experience, or five years of work experience in the field. Current students completing a degree program may use the Intern category instead, though that limits the engagement to the duration of their academic program plus up to 18 months.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Functional Consultant position?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations such as IIE, Cultural Vistas, and AIPT issue the DS-2019 form, develop the training plan with you and the host company, and remain responsible for program compliance throughout your stay. Your consulting employer functions as the host organization, providing the work environment and supervising your training.
How do I find U.S. employers open to hosting a J-1 Functional Consultant?
Use Migrate Mate to search for Functional Consultant roles and filter for employers in enterprise software, systems integration, and management consulting sectors that have worked with international exchange visitors. Not every employer advertises J-1 hosting capability publicly, so targeting firms with established international hiring patterns gives you a practical starting point for outreach.
Can a Functional Consultant role trigger the two-year home residency requirement?
It can, depending on your funding source and home country classification. If your government or a U.S. government agency funded your exchange program, or if your home country appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List maintained by the State Department, you may be required to return home for two years before changing to most other U.S. visa categories. Clarify this before signing any training agreement.
What should the DS-7002 training plan include for a Functional Consultant engagement?
The DS-7002 must break your training into phases tied to specific functional consulting competencies, such as requirements gathering, system configuration, user acceptance testing, and client change management. Each phase needs estimated timeframes, supervision details, and measurable learning outcomes. Vague plans citing only 'consulting experience' are routinely rejected by designated sponsors, so align your language to O*NET task descriptors for the role.
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