J-1 Visa Research Specialist Jobs
Research Specialist positions in the United States are available to qualified international professionals through the J-1 visa Research Scholar and Specialist program categories, which require a designated sponsor organization to issue your DS-2019. Securing sponsorship depends on identifying host institutions with active exchange visitor programs and demonstrating a research agenda that aligns with their mission.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Posting Title:
Postdoctoral Researcher - College of Engineering
Position Type:
Other Academic
Department:
LSUAM Engineering - Department of Academic Affairs (Marwa Mohamed Hassan (00008972))
Work Location:
2214 Patrick F. Taylor Hall
Job Description:
Conduct applied research on engineering education at the undergraduate level, which includes teaching sophomore level engineering and computer science undergraduate and/or graduate courses to test new educational methodologies and education/learning management modalities.
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80% Conduct innovative research in engineering education by integrating teaching and learning activities into experimental research on instructional methods. Provide instruction and advisement at the undergraduate and graduate levels—including courses, small group sessions, recitations, and study sessions—as a means of testing, refining, and evaluating new educational approaches. Design and implement innovative instructional strategies and interventions and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to measure their impact on student learning. Develop and apply experimental approaches within emerging education and learning management modalities. Collaborate with faculty, students, and industry partners to identify challenges in engineering education, and pursue grant funding to support ongoing and new initiatives.
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15% Mentor graduate and undergraduate students engaged in education-related research and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
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5% Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in an Engineering Education or Engineering discipline. Demonstrated interest in engineering education research. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis methods. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Experience with curriculum development or instructional design is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ph.D in Engineering Education and 2-5 years of experience or more including graduate study.
- Background in a specific engineering discipline (e.g., mechanical, electrical, civil).
- Experience with mixed-methods research approaches.
- Familiarity with current trends and issues in engineering education.
- Experience with teaching or teaching assistance.
Special Instructions:
For questions concerning this position can be directed to Jessica Waters: Jessicawaters@lsu.edu
Posting Date:
September 16, 2026
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
Additional Position Information:
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.
HCM Contact Information:
For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.
Job Posting Title:
Postdoctoral Researcher - College of Engineering
Position Type:
Other Academic
Department:
LSUAM Engineering - Department of Academic Affairs (Marwa Mohamed Hassan (00008972))
Work Location:
2214 Patrick F. Taylor Hall
Job Description:
Conduct applied research on engineering education at the undergraduate level, which includes teaching sophomore level engineering and computer science undergraduate and/or graduate courses to test new educational methodologies and education/learning management modalities.
-
80% Conduct innovative research in engineering education by integrating teaching and learning activities into experimental research on instructional methods. Provide instruction and advisement at the undergraduate and graduate levels—including courses, small group sessions, recitations, and study sessions—as a means of testing, refining, and evaluating new educational approaches. Design and implement innovative instructional strategies and interventions and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to measure their impact on student learning. Develop and apply experimental approaches within emerging education and learning management modalities. Collaborate with faculty, students, and industry partners to identify challenges in engineering education, and pursue grant funding to support ongoing and new initiatives.
-
15% Mentor graduate and undergraduate students engaged in education-related research and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
-
5% Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in an Engineering Education or Engineering discipline. Demonstrated interest in engineering education research. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis methods. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Experience with curriculum development or instructional design is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ph.D in Engineering Education and 2-5 years of experience or more including graduate study.
- Background in a specific engineering discipline (e.g., mechanical, electrical, civil).
- Experience with mixed-methods research approaches.
- Familiarity with current trends and issues in engineering education.
- Experience with teaching or teaching assistance.
Special Instructions:
For questions concerning this position can be directed to Jessica Waters: Jessicawaters@lsu.edu
Posting Date:
September 16, 2026
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
Additional Position Information:
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.
HCM Contact Information:
For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.
See all 83+ J-1 Visa Research Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Research Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Research Specialist
Translate your research credentials for U.S. reviewers
Prepare an English-language CV that maps your publications, lab techniques, and institutional affiliations to U.S. research norms. Designated sponsors evaluate your research agenda before issuing a DS-2019, so vague credentials slow the process.
Distinguish Research Scholar from Specialist category eligibility
The Research Scholar category requires a postdoctoral background or equivalent; the Specialist category fits recognized experts without that degree path. Confirm which category your host institution's designated sponsor supports before pursuing a placement.
Search Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned host employers
Filter by research roles at universities, federal labs, and research institutes that have J-1 exchange visitor programs in place. Migrate Mate surfaces positions at institutions already structured to work with designated sponsors.
Confirm your host institution has a designated sponsor relationship
Most universities and national labs hold their own State Department designation and issue DS-2019 forms internally. Smaller private employers must work with an outside sponsor like CIEE or Cultural Vistas, which adds coordination time to your timeline.
Request the training plan before accepting an offer
Your designated sponsor requires a structured training plan outlining your research objectives, supervision, and learning outcomes. Ask the host institution to draft this document early so your DS-2019 application isn't delayed after you accept.
Clarify the 2-year home residency requirement with your sponsor
Research Specialist and Research Scholar J-1 holders are often subject to the 2-year home country residency requirement, depending on your country of nationality and funding source. USCIS and your designated sponsor can determine your status before you finalize plans.
Research Specialist J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Research Specialist roles?
Most Research Specialist positions fall under the Research Scholar or Specialist J-1 category. Research Scholar applies to postdoctoral researchers and faculty-level scientists; Specialist covers recognized experts in a defined field who don't hold a postdoctoral credential. The host institution's designated sponsor determines which category fits your background and issues the DS-2019 accordingly.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Research Specialist?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your hiring employer. Universities often hold their own designation and act as their own sponsor. Smaller research institutes or private employers use outside sponsors such as CIEE or Cultural Vistas. The designated sponsor issues your DS-2019, signs the training plan, and monitors compliance throughout your program.
How do I find research institutions that already have J-1 programs in place?
Use Migrate Mate to search for Research Specialist roles at universities, federal research agencies, and nonprofit institutes that operate active J-1 exchange visitor programs. Filtering by institution type is faster than cold-contacting employers, since an institution without a designated sponsor relationship or in-house designation cannot host a J-1 exchange visitor without adding a separate sponsor arrangement.
Does the 2-year home residency requirement apply to Research Specialist J-1 holders?
It often does. The requirement is triggered by your country of nationality, whether your position is funded by a U.S. government agency or your home government, and whether your home country appears on the State Department's exchange visitor skills list. If it applies, you must return home for two years before changing to most other U.S. visa categories. Confirm your status with the designated sponsor before accepting an offer.
What documents does a Research Specialist need before the DS-2019 is issued?
Your designated sponsor typically requires a structured training plan, evidence of your research qualifications such as a CV and publication list, confirmation of funding or salary support from the host institution, and proof of health insurance that meets J-1 minimums. Some sponsors also require English proficiency documentation. Starting this paperwork before your offer is finalized prevents delays in DS-2019 issuance.