J-1 Visa Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs
Postdoctoral Research Associate roles in the U.S. are commonly filled through the J-1 visa Research Scholar program category, which requires a designated State Department sponsor to issue your DS-2019. Many universities and research institutes host postdocs under this category. Finding a host with an active sponsorship pathway is the critical first step.
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Get Access To All JobsPostdoctoral Research Associate - Rosas Lab
Hiring Department: Pharmacy Practice
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1041691
Posting Close Date: 07/13/2026
Salary: The budgeted salary rate for the position is $50,000 - $60,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary:
The University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy is recruiting for a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Pharmacy Practice with Dr. Paola Rosas' laboratory supported by NIH and AHA funding. Dr. Rosas' laboratory investigates the mechanisms underlying heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), with a particular focus on the gut–heart axis, and cardiometabolic disease. Using integrated molecular, physiological, and translational approaches, the lab studies how intestinal barrier dysfunction, inflammation, microbiota-derived metabolites, and cardiac signaling pathways contribute to HFpEF pathogenesis and evaluates novel therapeutic strategies to improve cardiovascular outcomes.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Design, perform, analyze, and interpret experiments aimed at studying the pathways that lead to heart failure due to stressors such as aging, obesity.
- Support pre-clinical studies in murine models of heart failure and obesity.
- Conduct Animal experiments and include echocardiography, pressure - volume measurements, skinned fiber measurements, metabolic phenotyping, biochemistry studies, among others.
- Communicate research results via scientific publications or presentations at national and international conferences.
- Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge or research principles, concepts, and practices and methods.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Candidates must have a Ph.D., M.D., PharmD or equivalent doctoral degree with training in the areas of biology, biomedical sciences or a related discipline.
- Displayed proficiency in lab research techniques required.
- Attention to details is essential to support written documentation, present findings, and project report submissions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate experience in cardiac physiology, metabolic phenotyping, histological techniques, and biochemistry methods.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Rosas Lab
Hiring Department: Pharmacy Practice
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1041691
Posting Close Date: 07/13/2026
Salary: The budgeted salary rate for the position is $50,000 - $60,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary:
The University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy is recruiting for a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Pharmacy Practice with Dr. Paola Rosas' laboratory supported by NIH and AHA funding. Dr. Rosas' laboratory investigates the mechanisms underlying heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), with a particular focus on the gut–heart axis, and cardiometabolic disease. Using integrated molecular, physiological, and translational approaches, the lab studies how intestinal barrier dysfunction, inflammation, microbiota-derived metabolites, and cardiac signaling pathways contribute to HFpEF pathogenesis and evaluates novel therapeutic strategies to improve cardiovascular outcomes.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Design, perform, analyze, and interpret experiments aimed at studying the pathways that lead to heart failure due to stressors such as aging, obesity.
- Support pre-clinical studies in murine models of heart failure and obesity.
- Conduct Animal experiments and include echocardiography, pressure - volume measurements, skinned fiber measurements, metabolic phenotyping, biochemistry studies, among others.
- Communicate research results via scientific publications or presentations at national and international conferences.
- Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge or research principles, concepts, and practices and methods.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Candidates must have a Ph.D., M.D., PharmD or equivalent doctoral degree with training in the areas of biology, biomedical sciences or a related discipline.
- Displayed proficiency in lab research techniques required.
- Attention to details is essential to support written documentation, present findings, and project report submissions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate experience in cardiac physiology, metabolic phenotyping, histological techniques, and biochemistry methods.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
See all 327+ J-1 Visa Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Postdoctoral Research Associate
Verify your DS-2019 eligibility before applying
The J-1 Research Scholar category requires a postdoctoral appointment tied to active research, not coursework or training. Confirm your offer letter explicitly describes original investigation, because sponsors will reject training-plan submissions that read as extended lab rotations.
Check whether your home country triggers the two-year rule
Many postdocs funded by their home government or on a government-sponsored exchange face the two-year home residency requirement. Review your J-1 DS-2019 before accepting an offer, because this requirement blocks H-1B visa and green card transitions until fulfilled or waived.
Target institutions with standing sponsor agreements already in place
Use Migrate Mate to find Postdoctoral Research Associate roles at host institutions that already work with designated J-1 sponsors. Universities and national labs with active Research Scholar programs avoid the delay of sponsors vetting a host for the first time.
Align your research plan with your sponsor's program objectives
Your designated sponsor, whether IIE, CIEE, or a university's own sponsorship office, must approve a program plan before issuing the DS-2019. Draft a concise research objective statement that matches the sponsor's stated academic exchange mission, not just your PI's project description.
Negotiate visa timeline into your start-date conversation
DS-2019 issuance and consular visa scheduling can add six to ten weeks after your offer is accepted. Raise this timeline with your future PI during negotiation so your official start date reflects realistic processing, not the date your offer letter is signed.
Clarify publication and IP rights before your DS-2019 is issued
J-1 Research Scholars retain rights to scholarly publications but institutional IP agreements can conflict. Review your host's IP policy alongside the DS-2019 program obligations before the sponsor submits paperwork, because renegotiating mid-program can jeopardize your status.
Postdoctoral Research Associate J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Postdoctoral Research Associates?
The Research Scholar category is the standard J-1 classification for postdoctoral positions. It applies to individuals conducting original research at universities, national laboratories, or research institutes. The Intern or Trainee categories do not fit a postdoc role because those categories are designed for skill acquisition, not independent scholarly research tied to an advanced degree.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa as a postdoctoral researcher?
Your visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employing institution. Common designated sponsors for postdocs include universities that hold their own sponsorship designation and organizations like IIE. Your host institution is where you work, but the designated sponsor issues your DS-2019, monitors compliance, and is legally responsible to the State Department throughout your exchange program.
How do I find Postdoctoral Research Associate positions where J-1 sponsorship is already part of the hiring process?
Many postdoc openings assume applicants will secure their own visa, which creates confusion when J-1 sponsorship depends on the host's sponsor relationship. Migrate Mate lets you filter for roles and institutions already aligned with J-1 sponsorship pathways, so you can target hosts that have active designated sponsor agreements rather than discovering the gap after an offer.
Does the two-year home residency requirement affect postdoctoral researchers specifically?
Yes, postdocs are among the groups most commonly subject to it. The requirement applies if your J-1 program was funded by your home government, if your home country appears on the State Department's skills list, or if your DS-2019 was issued under a U.S. government grant. It blocks H-1B petitions and adjustment of status until you satisfy or waive the requirement, which matters if your postdoc is a bridge to a permanent academic or industry position.
Can I switch employers or move to a different institution while on a J-1 Research Scholar visa?
A change of host institution requires your designated sponsor to amend your DS-2019 or transfer your sponsorship to a new sponsor associated with the new host. You cannot simply accept a new postdoc offer and report to a different lab. The sponsor must approve the change before you begin work at the new institution, and some sponsors require re-vetting the new host's program plan before issuing an amended form.