J-1 Visa Scientist Jobs
Scientist roles in the United States are available to exchange visitors through the J-1 visa Research Scholar and Short-Term Scholar program categories, both requiring sponsorship from a U.S. Department of State-designated organization. Host institutions file training plans and issue the DS-2019 through an approved sponsor. Many research positions carry the two-year home residency requirement.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to join a multidisciplinary team conducting use-inspired research that focuses on developing innovative materials, methods and models for assessing the corrosion behavior of durable glass, glass-ceramic, and alloy materials including nuclear waste forms. Specific tasks may include material production; designing and executing tests and experiments using standardized and novel chemical and electrochemical methods to determine corrosion mechanisms and quantify effects of material compositions and environmental variables on degradation kinetics by using chemical and electrochemical methods; developing advanced mechanistic models for predicting long-term degradation in service environments; and modifying formulations and production methods to improve material performance.
As a part of this team, you will:
- Synthesize alloy and glassy materials using high-temperature furnaces.
- Perform standardized and innovative experiments to advance the technical understanding of material interactions and corrosion behavior.
- Perform SEM/EDS analyses of prepared and reacted specimens to relate changes in microstructures of multi-phase materials to other analytical measurements.
- Apply chemical, electrochemical, and metallurgical principles to understand degradation mechanisms, develop predictive models, and improve material formulations.
- Contribute to timely completion of defined workscope and project deliverables.
- Develop technical ideas and proposals to advance material development.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and Laboratory management through status updates, technical research reports, project presentations, and other regular channels.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related field completed in the past five years, or soon-to-be completed.
- Skill in devising and performing experiments to acquire identified data, using and maintaining research equipment, compiling, evaluating, and reporting test results.
- Good knowledge of fundamental thermodynamics and kinetics.
- Experience with metallurgical sample preparation is desired, but not mandatory.
- Experience working safely with hazardous materials using engineering controls such as gloveboxes is desired, but not mandatory.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
- Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.
- To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.
JOB FAMILY
Postdoctoral
JOB PROFILE
Postdoctoral Appointee
WORKER TYPE
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
TIME TYPE
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
INTRODUCTION
The Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technologies division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to join a multidisciplinary team conducting use-inspired research that focuses on developing innovative materials, methods and models for assessing the corrosion behavior of durable glass, glass-ceramic, and alloy materials including nuclear waste forms. Specific tasks may include material production; designing and executing tests and experiments using standardized and novel chemical and electrochemical methods to determine corrosion mechanisms and quantify effects of material compositions and environmental variables on degradation kinetics by using chemical and electrochemical methods; developing advanced mechanistic models for predicting long-term degradation in service environments; and modifying formulations and production methods to improve material performance.
As a part of this team, you will:
- Synthesize alloy and glassy materials using high-temperature furnaces.
- Perform standardized and innovative experiments to advance the technical understanding of material interactions and corrosion behavior.
- Perform SEM/EDS analyses of prepared and reacted specimens to relate changes in microstructures of multi-phase materials to other analytical measurements.
- Apply chemical, electrochemical, and metallurgical principles to understand degradation mechanisms, develop predictive models, and improve material formulations.
- Contribute to timely completion of defined workscope and project deliverables.
- Develop technical ideas and proposals to advance material development.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and Laboratory management through status updates, technical research reports, project presentations, and other regular channels.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related field completed in the past five years, or soon-to-be completed.
- Skill in devising and performing experiments to acquire identified data, using and maintaining research equipment, compiling, evaluating, and reporting test results.
- Good knowledge of fundamental thermodynamics and kinetics.
- Experience with metallurgical sample preparation is desired, but not mandatory.
- Experience working safely with hazardous materials using engineering controls such as gloveboxes is desired, but not mandatory.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
- Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.
- To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.
JOB FAMILY
Postdoctoral
JOB PROFILE
Postdoctoral Appointee
WORKER TYPE
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
TIME TYPE
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
See all 44+ J-1 Visa Scientist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Scientist
Document your research credentials precisely
Designated sponsors evaluate your CV against the Research Scholar criteria, so list publications, laboratory techniques, and funded projects by name. Vague descriptions of 'research experience' frequently delay DS-2019 issuance or trigger additional sponsor review.
Identify host institutions with active sponsor relationships
Universities and federal research labs like NIH-affiliated centers already hold agreements with designated sponsors such as IIE or CIEE. Targeting those hosts cuts weeks off your timeline because the sponsor relationship is already in place before you apply.
Use Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned Scientist roles
Search Migrate Mate to surface U.S. employer listings that align with J-1 Research Scholar and Short-Term Scholar placements, filtering by discipline so you spend time on positions where sponsorship pathways are realistic for your field.
Confirm whether your role triggers the two-year rule
Research Scientist positions funded by a government or international organization, or in a field on the State Department's skills list, commonly carry the two-year home residency requirement. Verify your specific funding source and field before accepting an offer.
Align your DS-2019 start date with IRB and lab onboarding
Host institutions often need Institutional Review Board clearance or lab access approvals before your program begins. Request a DS-2019 start date that provides at least three to four weeks of buffer beyond the sponsor's standard processing window.
Review the training plan with your host supervisor
Sponsors require a signed Training Plan or Research Objectives form before issuing the DS-2019. Walk through each learning objective with your host supervisor early so the document reflects your actual research activities, not a template description.
Scientist J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Scientist role?
Most Scientist positions fall under the Research Scholar category, which covers individuals conducting original research at accredited U.S. institutions. The Short-Term Scholar category covers visits under six months for lectures, observation, or collaborative work. Current students in a degree program may qualify under the Intern or Student Intern category instead, depending on how the host institution structures the placement.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Scientist, the employer or a separate organization?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization such as IIE, CIEE, or a university's own designated sponsor program. That organization issues your DS-2019 form and monitors program compliance. Your hiring institution is the host, not the sponsor. The distinction matters because you must secure both a host offer and a sponsor relationship before your visa is issued.
How can I find U.S. research institutions that support J-1 Scientist placements?
Migrate Mate lets you search for Scientist and research roles at U.S. employers where J-1 sponsorship pathways are relevant, helping you focus applications on institutions that have the infrastructure to support exchange visitor placements rather than applying broadly and discovering late that a host has no sponsor relationship.
Does a Scientist on a J-1 visa face the two-year home residency requirement?
Many Research Scholar placements in science fields trigger the two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e), particularly when the position is funded by a government agency or falls within a field on the State Department's Exchange Visitor Skills List. A waiver is available through channels including a no-objection statement from your home country government or a request from a U.S. federal agency, but waivers are not guaranteed and can take six to twelve months to process.
Can a Scientist on a J-1 visa change host institutions mid-program?
Yes, but a change of host requires your designated sponsor to approve and issue an amended DS-2019 reflecting the new host employer. The new placement must align with the original program objectives or the sponsor must approve a program amendment. You cannot begin work at a new host until the updated DS-2019 is in place, and some sponsors require a written justification for mid-program host changes.