J-1 Visa Research Specialist Jobs
Research Specialist positions in the United States are available to qualified international professionals through the J-1 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 JobsTitle: Postdoctoral Fellow / Research Specialist
Appointment Status: Non-Tenure Track
Department: IU Indianapolis Department of Epidemiology – Fairbanks School of Public Health
Location: Indianapolis
Position Summary:
The IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health (FSPH), in conjunction with the Regenstrief Institute, is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Specialist for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded fellowship in public and population health informatics. This unique post-doctoral program is located on Indiana University’s Indianapolis campus, which is uniquely positioned in the health and life sciences hub for Indiana. Our fellowship program is looking for people who want to make the world better—and have the innate interest, scientific acumen, and desire to be surrounded by faculty and staff who are committed to transforming the public and population health care system in the U.S. Our program prepares Research Scientists to design, implement, and evaluate the impact of information technologies on population health in the context of public health and healthcare delivery organizations. The goal of the fellowship program is to provide individuals with doctoral training who are interested in developing further analytical, methodological, and professional skills needed for informatics-oriented research positions in academia, government, and industry. The program focuses on scholarly output and preparation for an independent scientist career.
About the School and Department:
The mission of the FSPH is to cultivate innovative, interdisciplinary, community-engaged education, research, and service and prepare leaders in public health and health care. Health is defined as the capacity to develop full human potential, not simply the absence of disease. In promoting the health of communities, FSPH emphasizes the prevention of disease and injury and recognizes the interconnectedness of the physical environment and ecosystem to the health of the community. Established in 2012, FSPH is fully accredited by CEPH. The school offers a range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Degrees:
+ BS in Health Services Management
+ BS in Public Health
Graduate Degrees:
+ Master of Public Health (MPH) with concentrations in:
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy and Management
- Interdisciplinary Public Health Studies
- Public Health Informatics
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
+ Master of Health Administration (MHA)
+ MS in Biostatistics
+ MS in Global Health & Sustainable Development
* Doctoral Degrees:
+ PhD in Biostatistics
+ PhD in Epidemiology
+ PhD in Health Policy and Management
+ DrPH in Global Health Leadership
Prior to 2012, the school was a department within the IU School of Medicine. Long-standing collaborations are in place with key community entities, including the Indiana State Health Department, the Marion County Public Health Department, and a wide variety of community organizations and industry partners. The Departments of Epidemiology and/or Health Policy & Management will host these fellows. These departments possess a strong track record in NIH-funded research as well as extramural research funding from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The departments’ faculty are national and international experts in cancer, genetics, coronary heart disease, diabetes, nutrition, health policy, health economics, public health infectious disease reporting, and public health practice.
About the Campus:
Our School is located on the IU Indianapolis campus in downtown Indianapolis. IU Indianapolis is Indiana University’s premier urban research campus, established following the realignment of IUPUI in 2024. The campus builds on a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement, with a strong emphasis on health sciences, public health, and interdisciplinary research. IU Indianapolis has been recognized nationally for its commitment to academic innovation and institutional excellence, earning multiple accolades including the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight Into Diversity for ten consecutive years. The campus is a focal point for health sciences research and education at Indiana University, housing the IU School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Health and Human Sciences, and School of Dentistry. It is also home to the Regenstrief Institute, an internationally respected research organization known for its contributions to health services, biomedical informatics, and patient safety. Selected candidates may engage with one of the Institute’s centers, including the Center for Biomedical Informatics, as part of this training program.
About the Community:
Indianapolis, known as the “Crossroads of America,” is a thriving economic and cultural metropolis offering an exceptionally high quality of life. The city features vibrant cultural districts, world-class museums, historic neighborhoods, professional sporting events, and a diverse culinary scene. Residents benefit from a relatively low cost of living, safe communities, and efficient commutes throughout the region. The area is home to highly rated public and private schools, both in central urban neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs—many of which are consistently ranked among the best places to live in the United States. Indianapolis also offers convenient access to the newly remodeled, award-winning Indianapolis International Airport, and continues to expand eco-friendly transportation options such as downtown bike shares, scooter rentals, and electric vehicle services.
To Apply:
Applications should be submitted online at: https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/13052. A cover letter, curriculum vitae and a summary of research interests is required. For more information about the FSPH, visit: https://fsph.indianapolis.iu.edu
Basic Qualifications
Requirements
Recent graduate (within the past 5 years) with a PhD, DrPH, or MD. Candidates whose programs of study emphasized public health, epidemiology, health policy & management, information science, informatics, computer science, data science, or health services research are preferred.
Candidates must have received their doctorate prior to beginning the fellowship.
One-year of successful experience coordinating 2 or more projects simultaneously.
Strong communication and collaboration skills required for working/coordinating with investigators, staff, supervisors, and project personnel across one or more systems.
Department Contact for Questions
Inquiries about this position should be sent to Dr. Brian Dixon, bedixon@iu.edu.
Additional Qualifications
Because this position is funded through NIH/NLM, applicants must be permanently authorized to work in the United States at the time the position starts and meet other grant-related requirements. This fellowship has an anticipated duration of one – three years. The earliest start date for this position is October 1, 2025.
Salary and Rank
Salary will be commensurate with rank and experience within the range of postdoctoral stipends allowed by the NIH. Benefits include health insurance, a standard NIH trainee allowance and travel allotment.
Special Instructions
This position may be hybrid or in-person at Regenstrief Institute located at 1101 W. 10th Street in Indianapolis, IN.
