Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Postdoctoral Research Associate positions are among the most reliably sponsored roles in U.S. academia. Universities routinely file H-1B visa cap-exempt petitions for postdocs, meaning no lottery, no annual wait. Most positions require a completed PhD and offer J-1 visa or H-1B status depending on the institution.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout Drexel University
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a comprehensive, global, R1-level research institution with a unique model of experiential learning that combines academic rigor with one of the nation's premier cooperative education programs. Drexel was founded in 1891 to provide educational opportunities for people of all backgrounds. Today, we continue to prepare graduates of diverse backgrounds to become purpose-driven professionals and agents for positive change.
Drexel offers its highly engaged faculty and professional staff a comprehensive and world-class benefits package that includes generous vacation and paid time off as applicable (including civic engagement days), up to an 11% 403(b) Retirement Plan match with immediate vesting, and remote and flexible work options for many roles. Our exceptional medical plans include domestic partner and fertility assistance and our award-winning A Healthier U wellness program. In addition, faculty and professional staff at Drexel enjoy free tuition for themselves and their dependents for Drexel degree programs, certification, and non-certification programs. Drexel also participates in a tuition exchange program for dependents with other higher education institutions. For more information on our extensive benefit offerings, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.
Job no: 507297
Work type: Full-Time
Location: University City - Philadelphia, PA
Categories: Drexel University, College of Computing and Informatics, College of Engineering
Job Summary
The Deak Laboratory at Drexel University is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our interdisciplinary research program at the interface of immunology, biomaterials, and chemical engineering. The position is supported by two recently funded NIH R01 projects focused on engineering immune responses for immune tolerance and therapeutic vaccination against HIV.
Our laboratory develops biomaterial and chemistry-based approaches to manipulate dendritic cell function and downstream adaptive immune responses. Current projects include engineering tolerogenic dendritic cells for durable, antigen-specific immune tolerance and developing liposomal nanotrap therapeutic vaccines that capture viral particles and redirect them toward productive antigen-presenting cell responses. These projects integrate chemical synthesis, lipid and polymeric biomaterials, nanoparticle formulation and characterization, cellular immunology, flow cytometry, and in vivo studies.
We are particularly interested in a scientist who can take a leadership role within the laboratory while remaining actively engaged in experimental research. The successful candidate will work closely with the PI to coordinate these newly funded projects, mentor junior researchers, and help maintain an organized and productive laboratory environment.
This position is grant-funded; employment is contingent upon the continued availability of those funds.
Essential Functions
- Lead and coordinate research activities associated with NIH-funded projects in immune tolerance engineering and therapeutic vaccination.
- Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret experiments involving biomaterials and immune-cell interactions.
- Prepare and characterize liposomal, lipid-based, and polymeric biomaterial systems.
- Perform or oversee chemical synthesis and conjugation of biomaterial components and targeting molecules.
- Conduct immunological assays, including mammalian cell culture, immune-cell isolation and differentiation, flow cytometry, and related functional assays.
- Coordinate experiments across students, collaborators, and project personnel and help maintain progress toward project milestones.
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in experimental design, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication.
- Assist with laboratory organization and administration, including ordering, inventory management, equipment maintenance, protocol development, and implementation of laboratory procedures.
- Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, progress reports, and future grant applications.
- Promote rigorous experimental practices, clear documentation, and an organized and collaborative laboratory environment.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of a PhD or Doctorate in Chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, immunology, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, materials science, or a closely related field or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
- Minimum of 5-10 years of research experience.
- Research experience in immunology, bioengineering or immunoengineering.
- Experience with chemical synthesis, biomaterials, drug delivery, nanoparticles, or lipid-based systems.
- Strong experimental, analytical, and scientific communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to experimental documentation and laboratory operations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with dendritic cells, T-cell immunology, immune tolerance, vaccines, or viral immunology.
- Experience with liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, polymeric particles, or related drug-delivery systems.
- Experience with lipid or small-molecule synthesis, bioconjugation, or surface functionalization.
- Experience with multicolor flow cytometry and primary immune-cell culture.
- Experience with animal studies and analysis of immune responses in vivo.
