J-1 Visa Machine Learning Jobs
Machine learning roles in the United States are accessible to international professionals through the J-1 visa, most commonly under the Research Scholar or Trainee program category. Designated sponsor organizations issue your DS-2019 and oversee compliance, while your host employer provides the work placement. Finding a host that actively supports J-1 sponsorship is the first step.
Find J-1 Visa Machine Learning JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 10+ Machine Learning jobs










See all Machine Learning Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Machine Learning roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
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.
See all J-1 Visa Machine Learning Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Machine Learning Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Machine Learning
Align your credentials with specialty occupation standards
Machine learning roles typically require a graduate degree in computer science, statistics, or a closely related field. Document your degree equivalency and any published research before approaching host employers, since designated sponsors assess academic fit when issuing the DS-2019.
Target research institutions and national laboratories first
Universities, federally funded research centers, and national laboratories frequently host J-1 visa Research Scholars for machine learning work. These institutions have established relationships with designated sponsors and experience navigating DS-2019 paperwork, reducing friction during the offer stage.
Search Migrate Mate to find J-1-receptive employers
Use Migrate Mate to filter machine learning roles at employers with documented international hiring activity. Host employers already familiar with J-1 program requirements move faster through the training plan and DS-2019 coordination process than employers encountering it for the first time.
Prepare a detailed training plan before negotiations
Designated sponsors require a structured training plan outlining learning objectives, supervision arrangements, and milestones for Trainee and Intern category applicants. Draft a role-specific plan covering ML frameworks, project phases, and mentor details before your host employer submits it for approval.
Verify whether your role triggers the two-year home residency requirement
Some J-1 participants, particularly those funded by their home government or filling skills on the DOS Exchange Visitor Skills List, must return home for two years before changing status. Confirm your country and funding source status with your designated sponsor before accepting an offer.
Confirm prevailing wage compliance with your host employer
Your host employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the machine learning role and location, as determined by DOL standards. Cross-check the offered rate against the OFLC Wage Search and O*NET occupation data for your specific job title before finalizing your compensation agreement.
Machine Learning J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a machine learning professional?
It depends on your career stage. Current university students pursuing ML internships typically qualify under the Intern category. Early-career professionals with a degree but limited U.S. experience generally fall under the Trainee category. Researchers, postdocs, and faculty engaged in ML research at universities or institutions qualify under Research Scholar, which is the most common path for advanced machine learning work.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa for a machine learning role?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations such as IIE, CIEE, Cultural Vistas, and AIPT administer the program, issue your DS-2019, and monitor compliance. Your hiring employer is the host. The host and the designated sponsor are separate entities with distinct responsibilities in the J-1 process.
How do I find U.S. employers open to hosting J-1 machine learning professionals?
Migrate Mate lets you search machine learning roles at employers with a history of international hiring, making it easier to identify host organizations already familiar with J-1 program logistics. Targeting employers who have hosted J-1 participants before reduces the time spent educating HR teams about DS-2019 requirements and training plan approval processes.
Does the two-year home residency requirement apply to machine learning roles?
It can, depending on your situation. If your home government or a U.S. government agency funded your exchange program, or if your home country lists your occupation on the DOS Exchange Visitor Skills List, you may be subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement before you can change status or obtain an immigrant visa. Confirm your specific circumstances with your designated sponsor early in the process.
What documents does a machine learning professional need before a designated sponsor can issue the DS-2019?
You'll typically need proof of degree or enrollment, evidence of English proficiency, a detailed training plan co-developed with your host employer, proof of health insurance meeting DOS minimum coverage requirements, and financial documentation showing you can support yourself. For Research Scholar applicants, a CV and publications list are usually required. Your designated sponsor will provide a checklist specific to your program category.