Science & Research Jobs in California with J-1 Sponsorship
California is one of the most active states for J-1 science and research sponsorship, driven by institutions like UC San Diego, Stanford, Caltech, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the Salk Institute. Positions are concentrated in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, spanning life sciences, climate research, physics, and biotech.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout Neuralink: We are creating devices that enable a bi-directional interface with the brain. These devices allow us to restore movement to the paralyzed, restore sight to the blind, and revolutionize how humans interact with their digital world.
Team Description: The Microfabrication Team, a division of the Brain Interfaces Hardware Department, designs, manufactures, and verifies the thin-film microelectrode array that records and relays neural signals to the body of the implant. The team operates at an in-house cleanroom facility in Fremont, with operations expanding to Austin in the near future.
Job Description and Responsibilities: The Microfabrication Engineer at Neuralink will be responsible for the development of micro-fabricated medical devices including thin-film microelectrode arrays used in preclinical and clinical studies within Neuralink. This includes developing process modules to push design and fabrication limits; performing metrology to monitor, test, and characterize in-process progress; and providing detailed documentation of process steps, changes, and measurements.
- Design and physically realize next-generation thin-film microelectrode arrays.
- Develop and deploy advanced process integration schemes for thin-film fabrication within production environments.
- Execute benchtop experiments to characterize the relationship between fabrication parameters, design, and product performance (e.g., impedance and longevity).
- Utilize statistical analysis on experimental data to drive data-informed product improvement decisions.
- Sponsor in vivo studies to validate the physiological performance of novel designs and processes.
- Author comprehensive SOPs and technical documentation to standardize process activities across the team.
- Provide technical training and mentorship to team members on specialized study activities.
- Manage data collection and retention strategies to ensure high-quality reporting and documentation at study completion.
- Contribute to the completion of study reports.
- Work with external vendors to align product requirements and communicate technical specifications.
Required Qualifications:
- Evidence of exceptional ability in an engineering or physical science field
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physical science
- 3+ years of academic or industry experience working with microfabrication technology
- Experience in experimental design, data collection and analysis, and scientific communication
- Comfortable working closely with hazardous substances and sensitive electronic devices in research and production environments
- Experience with analytic and microfabrication process equipment
Preferred Qualifications:
- Masters or PhD in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, physics, or other related fields
- Experience with microfabricated device layout design
- Experience with working in high-volume production environments
Additional Requirements and Competencies:
- Ability to travel to/from and work in Fremont or Austin
Expected Compensation: The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the following range. Your actual base pay will be determined by your job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. We also believe in aligning our employees’ success with the company's long-term growth. As such, in addition to base salary, Neuralink offers equity compensation (in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSU)) for all full-time employees.
- Base Salary Range: $81,000 USD - $135,000 USD
What We Offer: Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits listed below.
- An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields
- Growth potential; we rapidly advance team members who have an outsized impact
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan
- Paid holidays
- Commuter benefits
- Meals provided
- Equity (RSUs) Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
- 401(k) plan Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours
- Parental leave Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
- Flexible time off Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
About Neuralink: We are creating devices that enable a bi-directional interface with the brain. These devices allow us to restore movement to the paralyzed, restore sight to the blind, and revolutionize how humans interact with their digital world.
Team Description: The Microfabrication Team, a division of the Brain Interfaces Hardware Department, designs, manufactures, and verifies the thin-film microelectrode array that records and relays neural signals to the body of the implant. The team operates at an in-house cleanroom facility in Fremont, with operations expanding to Austin in the near future.
Job Description and Responsibilities: The Microfabrication Engineer at Neuralink will be responsible for the development of micro-fabricated medical devices including thin-film microelectrode arrays used in preclinical and clinical studies within Neuralink. This includes developing process modules to push design and fabrication limits; performing metrology to monitor, test, and characterize in-process progress; and providing detailed documentation of process steps, changes, and measurements.
- Design and physically realize next-generation thin-film microelectrode arrays.
- Develop and deploy advanced process integration schemes for thin-film fabrication within production environments.
