J-1 Visa Research Jobs
Research positions in the United States are typically filled through the J-1 visa Research Scholar or Short-Term Scholar program category, with sponsorship issued by a State Department-designated organization like a university or research institute. Your host institution confirms the placement; the designated sponsor issues your DS-2019 and monitors program compliance.
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Get Access To All JobsID 19523
Location Los Angeles, California, United States
Category Student/Intern/Trainee
Date posted 07/31/2026
Laboratory Research Intern (Immunology & Molecular Biology)
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated undergraduate or graduate student interested in gaining hands-on laboratory research experience in immunology, molecular biology, and cancer research. This internship is designed to build a strong scientific foundation through mentorship, technical training, and participation in ongoing research projects. Interns will develop laboratory skills, learn experimental design, analyze scientific data, and strengthen their understanding of biomedical research while working alongside experienced research staff.
Learning Objectives
Throughout the internship, participants will gain knowledge and experience in:
- Immunology, molecular biology, and cellular biology
- Scientific literature review and interpretation
- Laboratory safety and best practices
- Experimental design and data analysis
- Scientific communication and presentation skills
Technical training may include, but is not limited to:
- DNA extraction
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Gel electrophoresis and gel documentation
- Data acquisition and analysis
- Histological sectioning and tissue staining
- Histology imaging and documentation
- Flow cytometry (FACS) sample preparation
- RNA extraction and reverse transcription
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR)
- Cell culture techniques
- Immunohistochemistry
- Exposure to mouse models used in cancer research (as appropriate)
Internship Curriculum & Timeline
Month 1: Orientation & Foundational Training
- Complete laboratory safety and best practices training.
- Learn core scientific concepts supporting laboratory research, including experimental mouse models, molecular biology techniques, and laboratory methodologies.
- Receive instruction on techniques such as PCR, histology, RNA analysis, flow cytometry, and phenotype analysis.
- Demonstrate competency through a laboratory skills assessment before progressing to hands-on research activities.
Month 2: Research Integration
- Partner with an experienced laboratory mentor.
- Become familiar with an active research project, including its objectives and scientific significance.
- Conduct guided literature reviews by reading and discussing relevant scientific publications.
- Begin hands-on training in laboratory techniques, including pipetting, reagent preparation, and sample handling.
Months 3–6: Technical Skill Development
- Continue supporting ongoing research projects.
- Develop proficiency in more advanced laboratory techniques, including:
- Histological sectioning
- Immunohistochemistry
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
- Flow cytometry
- Cell culture
- Continue literature review and scientific discussion related to assigned projects.
Months 7–9: Scientific Communication
- Continue contributing to laboratory research.
- Present research contributions and experimental findings to the laboratory team.
- Lead a journal club presentation by critically reviewing and presenting a scientific publication related to the assigned research area.
Months 9–12: Data Analysis & Capstone Presentation
- Continue supporting laboratory research activities.
- Compile and analyze experimental data collected during the internship.
- Deliver a final presentation summarizing research contributions, experimental findings, data interpretation, and the broader scientific significance of the work.
- Lead a second journal club presentation demonstrating continued growth in scientific analysis and communication.
Mentorship
Interns will receive ongoing mentorship from experienced laboratory personnel throughout the program. Mentors will provide technical instruction, guidance on scientific literature, feedback on laboratory techniques, and support in developing analytical and presentation skills. The internship is designed to progressively build independence while providing structured learning opportunities in a collaborative research environment.
Qualifications
Required Education & Experience
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must have a HS Diploma or GED.
- Must reside in the greater Los Angeles area or surrounding cities while conducting all activities related to the intern or visitor appointment.
- INTERNS: Those participating for academic credit must receive academic credit for the duration of the internship.
- VISITORS: Must be receiving funding from an eligible sponsoring institution (employer, educator, funder, etc.).
Req ID 19523
Working Title Research Intern
Business Entity Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Category Student/Intern/Trainee
Specialty Student/Intern/Trainee
Primary Shift Day
Shift Duration 8 hour
Base Pay -
ID 19523
Location Los Angeles, California, United States
Category Student/Intern/Trainee
Date posted 07/31/2026
Laboratory Research Intern (Immunology & Molecular Biology)
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated undergraduate or graduate student interested in gaining hands-on laboratory research experience in immunology, molecular biology, and cancer research. This internship is designed to build a strong scientific foundation through mentorship, technical training, and participation in ongoing research projects. Interns will develop laboratory skills, learn experimental design, analyze scientific data, and strengthen their understanding of biomedical research while working alongside experienced research staff.
Learning Objectives
Throughout the internship, participants will gain knowledge and experience in:
- Immunology, molecular biology, and cellular biology
- Scientific literature review and interpretation
- Laboratory safety and best practices
- Experimental design and data analysis
- Scientific communication and presentation skills
Technical training may include, but is not limited to:
- DNA extraction
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Gel electrophoresis and gel documentation
- Data acquisition and analysis
- Histological sectioning and tissue staining
- Histology imaging and documentation
- Flow cytometry (FACS) sample preparation
- RNA extraction and reverse transcription
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR)
- Cell culture techniques
- Immunohistochemistry
- Exposure to mouse models used in cancer research (as appropriate)
Internship Curriculum & Timeline
Month 1: Orientation & Foundational Training
- Complete laboratory safety and best practices training.
- Learn core scientific concepts supporting laboratory research, including experimental mouse models, molecular biology techniques, and laboratory methodologies.
