J-1 Visa Research Associate Jobs
Research Associate positions in the United States are available to exchange visitors under the J-1 visa Research Scholar or Short-Term Scholar program category, administered by a State Department-designated sponsor organization that issues your DS-2019. Finding a host institution willing to work with a designated sponsor is the first step toward securing sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsNumber of Vacancies 1
Location McAllen, Texas
Department School of Medicine / MDOISU Cancer Research
FTE 1.0
FLSA Non-Exempt
Scope of Job
Under the moderate supervision and with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, performs routine research projects. Working under PI and along with postdoctoral fellows and research scientists in performing experiments for research projects. Manages the upkeep, training, and supervision of specialized research equipment within area of assigned responsibility. May supervise the work of others.
Description of Duties
- Develops, tests, records, and analyzes research projects based on application expertise and interest in cancer biology, molecular techniques.
- Explore molecular mechanisms linking to cancer, obesity, liver, women diseases using a combination of biochemical and molecular techniques in cultured cells, xenografts, and engineered mouse models.
- Work with conventional laboratory reagents, instrumentation, and molecular/tissue biology techniques.
- Collects, compiles, and analyzes research data.
- Prepares, collects, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records for experiments.
- Uses statistical methods and relational databases to analyze data sets.
- Prepares or assists with preparing reports of research findings.
- Assists with planning, developing, coordinating, and administering research projects.
- May assist in designing and creating computer programs for research applications.
- Operates and maintains equipment and automated systems.
- May train users on the operation and data management of research equipment.
- Maintains inventory of research related material.
- Complies with all State and University policies.
- Other duties may be assigned.
Supervision Received
Specific supervision from assigned supervisor.
Supervision Given
May carry out limited responsibilities in accordance with the project objectives, policies and applicable laws and provides guidance to student employees.
Required Education
Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from an accredited University or in an applicable discipline.
Preferred Education
Master’s degree in Biomedical Science.
Licenses/Certifications
None.
Required Experience
No minimum experience required.
Preferred Experience
Experience in biomedical science with formal research training and hands-on experience in cancer biology.
Equipment
Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis, of measurement, testing, and evaluation, and of research methods, principles, techniques, and philosophies. Skilled in conducting qualitative and quantitative research and in using computers, software, and statistical tools and programs. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee research projects, evaluate research data, ensure the development of measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity, interpret and publish research findings, and communicate effectively. Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.
Working Conditions
Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Other
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public. This position is designed for full-time employees. May work some evenings and/or weekends.
Physical Capabilities
N/A
Employment Category Full-Time
Minimum Salary Commensurate with Experience
Posted Salary Commensurate with Experience
Position Available Date 07/06/2026
Grant Funded Position No
If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Dear Applicant,
Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Ethnicity/Race
Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.
If you have any questions, please visit our Careers site for detailed contact information.
Additional Information
UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.
All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of HR & Regulatory Affairs.
Number of Vacancies 1
Location McAllen, Texas
Department School of Medicine / MDOISU Cancer Research
FTE 1.0
FLSA Non-Exempt
Scope of Job
Under the moderate supervision and with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, performs routine research projects. Working under PI and along with postdoctoral fellows and research scientists in performing experiments for research projects. Manages the upkeep, training, and supervision of specialized research equipment within area of assigned responsibility. May supervise the work of others.
Description of Duties
- Develops, tests, records, and analyzes research projects based on application expertise and interest in cancer biology, molecular techniques.
- Explore molecular mechanisms linking to cancer, obesity, liver, women diseases using a combination of biochemical and molecular techniques in cultured cells, xenografts, and engineered mouse models.
- Work with conventional laboratory reagents, instrumentation, and molecular/tissue biology techniques.
- Collects, compiles, and analyzes research data.
- Prepares, collects, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records for experiments.
- Uses statistical methods and relational databases to analyze data sets.
- Prepares or assists with preparing reports of research findings.
- Assists with planning, developing, coordinating, and administering research projects.
- May assist in designing and creating computer programs for research applications.
- Operates and maintains equipment and automated systems.
- May train users on the operation and data management of research equipment.
- Maintains inventory of research related material.
- Complies with all State and University policies.
- Other duties may be assigned.
Supervision Received
Specific supervision from assigned supervisor.
Supervision Given
May carry out limited responsibilities in accordance with the project objectives, policies and applicable laws and provides guidance to student employees.
