J-1 Visa Research Engineer Jobs
Research Engineer roles in the United States are available to international professionals through the J-1 visa under the Research Scholar or Specialist program category, administered by a State Department-designated sponsor organization. Securing J-1 sponsorship requires aligning your research focus with a host institution's active program before the DS-2019 is issued.
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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 1,002+ J-1 Visa Research Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Research Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Research Engineer
Align your CV to U.S. research terminology
U.S. host institutions review CVs against specific research domains listed in their J-1 visa program scope. Translate your project titles and publications into terms that match how American engineering research labs describe their work using O*NET occupation profiles.
Confirm your program category before applying
Research Scholar suits faculty-level or postdoctoral researchers with a prior degree; Specialist fits narrowly defined technical expertise. Applying under the wrong category can invalidate your DS-2019 before the State Department-designated sponsor even reviews your training plan.
Target host institutions with active DS-2019 authority
Not every research lab or engineering firm can host J-1 exchange visitors. Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers with a documented history of hosting J-1 Research Engineers, which signals they already work with a designated sponsor organization.
Build a defensible training plan before the offer stage
Your designated sponsor requires a detailed training plan outlining research objectives, supervision structure, and timeline. Drafting this before your offer letter means you can move to DS-2019 issuance faster and give your host institution fewer reasons to delay.
Check whether your role triggers the 2-year home residency requirement
Research Engineers funded by their home government or working in fields on the Exchange Visitor Skills List may be subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement. Verify your status with the State Department before accepting a host position.
Negotiate a program start date around DS-2019 processing windows
Designated sponsors typically need 30 to 60 days to issue a DS-2019 after receiving a complete training plan from your host. Build this window into any offer negotiation so your program start date doesn't force a rushed or incomplete application package.
Research Engineer J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Research Engineer positions?
The Research Scholar category applies to most Research Engineer roles, particularly postdoctoral or senior-level positions at universities, national labs, or research institutes. The Specialist category fits narrowly scoped technical assignments at non-academic host organizations. Current students doing pre-graduation placements would fall under the Intern category instead. Your designated sponsor determines which category your situation qualifies for based on your credentials and the host institution's program scope.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Research Engineer, the employer or a separate organization?
The J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not the hiring employer. Organizations like IIE, CIEE, or Cultural Vistas issue the DS-2019 form and manage regulatory compliance. The research institution or company where you work is the host, not the visa sponsor. You need both a willing host employer and a designated sponsor before your visa application can move forward.
How do I find U.S. research institutions that host J-1 engineers?
Search on Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers actively hiring Research Engineers in roles that align with J-1 exchange visitor categories. Not every employer has an existing relationship with a designated sponsor, so targeting institutions with prior J-1 hosting experience reduces friction significantly and shortens the time from offer to DS-2019 issuance.
Does a J-1 Research Engineer face a 2-year home residency requirement?
Potentially, yes. Research Engineers whose positions are funded by their home government, funded by a U.S. government agency, or whose home country has designated their field of expertise on the Exchange Visitor Skills List are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement. This bars you from changing to certain other visa statuses or applying for permanent residence until the requirement is fulfilled or waived.
Is there an annual cap or lottery for the J-1 Research Scholar category?
No. The J-1 visa has no annual cap and no lottery. Research Engineers applying under the Research Scholar or Specialist category can be sponsored year-round, provided a State Department-designated sponsor is willing to issue the DS-2019 and your host institution has an approved exchange visitor program. The limiting factor is sponsor capacity and host institution readiness, not government quota availability.