J-1 Visa Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs
Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions in the United States are typically sponsored under the J-1 visa Research Scholar program category, with a designated sponsor organization issuing your DS-2019. Securing J-1 sponsorship requires a host institution and a compliant research plan before you can begin.
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Get Access To All JobsHow to Apply
To apply, please submit the following application materials no later than August 31, 2026 to zhanc@umich.edu:
- A cover letter that summarizes the candidate's experience and a brief description of research interests and experience
- CV, including a list of publications
- Contact information for three references
Job Summary
Professor Zhan Chen's laboratory at the University of Michigan is currently recruiting for a postdoctoral research fellow position in the Department of Chemistry. This is a one-year appointment starting no later than December 30, 2026. The initial appointment as a Research Fellow is for one year with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of work and the availability of funding. The research in Prof. Chen's lab is focused on molecular level studies on complex surfaces/interfaces such as polymer and biological interfaces using nonlinear optical spectroscopic techniques. The Chen group has published journal articles extensively on studies of surfaces and interfaces using sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy, supplemented by a variety of analytical tools. The research covers both fundamental studies and collaborations with industry. To read more about the groundbreaking research conducted in the Zhan Chen laboratory click here: Chen Lab (https://public.websites.umich.edu/~chenlab/).
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will carry out SFG and other spectroscopic studies on molecular structures and interactions at interfaces involving biological molecules, polymer materials, organic molecules, metals, or semiconductors. The postdoc will also be involved in the research related to interfacial dynamics using ultrafast pump-probe SFG studies. The postdoc is expected to perform both independent and collaborative research (with group members and industrial partners), publish peer reviewed research articles, present research data to the industrial collaborators, and write technical reports.
Required Qualifications
PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Laser Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field is required. Proof of degree confirmation must be in hand on or before the start date.
Desired Qualifications
Extensive research experience and background in all or some of the following areas: molecular spectroscopy, lasers (solid-state lasers), nonlinear optical systems (second harmonic, sum frequency generation etc.), ultrafast spectroscopy, etc. The ideal candidate will be a conscientious, responsible person who is interested in being a member of a team of postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students; have excellent organizational skills and can communicate effectively with a wide-range of people with various backgrounds. The ideal candidate will also have a strong record of publications. Postdoctoral Research Fellows in the Chen laboratory expected to assume leadership of their projects and mentor graduates students and undergraduates working alongside them to answer questions and communicate findings.
Modes of Work
The work requires a fully onsite presence at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor Campus).
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.
Contact Information
Please direct any questions to zhanc@umich.edu
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.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
280736
Working Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Chen Lab, LSA Chemistry
Job Title
RESEARCH FELLOW
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Chemistry
Posting Begin/End Date
7/31/2026 - 9/04/2026
Salary
$63,480.00 - $63,480.00
Career Interest
Research Fellows
How to Apply
To apply, please submit the following application materials no later than August 31, 2026 to zhanc@umich.edu:
- A cover letter that summarizes the candidate's experience and a brief description of research interests and experience
- CV, including a list of publications
- Contact information for three references
Job Summary
Professor Zhan Chen's laboratory at the University of Michigan is currently recruiting for a postdoctoral research fellow position in the Department of Chemistry. This is a one-year appointment starting no later than December 30, 2026. The initial appointment as a Research Fellow is for one year with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of work and the availability of funding. The research in Prof. Chen's lab is focused on molecular level studies on complex surfaces/interfaces such as polymer and biological interfaces using nonlinear optical spectroscopic techniques. The Chen group has published journal articles extensively on studies of surfaces and interfaces using sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy, supplemented by a variety of analytical tools. The research covers both fundamental studies and collaborations with industry. To read more about the groundbreaking research conducted in the Zhan Chen laboratory click here: Chen Lab (https://public.websites.umich.edu/~chenlab/).
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will carry out SFG and other spectroscopic studies on molecular structures and interactions at interfaces involving biological molecules, polymer materials, organic molecules, metals, or semiconductors. The postdoc will also be involved in the research related to interfacial dynamics using ultrafast pump-probe SFG studies. The postdoc is expected to perform both independent and collaborative research (with group members and industrial partners), publish peer reviewed research articles, present research data to the industrial collaborators, and write technical reports.