- Receive instruction on techniques such as PCR, histology, RNA analysis, flow cytometry, and phenotype analysis.
- Demonstrate competency through a laboratory skills assessment before progressing to hands-on research activities.
Month 2: Research Integration
- Partner with an experienced laboratory mentor.
- Become familiar with an active research project, including its objectives and scientific significance.
- Conduct guided literature reviews by reading and discussing relevant scientific publications.
- Begin hands-on training in laboratory techniques, including pipetting, reagent preparation, and sample handling.
Months 3–6: Technical Skill Development
- Continue supporting ongoing research projects.
- Develop proficiency in more advanced laboratory techniques, including:
- Histological sectioning
- Immunohistochemistry
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
- Flow cytometry
- Cell culture
- Continue literature review and scientific discussion related to assigned projects.
Months 7–9: Scientific Communication
- Continue contributing to laboratory research.
- Present research contributions and experimental findings to the laboratory team.
- Lead a journal club presentation by critically reviewing and presenting a scientific publication related to the assigned research area.
Months 9–12: Data Analysis & Capstone Presentation
- Continue supporting laboratory research activities.
- Compile and analyze experimental data collected during the internship.
- Deliver a final presentation summarizing research contributions, experimental findings, data interpretation, and the broader scientific significance of the work.
- Lead a second journal club presentation demonstrating continued growth in scientific analysis and communication.
Mentorship
Interns will receive ongoing mentorship from experienced laboratory personnel throughout the program. Mentors will provide technical instruction, guidance on scientific literature, feedback on laboratory techniques, and support in developing analytical and presentation skills. The internship is designed to progressively build independence while providing structured learning opportunities in a collaborative research environment.
Qualifications
Required Education & Experience
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must have a HS Diploma or GED.
- Must reside in the greater Los Angeles area or surrounding cities while conducting all activities related to the intern or visitor appointment.
- INTERNS: Those participating for academic credit must receive academic credit for the duration of the internship.
- VISITORS: Must be receiving funding from an eligible sponsoring institution (employer, educator, funder, etc.).
Req ID 19523
Working Title Research Intern
Business Entity Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Category Student/Intern/Trainee
Specialty Student/Intern/Trainee
Primary Shift Day
Shift Duration 8 hour
Base Pay -
See all 999+ J-1 Visa Research Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Research
Verify your research qualifications match J-1 criteria
Research Scholar status requires a postgraduate degree and a recognized research or teaching role. Confirm your CV clearly documents degree level, publications, and prior institutional affiliations before approaching any host institution or designated sponsor.
Target host institutions with existing designated sponsors
Universities, federal research labs, and NIH-affiliated institutes typically hold active agreements with State Department-designated sponsors already. Applying to these hosts avoids delays caused by institutions that must first establish a sponsorship relationship from scratch.
Find J-1 research roles on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to search U.S. employers and research institutions whose open positions align with J-1 program eligibility, filtering by role type so you target hosts that already accommodate exchange visitor placements.
Clarify the two-year home residency requirement early
Some research fields funded by a foreign government or involving skills on the Exchange Visitor Skills List trigger the J-1 two-year home residency requirement. Identify whether your situation qualifies for a waiver before accepting an offer, since this affects future H-1B visa or green card eligibility.
Align your program dates with the DS-2019 timeline
Your designated sponsor issues the DS-2019 only after the host institution submits a completed training or program plan. Build at least six to eight weeks between your accepted offer and your intended start date to allow for DS-2019 processing and consular appointment scheduling.
Document funding sources in your program plan accurately
Designated sponsors and consular officers scrutinize whether research funding comes from U.S. government grants, foreign governments, or private sources. Misclassifying funding on the DS-2019 application or training plan can trigger additional review or denial.
Research J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a research position?
Research positions most commonly fall under the Research Scholar category, which covers postdoctoral researchers, scientists, and academics conducting research at U.S. universities and research institutes. If your stay is under six months and involves observation or consultation rather than a sustained research project, the Short-Term Scholar category may apply instead. Your designated sponsor confirms the correct category based on your role description and qualifications.
Who actually sponsors a J-1 visa for a research role?
The J-1 visa sponsor is a State Department-designated organization, such as a university international office, IIE, or a research consortium, not the employer hosting your research. Your host institution arranges the placement and signs your program plan, but the designated sponsor issues the DS-2019 form, monitors your program compliance, and serves as your official point of contact with the State Department throughout your exchange.
How do I find U.S. research employers that work with J-1 exchange programs?
Migrate Mate lets you search U.S. employers and institutions by role type, making it easier to identify research positions at hosts already familiar with J-1 exchange visitor placements. Targeting institutions with established international office infrastructure, including major research universities and federal laboratory systems, reduces the risk of delays from hosts navigating sponsorship requirements for the first time.
Does the two-year home residency requirement affect research scholars?
It can. Researchers whose positions are funded by their home government, whose nationality appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List, or whose program is financed by a U.S. government agency may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e). This bar prevents you from changing to H-1B or most immigrant visa categories until you return home for two years or obtain a waiver. Clarify your funding source with your designated sponsor before accepting any offer.
Can I work outside my host institution on a J-1 Research Scholar visa?
Your J-1 research authorization is tied to the specific host institution and program listed on your DS-2019. Taking on paid consulting, secondary employment, or research work at a different institution generally requires prior written authorization from your designated sponsor. Unauthorized employment is a program violation and can result in termination of your J-1 status, so confirm any outside engagement with your sponsor before proceeding.