J-1 Visa Staff Software Engineer Jobs
Staff Software Engineer roles in the United States are accessible to exchange visitors through J-1 visa sponsorship under the Trainee or Research Scholar program categories. Designated sponsor organizations issue your DS-2019, while the hiring company serves as your host. There is no lottery or annual cap, making placement timing more predictable than H-1B visa.
Find J-1 Visa Staff Software Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 14+ Staff Software Engineer jobs
See all Staff Software Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Staff Software Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.
At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth. We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.
We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan, which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.
DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW
The Innovative Genomics Institute is a joint effort between the Bay Area's leading scientific research institutions, UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, with affiliates at UC Davis, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Gladstone Institutes, and other institutions. The IGI's diverse group of leading scientists have powerful interdisciplinary expertise. They conduct world-class research, driven by the real possibility of using genome engineering to treat human diseases, end hunger, and respond to climate change.
In addition to our scientific efforts, the IGI is committed to advancing public understanding of genome engineering, providing resources for the broader community, and guiding the ethical use of these technologies.
Position Summary
The Staff Research Associate 2 provides a variety of support and research functions within the lab for a 2-year project. This position assists lab members with molecular biology and tissue culture techniques, including the culture and maintenance of pluripotent stem cell cultures (hPSCs), the passaging of stem cell clones, isolation of genomic DNA, and genotyping cells by PCR and sequencing. The Staff Research Associate 2 supports a large-scale hPSCs genome engineering workflow involving genome editing, project tracking, quality control of reagents and materials, and report writing. Additionally, this position works on various research projects that involve planning, designing, and conducting experiments, analyzing results, and interpreting data under the supervision of the PI. This role also manages lab safety, protocol compliance, and essential support duties such as autoclaving and restocking lab supplies.
APPLICATION REVIEW DATE
The First Review Date for this job is: 9/29/2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.
Responsibilities
-
30%: The SRA will culture and maintain the pluripotent stem cell cultures (hPSCs) which includes the passaging of stem cell clones, isolation of genomic DNA and genotyping cells by PCR and sequencing. Support a large-scale hPSCs genome engineering workflow that involves genome editing, project tracking, quality control of reagents and materials, and report writing.
-
25%: Assists with research projects including optimizing and testing tissue culture and molecular biology protocols such as molecular cloning, stem cell differentiation and library screening. This will be done with the guidance of the PI and other lab members. Plans and designs the experiments discussing the outline of the experiment/protocol with the PI, conducting the experiments, analyzing results and interpreting data under the supervision of the PI. Troubleshoots experiments which include PCR and genotyping.
-
25%: Standard molecular biology and tissue culture techniques. Assists lab members with the maintenance and characterization of human stem cell cultures and genotyping of stem cells which entails the isolation DNA from human stem cells, amplify DNA by PCR and prepare samples for sequence analysis. This genotyping will require daily record keeping in laboratory notebook to record the samples analyzed and the attendance at weekly lab meetings to understand the basic objectives of the research project.
-
10%: Assisting with protocol renewals and safety inspections.
-
10%: Lab support duties including autoclaving waste and ordering and restocking supplies.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Experience with sterile tissue culture techniques, PCR, basic lab maintenance duties, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
-
Experience with molecular biology techniques, plasmid handling and molecular cloning.
-
Experience with human pluripotent stem cell culturing, genome engineering with CRISPR, as well as the library prep and data analysis of next generation sequencing (NGS).
-
Knowledge of lab safety procedures, capability to design and conduct experiments and analyze data.
EDUCATION / TRAINING
Bachelors degree in the life sciences, preferably Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and/or equivalent training and education.
1-year (cumulative) experience working in a biology research lab.
Masters degree in the life sciences, preferably Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry. (Preferred)
SALARY & BENEFITS
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted annual range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $68,413.33 - $90,270.74 (steps 1.0 - 15.0).
This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.
INTRODUCTION
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.
At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth. We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.
We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan, which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.
DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW
The Innovative Genomics Institute is a joint effort between the Bay Area's leading scientific research institutions, UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, with affiliates at UC Davis, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Gladstone Institutes, and other institutions. The IGI's diverse group of leading scientists have powerful interdisciplinary expertise. They conduct world-class research, driven by the real possibility of using genome engineering to treat human diseases, end hunger, and respond to climate change.
In addition to our scientific efforts, the IGI is committed to advancing public understanding of genome engineering, providing resources for the broader community, and guiding the ethical use of these technologies.
Position Summary
The Staff Research Associate 2 provides a variety of support and research functions within the lab for a 2-year project. This position assists lab members with molecular biology and tissue culture techniques, including the culture and maintenance of pluripotent stem cell cultures (hPSCs), the passaging of stem cell clones, isolation of genomic DNA, and genotyping cells by PCR and sequencing. The Staff Research Associate 2 supports a large-scale hPSCs genome engineering workflow involving genome editing, project tracking, quality control of reagents and materials, and report writing. Additionally, this position works on various research projects that involve planning, designing, and conducting experiments, analyzing results, and interpreting data under the supervision of the PI. This role also manages lab safety, protocol compliance, and essential support duties such as autoclaving and restocking lab supplies.
APPLICATION REVIEW DATE
The First Review Date for this job is: 9/29/2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.