- Execute benchtop experiments to characterize the relationship between fabrication parameters, design, and product performance (e.g., impedance and longevity).
- Utilize statistical analysis on experimental data to drive data-informed product improvement decisions.
- Sponsor in vivo studies to validate the physiological performance of novel designs and processes.
- Author comprehensive SOPs and technical documentation to standardize process activities across the team.
- Provide technical training and mentorship to team members on specialized study activities.
- Manage data collection and retention strategies to ensure high-quality reporting and documentation at study completion.
- Contribute to the completion of study reports.
- Work with external vendors to align product requirements and communicate technical specifications.
Required Qualifications:
- Evidence of exceptional ability in an engineering or physical science field
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physical science
- 3+ years of academic or industry experience working with microfabrication technology
- Experience in experimental design, data collection and analysis, and scientific communication
- Comfortable working closely with hazardous substances and sensitive electronic devices in research and production environments
- Experience with analytic and microfabrication process equipment
Preferred Qualifications:
- Masters or PhD in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, physics, or other related fields
- Experience with microfabricated device layout design
- Experience with working in high-volume production environments
Additional Requirements and Competencies:
- Ability to travel to/from and work in Fremont or Austin
Expected Compensation: The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the following range. Your actual base pay will be determined by your job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. We also believe in aligning our employees’ success with the company's long-term growth. As such, in addition to base salary, Neuralink offers equity compensation (in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSU)) for all full-time employees.
- Base Salary Range: $81,000 USD - $135,000 USD
What We Offer: Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits listed below.
- An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields
- Growth potential; we rapidly advance team members who have an outsized impact
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan
- Paid holidays
- Commuter benefits
- Meals provided
- Equity (RSUs) Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
- 401(k) plan Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours
- Parental leave Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
- Flexible time off Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
Job Roles in Science & Research in California
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Which science and research companies sponsor J-1 visas in California?
California's J-1 science sponsorship is led primarily by research universities and national laboratories. UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSF, Stanford, and Caltech regularly host J-1 exchange visitors in research roles. Federal facilities like Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory also sponsor J-1 researchers. Biotech companies in the Bay Area and San Diego sometimes sponsor J-1 interns through designated sponsor organizations, though academic institutions account for the majority of placements.
Which cities in California have the most science and research J-1 sponsorship jobs?
San Francisco and the broader Bay Area lead due to the density of UC campuses, Stanford, and biotechnology firms concentrated in South San Francisco. San Diego is a major hub for life sciences and oceanographic research, anchored by UCSD, the Scripps Research Institute, and the Salk Institute. Los Angeles follows, with UCLA, USC, and Caltech driving significant research activity. Sacramento has a smaller but active presence in agricultural and environmental science.
What types of science and research roles typically qualify for J-1 sponsorship?
J-1 sponsorship in science and research most commonly applies to the Research Scholar and Short-Term Scholar program categories. Eligible roles include postdoctoral researchers, visiting scientists, laboratory researchers, and graduate-level research interns. The position must involve academic or scientific exchange with a clear educational component. Clinical roles that involve direct patient care generally require separate consideration, and not all research positions automatically qualify without a designated J-1 sponsor organization overseeing the program.
How do I find science and research J-1 sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate lists science and research positions in California where employers have a history of J-1 visa sponsorship, making it easier to filter opportunities relevant to your visa category. Beyond job boards, directly contacting university departments and national laboratory HR offices in California is effective, as many J-1 research placements are arranged at the departmental level and may not appear in general postings. Confirming that a potential host institution has a designated J-1 sponsor is an essential early step.
Are there any California-specific considerations for J-1 science and research sponsorship?
California does not impose state-level requirements beyond federal J-1 regulations, but the state's high concentration of research institutions means competition for placements at top programs is significant. California also has specific state income tax obligations that apply to J-1 exchange visitors earning income in the state, which differs from federal tax treatment. Researchers should confirm with their host institution whether California's mandatory health insurance standards are met by the coverage their J-1 program provides, as requirements can vary by campus or laboratory.
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