J-1 Visa Research Fellow Jobs
Research Fellow positions in the United States are filled through the J-1 visa Research Scholar program category, which requires a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization to issue your DS-2019 and oversee your exchange. Sponsorship comes from the host institution's affiliated sponsor, not the employer directly. Many Research Scholar placements carry a two-year home residency requirement.
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Get Access To All JobsMission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Job Summary
A postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Dr. Les Satin in the Department of Pharmacology of the University of Michigan Medical School and the Brehm Diabetes Center. The Satin Lab is interested in understanding the physiology of pancreatic beta cells of the islets of Langerhans of healthy as well diabetic mouse models and human islets. An important strength of our lab is its location in the Brehm Diabetes Center, as this is an ideal training environment where multiple laboratories working on islet cells interact closely and continually.
We are looking for people that are interested in investigating mechanisms of basic cell function and both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with the aim to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Candidates with prior experience in live cell imaging of intracellular free calcium, patch clamp electrophysiology, biochemical or cell biology analysis of pancreatic islets and the study of mouse or human tissue are especially encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Employ basic physiological, molecular, biochemical and cellular techniques
- Mouse husbandry and handling
- Cell culture
- Data analysis
- Protocol design
- Write manuscripts
- Learn additional skills as needed
- Perform other related duties as needed
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Physiology, Neuroscience, Cell/Molecular Biology, or a related field.
- Evidence of prior publications.
- Technical requirements include skills in microscopy and imaging of cells and quantitative skills.
- Familiar with standard Windows Office software, spreadsheet applications, and graphics applications.
In order to be considered for this position the applicant must have met or will have met all the required qualifications prior to the start date of employment.
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
- Retirement saving opportunities
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
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
279023
Working Title
Research Fellow
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
Medical School
Department
MM Pharmacology Department
Posting Begin/End Date
6/18/2026 - 8/02/2026
Career Interest
Research Fellows
Mission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Job Summary
A postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Dr. Les Satin in the Department of Pharmacology of the University of Michigan Medical School and the Brehm Diabetes Center. The Satin Lab is interested in understanding the physiology of pancreatic beta cells of the islets of Langerhans of healthy as well diabetic mouse models and human islets. An important strength of our lab is its location in the Brehm Diabetes Center, as this is an ideal training environment where multiple laboratories working on islet cells interact closely and continually.
We are looking for people that are interested in investigating mechanisms of basic cell function and both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with the aim to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Candidates with prior experience in live cell imaging of intracellular free calcium, patch clamp electrophysiology, biochemical or cell biology analysis of pancreatic islets and the study of mouse or human tissue are especially encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Employ basic physiological, molecular, biochemical and cellular techniques
- Mouse husbandry and handling
- Cell culture
- Data analysis
- Protocol design
- Write manuscripts
- Learn additional skills as needed
- Perform other related duties as needed
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Physiology, Neuroscience, Cell/Molecular Biology, or a related field.
- Evidence of prior publications.
- Technical requirements include skills in microscopy and imaging of cells and quantitative skills.
- Familiar with standard Windows Office software, spreadsheet applications, and graphics applications.
In order to be considered for this position the applicant must have met or will have met all the required qualifications prior to the start date of employment.
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
- Retirement saving opportunities
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
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
279023
Working Title
Research Fellow
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
Medical School
Department
MM Pharmacology Department
Posting Begin/End Date
6/18/2026 - 8/02/2026
Career Interest
Research Fellows
See all 215+ J-1 Visa Research Fellow Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Research Fellow Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Research Fellow
Confirm your home residency requirement early
Research Scholar placements frequently trigger the two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e), particularly if your position is government-funded or in a field on the Skills List. Verify your status before accepting any offer so you can plan accordingly.
Distinguish the host from the designated sponsor
Your hiring institution is your host, not your visa sponsor. The designated sponsor, often the university's affiliated J-1 program office or an organization like IIE, issues your DS-2019 and is the entity USCIS and the State Department hold accountable for your program compliance.
Align your CV to Research Scholar eligibility criteria
The Research Scholar category requires a postgraduate-level background and a defined research project. Frame your CV around peer-reviewed publications, funded projects, and institutional affiliations rather than generalist research experience to satisfy designated sponsor screening.
Search for host institutions using Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. universities, research institutes, and laboratories that actively host J-1 Research Scholars. Filtering by employer type and program history saves time compared to cold-searching institution directories for J-1 receptive hosts.
Request the DS-2019 timeline before committing
Designated sponsors set their own DS-2019 processing windows, which can run four to eight weeks. Ask your host institution which sponsor they work with and confirm issuance timelines before you give notice at your current position.
Prepare a program plan that satisfies sponsor training requirements
Most designated sponsors require a detailed research plan outlining objectives, methodologies, and duration before issuing a DS-2019. Draft this document in collaboration with your faculty host or principal investigator, not after you receive an offer letter.
Research Fellow J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Research Fellow roles?
Research Fellow positions fall under the J-1 Research Scholar category. This category is designed for postdoctoral researchers, senior scientists, and experienced academics conducting research at U.S. universities or research institutions. It is distinct from the Intern and Trainee categories, which are intended for current students and early-career professionals rather than established researchers.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa as a Research Fellow?
Your visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization, not your hiring institution. Universities frequently act as their own designated sponsors through an institutional J-1 program office, while independent research institutes may partner with an external organization like IIE. The designated sponsor issues your DS-2019 and is legally responsible for monitoring your exchange program, not your day-to-day research supervisor.
How do I find U.S. institutions that host J-1 Research Scholars?
Use Migrate Mate to search for Research Fellow openings at institutions with active J-1 hosting history. Direct outreach to faculty whose published work aligns with your research area also works well, since many Research Scholar placements are arranged through academic connections before a formal job posting exists. Targeting R1 research universities and federally funded laboratories increases your odds of finding an experienced host.
What is the two-year home residency requirement and how do I know if it applies to me?
The two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e) obligates certain J-1 exchange visitors to return to their home country for two years before applying for an H-1B visa, L-1 visa, or permanent residence. It applies to Research Scholars whose positions are funded by the U.S. or home country government, or whose field appears on the State Department's Exchange Visitor Skills List. Your DS-2019 and visa stamp will indicate whether the requirement applies, and a waiver can sometimes be obtained through a no-objection statement or Interested Government Agency request.
Can I extend my J-1 Research Scholar status if my fellowship continues?
Yes, the Research Scholar category allows extensions up to a combined maximum program duration of five years, subject to your designated sponsor's approval and continued host institution support. Your sponsor must update your DS-2019 before your current authorized stay expires. Extensions require demonstrating ongoing research activity and cannot be used to change your primary research objective without sponsor review.