Responsibilities
-
30%: The SRA will culture and maintain the pluripotent stem cell cultures (hPSCs) which includes the passaging of stem cell clones, isolation of genomic DNA and genotyping cells by PCR and sequencing. Support a large-scale hPSCs genome engineering workflow that involves genome editing, project tracking, quality control of reagents and materials, and report writing.
-
25%: Assists with research projects including optimizing and testing tissue culture and molecular biology protocols such as molecular cloning, stem cell differentiation and library screening. This will be done with the guidance of the PI and other lab members. Plans and designs the experiments discussing the outline of the experiment/protocol with the PI, conducting the experiments, analyzing results and interpreting data under the supervision of the PI. Troubleshoots experiments which include PCR and genotyping.
-
25%: Standard molecular biology and tissue culture techniques. Assists lab members with the maintenance and characterization of human stem cell cultures and genotyping of stem cells which entails the isolation DNA from human stem cells, amplify DNA by PCR and prepare samples for sequence analysis. This genotyping will require daily record keeping in laboratory notebook to record the samples analyzed and the attendance at weekly lab meetings to understand the basic objectives of the research project.
-
10%: Assisting with protocol renewals and safety inspections.
-
10%: Lab support duties including autoclaving waste and ordering and restocking supplies.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Experience with sterile tissue culture techniques, PCR, basic lab maintenance duties, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
-
Experience with molecular biology techniques, plasmid handling and molecular cloning.
-
Experience with human pluripotent stem cell culturing, genome engineering with CRISPR, as well as the library prep and data analysis of next generation sequencing (NGS).
-
Knowledge of lab safety procedures, capability to design and conduct experiments and analyze data.
EDUCATION / TRAINING
Bachelors degree in the life sciences, preferably Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and/or equivalent training and education.
1-year (cumulative) experience working in a biology research lab.
Masters degree in the life sciences, preferably Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry. (Preferred)
SALARY & BENEFITS
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted annual range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $68,413.33 - $90,270.74 (steps 1.0 - 15.0).
This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.
See all J-1 Visa Staff Software Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Staff Software Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Staff Software Engineer
Align your CV to specialty occupation standards
Your resume needs to demonstrate a direct connection between your degree field and software engineering. Generalist experience won't satisfy a Trainee training plan. Document project scope, tech stack, and measurable outcomes to support the DS-2019 application your designated sponsor will file.
Identify host employers with prior J-1 Trainee history
Search Migrate Mate to filter Staff Software Engineer roles at companies that have hosted J-1 visa exchange visitors before. Prior hosting experience means the employer already understands training plan obligations and DS-2019 co-signing requirements, which shortens offer-to-placement timelines significantly.
Verify your role qualifies under O*NET job zone criteria
The Trainee category requires your position to align with a recognized occupational classification. Pull the Staff Software Engineer profile from O*NET and confirm the job zone and education requirements match your background before approaching a designated sponsor for DS-2019 issuance.
Request a structured training plan from your host employer
Designated sponsors require a detailed training plan before issuing your DS-2019. Ask the hiring manager to outline specific skill-building objectives, supervision structure, and evaluation milestones. A vague plan is the most common reason sponsors delay or decline DS-2019 issuance for software engineering trainees.
Clarify home residency requirement exposure before accepting an offer
Staff Software Engineers from certain countries or funded by government programs may face a two-year home residency requirement after their J-1 exchange ends. Confirm your eligibility for a waiver or H-1B transition with your designated sponsor before signing an offer letter.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before your start date
Host employers are required to be E-Verify enrolled to onboard J-1 exchange visitors in most sponsored programs. Ask your recruiter to confirm E-Verify participation during the offer stage, not after you've accepted, to avoid delays in activating your exchange visitor status.
Staff Software Engineer J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Staff Software Engineer role?
Most Staff Software Engineers enter on the Trainee category, which is designed for foreign nationals who have a degree or professional experience in their field and want to gain exposure to U.S. techniques and methodology. If you hold a current faculty or research appointment, the Research Scholar category may apply instead. The Intern category is limited to students currently enrolled in a degree program outside the United States.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a software engineering position?
The J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations like IIE, Cultural Vistas, and AIPT issue your DS-2019 form and are legally responsible for program compliance. The company hiring you is the host organization. Your employer co-signs the training plan but is not the party with sponsorship authority under the Exchange Visitor Program.
How do I find Staff Software Engineer roles where the host employer already supports J-1 trainees?
Migrate Mate lets you search Staff Software Engineer positions filtered by J-1 sponsorship compatibility, so you're targeting companies that have already navigated the host employer process. Cold-applying to employers unfamiliar with J-1 requirements often results in withdrawn offers once they learn a designated sponsor must be involved, so starting with experienced host employers saves significant time.
Can a Staff Software Engineer on J-1 transition to an H-1B later?
Yes, but timing and the two-year home residency requirement matter. If your J-1 is subject to the requirement under INA Section 212(e), you must either fulfill it or obtain a waiver before USCIS will approve a change to H-1B status. Engineers not subject to the requirement can file a change of status directly. Confirm your 212(e) exposure with your designated sponsor before planning any transition.
What does the training plan requirement mean for a Staff Software Engineer specifically?
Designated sponsors require a formal training plan that justifies the exchange as a structured learning experience, not simply employment. For Staff Software Engineers, this means documenting specific skills you'll develop, the methodologies you'll be exposed to that differ from your home country's practices, supervision arrangements, and evaluation points. Vague plans citing only general software work are routinely rejected by sponsor compliance reviewers.