- Previous experience mentoring students or coordinating research projects.
- Demonstrated leadership and laboratory-management skills.
Physical Demands
- Typically sitting at a desk/table.
- Typically standing, walking.
Location
- University City - Philadelphia, PA
Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade K. Compensation for this grade ranges from $60,240.00 - $90,350.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position will vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.
Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.
Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.
Applicants should submit a CV, brief statement of research experience and interests (<1 page), and contact information for references. The research statement should highlight relevant experience in immunology, biomaterials, chemical synthesis, and/or research leadership.
A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.
Advertised: Sep 22 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 22 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
About Drexel University
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a comprehensive, global, R1-level research institution with a unique model of experiential learning that combines academic rigor with one of the nation's premier cooperative education programs. Drexel was founded in 1891 to provide educational opportunities for people of all backgrounds. Today, we continue to prepare graduates of diverse backgrounds to become purpose-driven professionals and agents for positive change.
Drexel offers its highly engaged faculty and professional staff a comprehensive and world-class benefits package that includes generous vacation and paid time off as applicable (including civic engagement days), up to an 11% 403(b) Retirement Plan match with immediate vesting, and remote and flexible work options for many roles. Our exceptional medical plans include domestic partner and fertility assistance and our award-winning A Healthier U wellness program. In addition, faculty and professional staff at Drexel enjoy free tuition for themselves and their dependents for Drexel degree programs, certification, and non-certification programs. Drexel also participates in a tuition exchange program for dependents with other higher education institutions. For more information on our extensive benefit offerings, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.
Job no: 507297
Work type: Full-Time
Location: University City - Philadelphia, PA
Categories: Drexel University, College of Computing and Informatics, College of Engineering
Job Summary
The Deak Laboratory at Drexel University is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our interdisciplinary research program at the interface of immunology, biomaterials, and chemical engineering. The position is supported by two recently funded NIH R01 projects focused on engineering immune responses for immune tolerance and therapeutic vaccination against HIV.
Our laboratory develops biomaterial and chemistry-based approaches to manipulate dendritic cell function and downstream adaptive immune responses. Current projects include engineering tolerogenic dendritic cells for durable, antigen-specific immune tolerance and developing liposomal nanotrap therapeutic vaccines that capture viral particles and redirect them toward productive antigen-presenting cell responses. These projects integrate chemical synthesis, lipid and polymeric biomaterials, nanoparticle formulation and characterization, cellular immunology, flow cytometry, and in vivo studies.
We are particularly interested in a scientist who can take a leadership role within the laboratory while remaining actively engaged in experimental research. The successful candidate will work closely with the PI to coordinate these newly funded projects, mentor junior researchers, and help maintain an organized and productive laboratory environment.
This position is grant-funded; employment is contingent upon the continued availability of those funds.
Essential Functions
- Lead and coordinate research activities associated with NIH-funded projects in immune tolerance engineering and therapeutic vaccination.
- Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret experiments involving biomaterials and immune-cell interactions.
- Prepare and characterize liposomal, lipid-based, and polymeric biomaterial systems.
- Perform or oversee chemical synthesis and conjugation of biomaterial components and targeting molecules.
- Conduct immunological assays, including mammalian cell culture, immune-cell isolation and differentiation, flow cytometry, and related functional assays.
- Coordinate experiments across students, collaborators, and project personnel and help maintain progress toward project milestones.
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in experimental design, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication.
- Assist with laboratory organization and administration, including ordering, inventory management, equipment maintenance, protocol development, and implementation of laboratory procedures.
- Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, progress reports, and future grant applications.
- Promote rigorous experimental practices, clear documentation, and an organized and collaborative laboratory environment.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of a PhD or Doctorate in Chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, immunology, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, materials science, or a closely related field or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
- Minimum of 5-10 years of research experience.
- Research experience in immunology, bioengineering or immunoengineering.
- Experience with chemical synthesis, biomaterials, drug delivery, nanoparticles, or lipid-based systems.
- Strong experimental, analytical, and scientific communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to experimental documentation and laboratory operations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with dendritic cells, T-cell immunology, immune tolerance, vaccines, or viral immunology.