For Best Consideration Date
Expected Start Date: 10/01/2025
Posting Number: IN-PBHL-EPI-22002
Title: Postdoctoral Fellow / Research Specialist
Appointment Status: Non-Tenure Track
Department: IU Indianapolis Department of Epidemiology – Fairbanks School of Public Health
Location: Indianapolis
Position Summary:
The IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health (FSPH), in conjunction with the Regenstrief Institute, is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Specialist for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded fellowship in public and population health informatics. This unique post-doctoral program is located on Indiana University’s Indianapolis campus, which is uniquely positioned in the health and life sciences hub for Indiana. Our fellowship program is looking for people who want to make the world better—and have the innate interest, scientific acumen, and desire to be surrounded by faculty and staff who are committed to transforming the public and population health care system in the U.S. Our program prepares Research Scientists to design, implement, and evaluate the impact of information technologies on population health in the context of public health and healthcare delivery organizations. The goal of the fellowship program is to provide individuals with doctoral training who are interested in developing further analytical, methodological, and professional skills needed for informatics-oriented research positions in academia, government, and industry. The program focuses on scholarly output and preparation for an independent scientist career.
About the School and Department:
The mission of the FSPH is to cultivate innovative, interdisciplinary, community-engaged education, research, and service and prepare leaders in public health and health care. Health is defined as the capacity to develop full human potential, not simply the absence of disease. In promoting the health of communities, FSPH emphasizes the prevention of disease and injury and recognizes the interconnectedness of the physical environment and ecosystem to the health of the community. Established in 2012, FSPH is fully accredited by CEPH. The school offers a range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Degrees:
+ BS in Health Services Management
+ BS in Public Health
Graduate Degrees:
+ Master of Public Health (MPH) with concentrations in:
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy and Management
- Interdisciplinary Public Health Studies
- Public Health Informatics
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
+ Master of Health Administration (MHA)
+ MS in Biostatistics
+ MS in Global Health & Sustainable Development
* Doctoral Degrees:
+ PhD in Biostatistics
+ PhD in Epidemiology
+ PhD in Health Policy and Management
+ DrPH in Global Health Leadership
Prior to 2012, the school was a department within the IU School of Medicine. Long-standing collaborations are in place with key community entities, including the Indiana State Health Department, the Marion County Public Health Department, and a wide variety of community organizations and industry partners. The Departments of Epidemiology and/or Health Policy & Management will host these fellows. These departments possess a strong track record in NIH-funded research as well as extramural research funding from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The departments’ faculty are national and international experts in cancer, genetics, coronary heart disease, diabetes, nutrition, health policy, health economics, public health infectious disease reporting, and public health practice.
About the Campus:
Our School is located on the IU Indianapolis campus in downtown Indianapolis. IU Indianapolis is Indiana University’s premier urban research campus, established following the realignment of IUPUI in 2024. The campus builds on a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement, with a strong emphasis on health sciences, public health, and interdisciplinary research. IU Indianapolis has been recognized nationally for its commitment to academic innovation and institutional excellence, earning multiple accolades including the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight Into Diversity for ten consecutive years. The campus is a focal point for health sciences research and education at Indiana University, housing the IU School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Health and Human Sciences, and School of Dentistry. It is also home to the Regenstrief Institute, an internationally respected research organization known for its contributions to health services, biomedical informatics, and patient safety. Selected candidates may engage with one of the Institute’s centers, including the Center for Biomedical Informatics, as part of this training program.
About the Community:
Indianapolis, known as the “Crossroads of America,” is a thriving economic and cultural metropolis offering an exceptionally high quality of life. The city features vibrant cultural districts, world-class museums, historic neighborhoods, professional sporting events, and a diverse culinary scene. Residents benefit from a relatively low cost of living, safe communities, and efficient commutes throughout the region. The area is home to highly rated public and private schools, both in central urban neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs—many of which are consistently ranked among the best places to live in the United States. Indianapolis also offers convenient access to the newly remodeled, award-winning Indianapolis International Airport, and continues to expand eco-friendly transportation options such as downtown bike shares, scooter rentals, and electric vehicle services.
To Apply:
Applications should be submitted online at: https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/13052. A cover letter, curriculum vitae and a summary of research interests is required. For more information about the FSPH, visit: https://fsph.indianapolis.iu.edu
Basic Qualifications
Requirements
Recent graduate (within the past 5 years) with a PhD, DrPH, or MD. Candidates whose programs of study emphasized public health, epidemiology, health policy & management, information science, informatics, computer science, data science, or health services research are preferred.
Candidates must have received their doctorate prior to beginning the fellowship.
One-year of successful experience coordinating 2 or more projects simultaneously.
Strong communication and collaboration skills required for working/coordinating with investigators, staff, supervisors, and project personnel across one or more systems.
Department Contact for Questions
Inquiries about this position should be sent to Dr. Brian Dixon, bedixon@iu.edu.
Additional Qualifications
Because this position is funded through NIH/NLM, applicants must be permanently authorized to work in the United States at the time the position starts and meet other grant-related requirements. This fellowship has an anticipated duration of one – three years. The earliest start date for this position is October 1, 2025.
Salary and Rank
Salary will be commensurate with rank and experience within the range of postdoctoral stipends allowed by the NIH. Benefits include health insurance, a standard NIH trainee allowance and travel allotment.
Special Instructions
This position may be hybrid or in-person at Regenstrief Institute located at 1101 W. 10th Street in Indianapolis, IN.
For Best Consideration Date
Expected Start Date: 10/01/2025
Posting Number: IN-PBHL-EPI-22002
See all 10+ Research Specialist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Specialist roles.
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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Research Specialist JobsResearch 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.
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