J-1 Visa Research Intern Jobs
Research Intern positions in the United States are available to current students and recent graduates through the J-1 visa Intern program category, which requires sponsorship from a U.S. Department of State-designated organization. Your host employer provides the research opportunity while the designated sponsor issues your DS-2019 and monitors program compliance.
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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 147+ J-1 Visa Research Intern Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Research Intern Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Research Intern
Match your DS-2019 category before applying
Confirm you qualify for the J-1 Intern category, which requires current enrollment or graduation within 12 months. Applying to research roles before verifying your program category eligibility wastes time and risks rejection from designated sponsors.
Verify your host institution accepts J-1 interns
Many university labs and federal research agencies regularly host J-1 Intern participants, but private sector labs sometimes restrict program types. Ask hiring managers directly whether their organization has an existing relationship with a State Department-designated sponsor.
Use Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned research roles
Search Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers actively hosting international research interns. Filtering by role type saves time and surfaces host organizations already familiar with the J-1 Intern program structure and training plan requirements.
Build your training plan before your offer letter
Designated sponsors require a detailed Intern Training Program form outlining weekly objectives, supervision structure, and measurable skills. Drafting this document in advance with your prospective supervisor speeds up DS-2019 issuance significantly.
Clarify the 2-year home residency rule with your sponsor
If your research funding comes from a U.S. government agency or your home country's government, you may be subject to the INA 212(e) two-year home residency requirement. Your designated sponsor can confirm whether your specific situation triggers this rule before you finalize your placement.
Negotiate your start date around DS-2019 timelines
Designated sponsors typically need two to four weeks to issue a DS-2019 after approving your training plan. Build this window into your offer negotiation so your start date aligns with consulate processing and SEVIS activation.
Research Intern J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category covers Research Intern positions?
Research Intern roles fall under the J-1 Intern category, which is designed for current degree-seeking students or individuals who graduated within the past 12 months. If you completed your degree more than 12 months ago, you would need to qualify under the Trainee category instead, which has different eligibility criteria and program length limits.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa for a research internship?
Your visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your host research employer. The designated sponsor, such as Cultural Vistas, CIEE, or a university exchange office, issues your DS-2019 form and takes legal responsibility for your program compliance. Your host lab or institution provides the research placement and supervises your work, but it is not your visa sponsor.
How do I find U.S. research employers who regularly host J-1 interns?
Migrate Mate lets you search for roles at U.S. employers with J-1 program experience, making it easier to identify host organizations already comfortable with training plan requirements and designated sponsor coordination. Targeting institutions with prior J-1 hosting history reduces delays and the risk of a host unfamiliar with DS-2019 paperwork requirements.
Can I extend my J-1 research internship if my project runs longer than expected?
Extensions are possible but must be approved by your designated sponsor before your current DS-2019 end date. The total J-1 Intern program duration cannot exceed 12 months. Your host supervisor and sponsor must agree on a revised training plan documenting the additional objectives, and SEVIS records must be updated before the extension takes effect.
Does a research internship through J-1 affect my future H-1B or other visa options?
Completing a J-1 internship does not block H-1B visa or other nonimmigrant visa applications, unless the INA 212(e) two-year home residency requirement applies to your exchange. If triggered, you would need to return to your home country for two years or obtain a waiver before changing to most other visa categories. Your designated sponsor can tell you whether your specific funding source or nationality activates this requirement.