- Experience with liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, polymeric particles, or related drug-delivery systems.
- Experience with lipid or small-molecule synthesis, bioconjugation, or surface functionalization.
- Experience with multicolor flow cytometry and primary immune-cell culture.
- Experience with animal studies and analysis of immune responses in vivo.
- Previous experience mentoring students or coordinating research projects.
- Demonstrated leadership and laboratory-management skills.
Physical Demands
- Typically sitting at a desk/table.
- Typically standing, walking.
Location
- University City - Philadelphia, PA
Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade K. Compensation for this grade ranges from $60,240.00 - $90,350.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position will vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.
Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.
Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.
Applicants should submit a CV, brief statement of research experience and interests (<1 page), and contact information for references. The research statement should highlight relevant experience in immunology, biomaterials, chemical synthesis, and/or research leadership.
A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.
Advertised: Sep 22 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 22 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
See all 658+ Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Postdoctoral Research Associate
Target cap-exempt institutions first
Universities, research hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations can file H-1B petitions year-round without lottery exposure. As a postdoc, your most reliable sponsorship path runs through these institutions, not private-sector employers.
Clarify J-1 versus H-1B early
Many institutions default to J-1 Exchange Visitor status for postdocs because it's cheaper to administer. If you have a two-year home residency requirement from a prior J-1, ask specifically whether H-1B sponsorship is available before accepting an offer.
Confirm your PhD is in hand before the start date
H-1B approval for a postdoc requires a completed doctorate, not ABD status. Some institutions will issue a conditional offer but cannot file until your degree is conferred. Build that timeline into your negotiations.
Ask whether the lab has sponsored international postdocs before
Principal investigators with prior international hires understand the process and are far less likely to withdraw an offer due to sponsorship complexity. During interviews, ask directly how many international postdocs the lab currently employs.
Watch for institutional sponsorship caps
Some universities limit the number of sponsored postdocs per department or require departmental cost-sharing for legal fees. Knowing this early prevents last-minute delays after an offer is extended and avoids situations where funding falls through.
Use Migrate Mate to find postdocs with confirmed sponsorship
Not every postdoc listing will sponsor visas, even at universities. Migrate Mate filters specifically for roles with verified sponsorship willingness, saving you time and helping you focus applications on positions that will actually move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Postdoctoral Research Associate positions typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Yes, and more reliably than most roles. Universities and research institutions are cap-exempt H-1B visa employers, meaning they can file petitions at any time without entering the annual lottery. Most postdoc positions at R1 universities routinely sponsor international candidates on either H-1B or J-1 visa status, making this one of the most accessible sponsored roles in the U.S.
What visa is more common for postdocs: H-1B or J-1?
J-1 Exchange Visitor status is more common at many institutions because the administrative burden falls on a designated sponsor program rather than the employer directly. However, J-1 may carry a two-year home residency requirement depending on your funding source or nationality. H-1B is preferable for long-term U.S. career plans, so it's worth asking your prospective employer which they offer before accepting.
Do I need a completed PhD to get sponsored as a Postdoctoral Research Associate?
Yes. A postdoctoral position requires a terminal degree in a relevant discipline, and USCIS requires the degree to be conferred before H-1B approval. ABD status is not sufficient. If your defense is upcoming, institutions may extend a conditional offer but cannot file the petition until your institution confirms degree conferral in writing.
How do I find Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs that will actually sponsor visas?
The challenge isn't finding postdoc listings, it's knowing which will follow through on sponsorship. Migrate Mate is built specifically for this: it surfaces postdoc and research roles with confirmed visa sponsorship so you're not wasting applications on positions that will stall at the offer stage. Browse Migrate Mate's listings filtered by role and sponsorship status to focus your search.
Can a Postdoctoral Research Associate transition from J-1 to H-1B status?
Yes, but timing matters. If you hold J-1 status and are not subject to the two-year home residency requirement, your institution can file an H-1B change of status petition at any point, since universities are cap-exempt. If you are subject to the requirement, you'll need either a waiver or to return home before applying for H-1B. Confirm your J-1 DS-2019 and funding source with your institution's international office to determine which applies to you.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Postdoctoral Research Associate jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.