J-1 Visa Lab Associate Jobs
Lab Associate roles in the United States are accessible to international professionals through J-1 visa sponsorship, typically under the Research Scholar or Trainee program category. Designated sponsors issue your DS-2019 and oversee compliance while you conduct hands-on laboratory work with a U.S. host organization.
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Contexts of Academic + Socioemotional Adjustment (CASA) Lab Manager Position
Background. The overarching goal of the lab is to illuminate promising practices that disrupt racism and xenophobia and help keep diverse young people on trajectories of positive contribution to their schools and communities. Together, we examine how school, peer, family, and community settings can support children and adolescents in navigating issues related to race and ethnicity, and how these experiences inform young people's academic, socioemotional, and civic development. We are seeking a lab manager/research associate to join a robust team of graduate and undergraduate students working on a variety of projects.
To learn more about us, you should please visit: casalab.org
To learn more about Dr. Deborah Rivas-Drake, please visit: https://lsa.umich.edu/psych/people/faculty/drivas.html
Responsibilities
-
40% - Coordination of lab member efforts and projects; preparation of study materials and participant payments; assistance with supervision of undergraduate RAs and training of lab members in research protocols; maintenance of lab and project websites and preparation/maintenance of web-based surveys.
-
30% - Assistance with: entering, cleaning, and coding data; analysis of data; data management; manuscript preparation, including literature searches and manuscript editing; preparation of posters and presentations for scientific meetings.
-
20% - General lab maintenance, including archiving study materials, keeping records up-to-date, and ordering supplies; preparation of materials for school/community partners.
-
10% - Assistance with preparation of human subjects/IRB protocols, submissions, and record-keeping.
Required Qualifications
-
A bachelor's degree in psychology, human development, or a related social science field.
-
Prior experience working with school or community partners/organizations.
Preferred Qualifications
-
High school diploma or Associate's degree in psychology, human development, or a related social science field.
-
Must have at least one year of prior research experience in either psychology, human development, or a related field.
-
Must have strong computer skills (e.g., Google suite, Office suite) and proficiency with statistical software packages (e.g., SPSS, R).
-
Must demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively while possessing outstanding organizational, time management, and communication skills.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
-
Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days
-
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
-
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
-
Life insurance
-
Long-term disability coverage
-
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
In addition, LSA offers:
-
Strong commitment to work/life balance
-
Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs
-
Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
The salary range is $31,210 - $33,900. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding and performance. The anticipated start date is flexible, with a preference for as soon as possible.
As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Please submit a C.V., cover letter describing interest in position and relevant previous experience, and names and contact information for two references - all in one PDF and in this order. References will be asked to specifically address the applicant's research experience, organizational and communication skills, ability to work independently and collaboratively, and experience working with school and/or community partners.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Job Opening ID
278172
Working Title
Lab Manager/Research Associate
Job Title
Research Technician Associate
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Psychology
Posting Begin/End Date
5/29/2026 - 6/12/2026
Salary
$31,200.00 - $33,900.00
Career Interest
Research
Job Summary
Contexts of Academic + Socioemotional Adjustment (CASA) Lab Manager Position
Background. The overarching goal of the lab is to illuminate promising practices that disrupt racism and xenophobia and help keep diverse young people on trajectories of positive contribution to their schools and communities. Together, we examine how school, peer, family, and community settings can support children and adolescents in navigating issues related to race and ethnicity, and how these experiences inform young people's academic, socioemotional, and civic development. We are seeking a lab manager/research associate to join a robust team of graduate and undergraduate students working on a variety of projects.
To learn more about us, you should please visit: casalab.org
To learn more about Dr. Deborah Rivas-Drake, please visit: https://lsa.umich.edu/psych/people/faculty/drivas.html
Responsibilities
-
40% - Coordination of lab member efforts and projects; preparation of study materials and participant payments; assistance with supervision of undergraduate RAs and training of lab members in research protocols; maintenance of lab and project websites and preparation/maintenance of web-based surveys.
-
30% - Assistance with: entering, cleaning, and coding data; analysis of data; data management; manuscript preparation, including literature searches and manuscript editing; preparation of posters and presentations for scientific meetings.
-
20% - General lab maintenance, including archiving study materials, keeping records up-to-date, and ordering supplies; preparation of materials for school/community partners.
-
10% - Assistance with preparation of human subjects/IRB protocols, submissions, and record-keeping.
Required Qualifications
-
A bachelor's degree in psychology, human development, or a related social science field.
-
Prior experience working with school or community partners/organizations.
Preferred Qualifications
-
High school diploma or Associate's degree in psychology, human development, or a related social science field.
