J-1 Visa Research Assistant Professor Jobs
Research Assistant Professor positions in the U.S. are typically filled through the J-1 visa Research Scholar or Professor program category, with sponsorship issued by a State Department-designated organization rather than your hiring institution directly. Your host university coordinates with a designated sponsor to issue the DS-2019 and manage compliance throughout your appointment.
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INTRODUCTION
The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University (ECU) has positions open to hire four full-time faculty members. The position will have a 12-month fixed-term, Tenure-Track, or Tenured appointment term and will be filled by a Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, or Associate Professor, depending on the candidate’s academic qualifications. The Department currently has established research programs in cellular metabolism, reproductive biology, muscle biology, and neuroscience. The Department seeks to expand its research portfolio into additional and complementary areas of molecular and cell biology, including programs focused on understanding the cellular and molecular bases of chronic health conditions and/or human disease.
A variety of experimental approaches, encompassing in vivo, in vitro, and in silico models, will be considered. Candidates are expected to develop and maintain a productive externally funded research program. In addition to research, the successful candidate is expected to contribute to the Department’s teaching mission in biomedical sciences in both the graduate and medical schools. The teaching will consist of classroom teaching and potentially lab-based teaching. The successful candidate will also serve as a mentor for undergraduate and graduate students. Finally, the successful candidate is expected to contribute to departmental and university service. Generous laboratory space and competitive start-up packages are available for this position. For additional information or informal inquiries, please either contact Department Chair Dr. Espen Spangenburg (spangenburge14@ecu.edu) and/or Search Chair Dr. Alessandro Didonna (didonnaal21@ecu.edu).
Contingent upon the availability of funds
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
PhD (or equivalent degree) in Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field.
Hiring at the Assistant Professor rank will be considered for exceptional applicants who exhibit a program of scholarship that has professional recognition (e.g., publications and potential for obtaining extramural funding).
The successful candidate at the Associate Professor level must have current external funding.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY STATUTE OR REGULATION
None
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
None
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT
To be considered for this position, applicants need to submit a cover letter, CV, list of 3 references, a statement of their research plan, and a statement of teaching philosophy. These will be uploaded in the documents section of the application. For additional information or informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Espen Spangenburg, Department Chair, and/or Search Chair Dr. Alessandro Didonna.
At the time of employment, three original letters of reference, official transcripts, a criminal background check, and proper documentation of identity and employability are required. Please be aware that if selected for an interview, an automatic e-mail will be sent to the individuals entered by the applicant in the References Section of the PeopleAdmin applicant tracking system. Letters of reference submitted via the PeopleAdmin applicant tracking system will be verified and considered towards meeting this requirement.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.
Unless otherwise identified in the applicable job posting and consistent with University policy, the University will principally employ individuals who reside in the State of North Carolina to the greatest extent practicable. As such, most positions at East Carolina University require employees to live and work in North Carolina (or live within a reasonable daily commuting distance from their duty station) after hire. Candidates should be prepared to relocate within a reasonable, agreed-upon time after an offer of employment has been made and accepted to meet this requirement.
JOB OPEN DATE
06/13/2025
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Yes
JOB CLOSE DATE
Positions will be posted until 11:59 p.m. EST on this date. If no closing date is indicated, the position may close at any time after the initial screening date.
INITIAL SCREENING BEGINS
07/14/2025
RANK LEVEL
Associate Professor, Assistant Professor
Nondiscrimination Statement
East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
DEPARTMENT FOR PEOPLE OPERATIONS, SUCCESS, AND OPPORTUNITY
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Research Assistant Professor
Verify your degree credentials meet program requirements
The J-1 Professor category requires a full-time faculty appointment. If your role is research-heavy with limited teaching, the Research Scholar category may apply instead. Confirm the correct category with your prospective host institution before accepting an offer, since misclassification delays DS-2019 issuance.
Check whether the two-year rule applies to you
Some Research Assistant Professor candidates are subject to the J-1 two-year home residency requirement, triggered by government funding or skills-list status. Determine your exposure before signing an offer, since this affects your ability to change to H-1B visa or get a green card later.
Target universities with active designated sponsor agreements
Not every research institution has an in-house J-1 program. Search for host employers whose international scholar offices already work with a State Department-designated sponsor organization, since those institutions process DS-2019 forms routinely and face shorter onboarding timelines for incoming scholars.
Use Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned research roles
Research Assistant Professor openings at J-1-ready institutions aren't always labeled as visa-friendly in job postings. Use Migrate Mate to filter U.S. university and research institute roles by sponsorship history so you're applying where the infrastructure already exists.
Prepare your research plan before your DS-2019 request
Your host institution submits a program description to the designated sponsor when requesting your DS-2019. Drafting a clear research objectives statement in advance speeds this step, since sponsor organizations review it to confirm your exchange activity qualifies under J-1 program objectives.
Clarify who manages your J-1 compliance at the host site
During the offer stage, ask whether the university's international scholar office or an external designated sponsor organization administers your J-1. This determines who handles your SEVIS record, program extensions, and any travel validation signatures throughout your appointment.
Research Assistant Professor J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category covers Research Assistant Professor positions?
Most Research Assistant Professor roles fall under the J-1 Research Scholar category, which covers individuals conducting research, observing, or consulting at research institutions. The J-1 Professor category applies when the appointment involves primarily teaching duties. Your host institution's international scholar office determines the correct category based on your actual appointment terms before requesting your DS-2019 from a State Department-designated sponsor.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Research Assistant Professor?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your hiring institution. Your host university partners with a designated sponsor, which issues the DS-2019 form and monitors your program compliance. The university is the host, not the sponsor. Some large research universities are themselves designated sponsors, but many route sponsorship through external organizations approved by the State Department.
How do I find Research Assistant Professor positions at institutions that support J-1 scholars?
Not all research institutions advertise their J-1 readiness in job postings. Migrate Mate lets you search U.S. university and research institute roles filtered by sponsorship history, helping you target institutions that already have the infrastructure to support incoming J-1 Research Scholars rather than spending time on employers unfamiliar with the process.
Does the two-year home residency requirement affect Research Assistant Professor candidates?
It can. The J-1 two-year home country physical presence requirement is triggered by government funding from your home country or the U.S., or if your field appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List for your country. Research roles funded by certain grants may trigger it. USCIS and the State Department determine applicability, and the requirement directly affects your ability to change to H-1B status or pursue a green card without first obtaining a waiver.
Can I extend my J-1 status if my Research Assistant Professor appointment is renewed?
Yes, J-1 Research Scholar status can be extended beyond the initial program end date, provided your designated sponsor organization approves the extension and your SEVIS record is updated before your current DS-2019 expires. Program extensions require a continued qualifying research appointment at your host institution. Extensions are processed by the designated sponsor, not USCIS, so your international scholar office initiates the request.