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 JobsHow to Apply
To apply, please submit the following application materials no later than August 31, 2026 to zhanc@umich.edu:
- A cover letter that summarizes the candidate's experience and a brief description of research interests and experience
- CV, including a list of publications
- Contact information for three references
Job Summary
Professor Zhan Chen's laboratory at the University of Michigan is currently recruiting for a postdoctoral research fellow position in the Department of Chemistry. This is a one-year appointment starting no later than December 30, 2026. The initial appointment as a Research Fellow is for one year with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of work and the availability of funding. The research in Prof. Chen's lab is focused on molecular level studies on complex surfaces/interfaces such as polymer and biological interfaces using nonlinear optical spectroscopic techniques. The Chen group has published journal articles extensively on studies of surfaces and interfaces using sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy, supplemented by a variety of analytical tools. The research covers both fundamental studies and collaborations with industry. To read more about the groundbreaking research conducted in the Zhan Chen laboratory click here: Chen Lab (https://public.websites.umich.edu/~chenlab/).
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will carry out SFG and other spectroscopic studies on molecular structures and interactions at interfaces involving biological molecules, polymer materials, organic molecules, metals, or semiconductors. The postdoc will also be involved in the research related to interfacial dynamics using ultrafast pump-probe SFG studies. The postdoc is expected to perform both independent and collaborative research (with group members and industrial partners), publish peer reviewed research articles, present research data to the industrial collaborators, and write technical reports.
Required Qualifications
PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Laser Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field is required. Proof of degree confirmation must be in hand on or before the start date.
Desired Qualifications
Extensive research experience and background in all or some of the following areas: molecular spectroscopy, lasers (solid-state lasers), nonlinear optical systems (second harmonic, sum frequency generation etc.), ultrafast spectroscopy, etc. The ideal candidate will be a conscientious, responsible person who is interested in being a member of a team of postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students; have excellent organizational skills and can communicate effectively with a wide-range of people with various backgrounds. The ideal candidate will also have a strong record of publications. Postdoctoral Research Fellows in the Chen laboratory expected to assume leadership of their projects and mentor graduates students and undergraduates working alongside them to answer questions and communicate findings.
Modes of Work
The work requires a fully onsite presence at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor Campus).
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Contact Information
Please direct any questions to zhanc@umich.edu
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
280736
Working Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Chen Lab, LSA Chemistry
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
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Chemistry
Posting Begin/End Date
7/31/2026 - 9/04/2026
Salary
$63,480.00 - $63,480.00
Career Interest
Research Fellows
How to Apply
To apply, please submit the following application materials no later than August 31, 2026 to zhanc@umich.edu:
- A cover letter that summarizes the candidate's experience and a brief description of research interests and experience
- CV, including a list of publications
- Contact information for three references
Job Summary
Professor Zhan Chen's laboratory at the University of Michigan is currently recruiting for a postdoctoral research fellow position in the Department of Chemistry. This is a one-year appointment starting no later than December 30, 2026. The initial appointment as a Research Fellow is for one year with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of work and the availability of funding. The research in Prof. Chen's lab is focused on molecular level studies on complex surfaces/interfaces such as polymer and biological interfaces using nonlinear optical spectroscopic techniques. The Chen group has published journal articles extensively on studies of surfaces and interfaces using sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy, supplemented by a variety of analytical tools. The research covers both fundamental studies and collaborations with industry. To read more about the groundbreaking research conducted in the Zhan Chen laboratory click here: Chen Lab (https://public.websites.umich.edu/~chenlab/).
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will carry out SFG and other spectroscopic studies on molecular structures and interactions at interfaces involving biological molecules, polymer materials, organic molecules, metals, or semiconductors. The postdoc will also be involved in the research related to interfacial dynamics using ultrafast pump-probe SFG studies. The postdoc is expected to perform both independent and collaborative research (with group members and industrial partners), publish peer reviewed research articles, present research data to the industrial collaborators, and write technical reports.
Required Qualifications
PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Laser Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field is required. Proof of degree confirmation must be in hand on or before the start date.
Desired Qualifications
Extensive research experience and background in all or some of the following areas: molecular spectroscopy, lasers (solid-state lasers), nonlinear optical systems (second harmonic, sum frequency generation etc.), ultrafast spectroscopy, etc. The ideal candidate will be a conscientious, responsible person who is interested in being a member of a team of postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students; have excellent organizational skills and can communicate effectively with a wide-range of people with various backgrounds. The ideal candidate will also have a strong record of publications. Postdoctoral Research Fellows in the Chen laboratory expected to assume leadership of their projects and mentor graduates students and undergraduates working alongside them to answer questions and communicate findings.
Modes of Work
The work requires a fully onsite presence at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor Campus).
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Contact Information
Please direct any questions to zhanc@umich.edu
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
280736
Working Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Chen Lab, LSA Chemistry
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
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Chemistry
Posting Begin/End Date
7/31/2026 - 9/04/2026
Salary
$63,480.00 - $63,480.00
Career Interest
Research Fellows
See all 66+ 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.