-
Must have at least one year of prior research experience in either psychology, human development, or a related field.
-
Must have strong computer skills (e.g., Google suite, Office suite) and proficiency with statistical software packages (e.g., SPSS, R).
-
Must demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively while possessing outstanding organizational, time management, and communication skills.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
-
Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days
-
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
-
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
-
Life insurance
-
Long-term disability coverage
-
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
In addition, LSA offers:
-
Strong commitment to work/life balance
-
Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs
-
Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
The salary range is $31,210 - $33,900. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding and performance. The anticipated start date is flexible, with a preference for as soon as possible.
As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Please submit a C.V., cover letter describing interest in position and relevant previous experience, and names and contact information for two references - all in one PDF and in this order. References will be asked to specifically address the applicant's research experience, organizational and communication skills, ability to work independently and collaboratively, and experience working with school and/or community partners.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Job Opening ID
278172
Working Title
Lab Manager/Research Associate
Job Title
Research Technician Associate
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Psychology
Posting Begin/End Date
5/29/2026 - 6/12/2026
Salary
$31,200.00 - $33,900.00
Career Interest
Research
See all J-1 Visa Lab Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Lab Associate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Lab Associate
Document your laboratory credentials precisely
Pull your official transcripts, degree certificates, and any published research before applying. Designated sponsors evaluating Trainee or Research Scholar eligibility scrutinize whether your academic background aligns with the specific lab discipline you're entering.
Target host organizations with active research infrastructure
Universities, federal research institutes, and hospital laboratory departments regularly host J-1 visa exchange visitors. These institutions already have compliance frameworks in place, which shortens your DS-2019 processing timeline compared to private-sector hosts new to J-1 hosting.
Search J-1 Lab Associate roles on Migrate Mate
Filter your job search by J-1-compatible host employers in your discipline on Migrate Mate. The platform surfaces lab roles at organizations already familiar with the Research Scholar and Trainee categories, saving you from pitching the visa to unprepared hiring teams.
Clarify your program category before signing anything
Current students typically qualify under the Intern category, while degree holders with relevant professional experience fall under Trainee. Choosing the wrong category can invalidate your DS-2019, so confirm your classification with the designated sponsor before your host employer submits a training plan.
Verify whether your role triggers the two-year rule
Lab Associate positions funded by your home government or a U.S. government agency, or in fields on the skills list, often carry the two-year home residency requirement. Check your DS-2019 for the J-1 skills list notation before accepting an offer, since this affects future H-1B visa or green card eligibility.
Negotiate your training plan scope with the host before filing
The designated sponsor requires a detailed Training or Internship Placement Plan listing specific lab techniques, equipment, and learning objectives. Vague plans are returned for revision, which delays your program start. Draft this document collaboratively with your host supervisor before the sponsor submits it.
Lab Associate J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Lab Associate positions?
It depends on your status. If you're currently enrolled in a degree program, the Intern category applies and covers lab work directly related to your field of study. If you've already completed your degree and have relevant professional experience, you'd fall under the Trainee category. Postdoctoral researchers and faculty conducting lab-based research typically qualify under the Research Scholar category instead.
Who actually sponsors a J-1 visa for a Lab Associate, the employer or a separate organization?
The sponsorship comes from a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization, not the hiring lab or institution. Your host employer provides the position and supervises your work, but the designated sponsor issues your DS-2019 form, certifies program compliance, and maintains your SEVIS record throughout your exchange. Organizations like IIE, Cultural Vistas, and CIEE serve this administrative role for non-physician lab programs.
How do I find Lab Associate roles at host organizations already comfortable with J-1 exchange visitors?
Migrate Mate lets you filter for lab and research roles at U.S. employers with demonstrated J-1 hosting experience. Targeting hosts already familiar with the Research Scholar or Trainee categories means fewer delays explaining the visa structure and a faster path to a signed training plan and DS-2019 issuance.
Can my J-1 Lab Associate position trigger the two-year home residency requirement?
Yes. If your lab role is funded by your home government or the U.S. government, or if your home country has designated your specialty on the Exchange Visitor Skills List, USCIS will stamp your visa with a two-year home residency requirement. This prevents you from changing to an H-1B or most immigrant visa categories until you've returned home or obtained a waiver.
What happens if the training plan my host submits gets rejected by the designated sponsor?
The sponsor returns the plan for revision, which delays your DS-2019 and pushes back your program start date. The most common reasons for rejection are vague learning objectives, lab tasks that don't match your stated field, and missing equipment or methodology details. Work directly with your host supervisor to draft specific, week-by-week objectives tied to named techniques and instruments before the sponsor reviews it.