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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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Kirchner Lab
Agency
Texas A&M University Health Science Center
Department
Medical Physiology
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Bryan, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Our Commitment
Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.
Who we are
As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation, Texas A&M Health encompasses five colleges and numerous centers and institutes working together to improve health through transformative education, innovative research and team-based health care delivery.
What we want
The Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will utilize the skills and expertise granted to them by their education and experience to complete research projects in their field of expertise. Writes and may contribute to research papers, articles, and publications. Assists with the preparation and cleaning of worksite. May collaborate with other researchers and/or faculty both within and outside of Texas A&M.
This position is within the Kirchner Laboratory in the Department of Medical Physiology at Texas A&M College of Medicine. This position will perform patch clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and immunohistochemistry to study the neurophysiology of vasopressin and oxytocin neurosecretory neurons, their role in hydromineral balance, and their dysfunction in a rat model of heart failure.
What you need to know
Salary: Will be commensurate based on the selected hire’s education and experience.
Location/Schedule: Bryan, TX/ Full-Time; This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.
Please note: This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.
Apply!
Submitting a cover letter, CV/Resume to assist us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume.
Required Education and Experience
Appropriate PhD in neuroscience, neurophysiology, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Patch Clamp electrophysiology:
- Prep solutions for recordings, cutting live brain slices on a vibratome, and perform voltage and current clamp recordings in neurons.
- Use optogenetics, photolytic uncaging, chemogenetics, fluorescent biosensors, electrical stimulation, and application of pharmacologic compounds during patch clamp experiments.
- Maintain the electrophysiology rig, keep accurate records of experiments, perform data analysis, and create figures for publications and grants.
- Rodent survival surgery:
- Coronary ligation (heart failure surgery) for studying the disease in electrophysiology experiments.
-
Stereotaxic delivery of AAVs encoding fluorescent tracers, DREADDs or opsins to be used in electrophysiology experiments.
-
Calcium imaging:
- Utilize calcium dyes or genetically encoded calcium sensors (i.e. GCaMP) to measure and quantify intracellular calcium levels in a live brain slice preparation.
-
Perform these experiments simultaneously with patch clamp.
-
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
- Transcardial perfusion, fixation, cryostat sectioning, staining, and mounting tissue specimens.
-
Visualization and analysis of IHC imaging data.
-
Multiunit electrophysiological experiments, particularly using Neuropixels.
-
Software Expertise and Data Analysis:
- pCLAMP, ImageJ, MatLab, Imaris.
-
Additional expertise using Igor Pro, Prism, Python, and/or Adobe Illustrator.
-
Ability to train other laboratory members in the techniques listed above.
Responsibilities
Research
- Under general supervision, is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise.
- Utilizes knowledge and skills granted to them by their education and expertise to complete research projects in their field of expertise.
- Assists with the preparation and cleaning of worksite.
- Analyzes research data and summarizes results.
- Writes and may contribute to research papers, articles, and publications.
Mentoring
- May assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working on research related to the project.
Presentations
- Prepares presentation materials on research topic that may be presented to small and/or large groups.
- Actively participates in the preparation of required technical progress reports to research sponsors.
Professional Development
- Apply for career-appropriate grants and fellowships under the guidance of the PI.
- Travels to scientific conferences to give presentations.
Why Texas A& M University?
We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.
-
Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
-
12-15 days of annual paid holidays
-
Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
-
Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
-
Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
-
Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
-
Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
-
Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees
Instructions to Applicants:
Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
Job Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Kirchner Lab
Agency
Texas A&M University Health Science Center
Department
Medical Physiology
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Bryan, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Our Commitment
Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.
Who we are
As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation, Texas A&M Health encompasses five colleges and numerous centers and institutes working together to improve health through transformative education, innovative research and team-based health care delivery.
What we want
The Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will utilize the skills and expertise granted to them by their education and experience to complete research projects in their field of expertise. Writes and may contribute to research papers, articles, and publications. Assists with the preparation and cleaning of worksite. May collaborate with other researchers and/or faculty both within and outside of Texas A&M.
This position is within the Kirchner Laboratory in the Department of Medical Physiology at Texas A&M College of Medicine. This position will perform patch clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and immunohistochemistry to study the neurophysiology of vasopressin and oxytocin neurosecretory neurons, their role in hydromineral balance, and their dysfunction in a rat model of heart failure.
What you need to know
Salary: Will be commensurate based on the selected hire’s education and experience.
Location/Schedule: Bryan, TX/ Full-Time; This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.
Please note: This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.
Apply!
Submitting a cover letter, CV/Resume to assist us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume.
Required Education and Experience
Appropriate PhD in neuroscience, neurophysiology, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Patch Clamp electrophysiology:
- Prep solutions for recordings, cutting live brain slices on a vibratome, and perform voltage and current clamp recordings in neurons.
- Use optogenetics, photolytic uncaging, chemogenetics, fluorescent biosensors, electrical stimulation, and application of pharmacologic compounds during patch clamp experiments.
- Maintain the electrophysiology rig, keep accurate records of experiments, perform data analysis, and create figures for publications and grants.
- Rodent survival surgery:
- Coronary ligation (heart failure surgery) for studying the disease in electrophysiology experiments.
-
Stereotaxic delivery of AAVs encoding fluorescent tracers, DREADDs or opsins to be used in electrophysiology experiments.
-
Calcium imaging:
- Utilize calcium dyes or genetically encoded calcium sensors (i.e. GCaMP) to measure and quantify intracellular calcium levels in a live brain slice preparation.
-
Perform these experiments simultaneously with patch clamp.
-
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
- Transcardial perfusion, fixation, cryostat sectioning, staining, and mounting tissue specimens.
-
Visualization and analysis of IHC imaging data.
-
Multiunit electrophysiological experiments, particularly using Neuropixels.
-
Software Expertise and Data Analysis:
- pCLAMP, ImageJ, MatLab, Imaris.
-
Additional expertise using Igor Pro, Prism, Python, and/or Adobe Illustrator.
-
Ability to train other laboratory members in the techniques listed above.
Responsibilities
Research
- Under general supervision, is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise.
- Utilizes knowledge and skills granted to them by their education and expertise to complete research projects in their field of expertise.
- Assists with the preparation and cleaning of worksite.
- Analyzes research data and summarizes results.
- Writes and may contribute to research papers, articles, and publications.
Mentoring
- May assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working on research related to the project.
Presentations
- Prepares presentation materials on research topic that may be presented to small and/or large groups.
- Actively participates in the preparation of required technical progress reports to research sponsors.
Professional Development
- Apply for career-appropriate grants and fellowships under the guidance of the PI.
- Travels to scientific conferences to give presentations.
Why Texas A& M University?
We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.
-
Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
-
12-15 days of annual paid holidays
-
Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
-
Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
-
Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
-
Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
-
Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
-
Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees
Instructions to Applicants:
Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
See all 15+ Lab Associate jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Lab Associate roles.
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 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 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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Lab Associate JobsLab 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.
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