Required Education
Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from an accredited University or in an applicable discipline.
Preferred Education
Master’s degree in Biomedical Science.
Licenses/Certifications
None.
Required Experience
No minimum experience required.
Preferred Experience
Experience in biomedical science with formal research training and hands-on experience in cancer biology.
Equipment
Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis, of measurement, testing, and evaluation, and of research methods, principles, techniques, and philosophies. Skilled in conducting qualitative and quantitative research and in using computers, software, and statistical tools and programs. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee research projects, evaluate research data, ensure the development of measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity, interpret and publish research findings, and communicate effectively. Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.
Working Conditions
Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Other
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public. This position is designed for full-time employees. May work some evenings and/or weekends.
Physical Capabilities
N/A
Employment Category Full-Time
Minimum Salary Commensurate with Experience
Posted Salary Commensurate with Experience
Position Available Date 07/06/2026
Grant Funded Position No
If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Dear Applicant,
Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Ethnicity/Race
Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.
If you have any questions, please visit our Careers site for detailed contact information.
Additional Information
UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.
All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of HR & Regulatory Affairs.
See all 690+ J-1 Visa Research Associate Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Research Associate
Document your research credentials before applying
Gather published papers, lab reports, and letters from supervisors confirming your research specialization. Designated sponsors like IIE evaluate your academic and professional record when assessing DS-2019 eligibility, so gaps in documentation slow the process.
Target host institutions with active J-1 programs
Universities, federal research labs, and NIH-affiliated institutes regularly host J-1 Research Scholars. Prioritize employers whose job postings reference international exchange visitors or whose HR teams have processed DS-2019 forms before.
Search Migrate Mate to find Research Associate roles
Migrate Mate filters U.S. employer listings by visa compatibility, letting you identify research institutions that have hosted J-1 exchange visitors. Use it to narrow your search before cold-contacting HR departments.
Clarify the 2-year home residency requirement early
Research Scholar positions in government-funded or skills-list fields often trigger the 2-year home residency requirement under INA 212(e). Confirm with your designated sponsor whether your specific role and funding source activate this condition before accepting an offer.
Request a training plan outline from your host employer
Designated sponsors require a structured training plan before issuing a DS-2019 for Research Scholar applicants. Ask your host institution to draft the plan in writing during the offer stage so the sponsor can begin review without delay.
Verify your program end date aligns with your research timeline
J-1 Research Scholar status can typically be extended through your designated sponsor if the original DS-2019 end date falls before your project concludes. Confirm extension eligibility and processing lead times with the sponsor before signing your employment agreement.
Research Associate J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Research Associate positions?
Most Research Associate roles fall under the J-1 Research Scholar or Short-Term Scholar category, both administered by a State Department-designated sponsor organization. Research Scholar is for longer-term appointments, while Short-Term Scholar covers visits under six months. Current students pursuing research placements as part of their degree may qualify under the Intern category instead, depending on program structure.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa as a Research Associate?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations like IIE, Cultural Vistas, or a university's international office issue your DS-2019 form and hold legal responsibility for program compliance. Your host institution, the research lab or university department where you work, is the employer but is not the visa sponsor under J-1 rules.
How do I find U.S. employers that work with J-1 Research Scholar sponsors?
Migrate Mate lets you search Research Associate roles filtered by visa compatibility, helping you identify host institutions that have experience working with J-1 designated sponsors. Because not every research employer has navigated the DS-2019 process, narrowing your search to institutions familiar with exchange visitor requirements saves significant time during the offer stage.
Does the 2-year home residency requirement affect Research Associate positions?
It can. Research Scholars funded by their home government, a U.S. government agency, or working in an occupation on the Exchange Visitor Skills List may be subject to the 2-year home residency requirement under INA 212(e). This means you'd need to return home for two years before changing to most other U.S. visa statuses. Confirm whether your specific funding source and field trigger this requirement with your designated sponsor before accepting an offer.
What is the grace period after a J-1 Research Scholar program ends?
J-1 exchange visitors receive a 30-day grace period after their program end date as listed on the DS-2019. During this period you must depart the United States or take steps to change your immigration status. Unlike the 60-day OPT grace period for F-1 students, the J-1 window is shorter, so coordinating your departure or status change with your designated sponsor well before your end date is essential.