Required Qualifications
PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Laser Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field is required. Proof of degree confirmation must be in hand on or before the start date.
Desired Qualifications
Extensive research experience and background in all or some of the following areas: molecular spectroscopy, lasers (solid-state lasers), nonlinear optical systems (second harmonic, sum frequency generation etc.), ultrafast spectroscopy, etc. The ideal candidate will be a conscientious, responsible person who is interested in being a member of a team of postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students; have excellent organizational skills and can communicate effectively with a wide-range of people with various backgrounds. The ideal candidate will also have a strong record of publications. Postdoctoral Research Fellows in the Chen laboratory expected to assume leadership of their projects and mentor graduates students and undergraduates working alongside them to answer questions and communicate findings.
Modes of Work
The work requires a fully onsite presence at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor Campus).
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.
Contact Information
Please direct any questions to zhanc@umich.edu
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.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
280736
Working Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Chen Lab, LSA Chemistry
Job Title
RESEARCH FELLOW
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Chemistry
Posting Begin/End Date
7/31/2026 - 9/04/2026
Salary
$63,480.00 - $63,480.00
Career Interest
Research Fellows
See all J-1 Visa Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Verify your degree meets Research Scholar criteria
The Research Scholar category requires a postdoctoral-level appointment, so confirm your doctoral degree is conferred before the program start date. A pending dissertation can disqualify your application even if your host institution has approved the position.
Identify host institutions with active designated sponsors
Universities hosting postdocs often work with a specific designated sponsor, such as IIE or their own institutional program. Ask the hiring department which sponsor organization will issue your DS-2019 before accepting a position.
Search J-1-friendly postdoc roles on Migrate Mate
Filter Migrate Mate for Postdoctoral Research Fellow roles at institutions with J-1 Research Scholar sponsorship history. This narrows your search to employers who already understand the DS-2019 process and compliant research appointment requirements.
Check whether your field triggers the two-year rule
Research Scholars funded by a government or international organization, or from countries on the Skills List, are subject to a two-year home residency requirement under INA section 212(e). Confirm your funding source and nationality before committing to a multi-year research plan.
Submit your research plan before the DS-2019 is issued
Your designated sponsor must approve a detailed training or research plan describing your project scope, methodology, and objectives. Vague proposals delay DS-2019 issuance, so coordinate with your host institution's international office to draft a compliant plan early.
Align your program dates with SEVIS registration deadlines
Your J-1 program start date in SEVIS must fall within 30 days of your DS-2019 start date. Arriving late or deferring your start without notifying your responsible officer can trigger a status violation that affects future U.S. visa eligibility.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Postdoctoral Research Fellows?
Postdoctoral Research Fellows are placed under the J-1 Research Scholar category, which covers individuals conducting research at accredited universities, research institutions, or federal labs. This is distinct from the Short-Term Scholar category, which applies to visits under six months, and from the Intern or Trainee categories, which apply to pre- or early-career participants without a doctoral degree.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a postdoc position?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your hiring institution. The host university's international office typically partners with a designated sponsor, which could be the institution's own self-sponsored program or an external organization like IIE, to issue your DS-2019. Your employer is the host, not the legal sponsor, and cannot issue a DS-2019 on its own authority.
Can I switch host institutions while on a J-1 Research Scholar visa?
Transferring to a new host institution requires your responsible officer to amend your DS-2019 to reflect the new placement before you begin work there. If the new host uses a different designated sponsor, you'll need a program transfer in SEVIS. Starting work at a new institution before the amendment is processed constitutes an unauthorized activity violation, so coordinate with both international offices well in advance.
How do I find Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions that include J-1 sponsorship?
Migrate Mate lets you filter Postdoctoral Research Fellow roles by institutions that support J-1 Research Scholar sponsorship, so you can target positions where the host has an established DS-2019 process. Many postdoc openings list funding source and visa eligibility separately, making it easy to miss J-1-compatible roles without a purpose-built filter.
Does the two-year home residency requirement apply to all J-1 postdocs?
Not automatically. The two-year home residency requirement under INA section 212(e) applies if your research is funded by your home government or a U.S. government agency, or if your home country appears on the DOS Skills List for your field. Check the Exchange Visitor Skills List maintained by the State Department and confirm your funding source with your responsible officer before making long-term plans that depend on remaining in the U.S.