Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Postdoctoral Research Fellows typically qualify for H-1B visa, O-1 visa, or J-1 visa exchange visitor visas depending on their research focus and career stage. Most positions are H-1B cap-exempt when sponsored by universities, research institutions, or nonprofit organizations, bypassing the annual lottery entirely. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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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 400+ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Postdoctoral Research Fellow roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs
Target cap-exempt employers first
Universities, medical schools, research hospitals, and nonprofit research institutes can file H-1B petitions year-round without lottery restrictions, giving you immediate processing advantages.
Highlight specialized research expertise
Emphasize your unique methodologies, publications, and technical skills. Immigration officers need to see why your specific research background requires a PhD-level specialist.
Consider O-1 for distinguished researchers
If you have significant publications, citations, peer review experience, or awards, O-1 may offer faster processing and fewer restrictions than H-1B.
Document your degree-job connection clearly
USCIS closely scrutinizes whether postdoc roles require advanced degrees. Prepare detailed job descriptions showing how your PhD directly relates to research responsibilities.
Time your application strategically
Cap-exempt H-1B petitions can be filed anytime, but allow 4-6 months for processing. Premium processing reduces this to 15 calendar days.
Prepare for RFE on specialty occupation
USCIS sometimes questions whether postdoc positions require PhD-level expertise. Gather evidence showing the role's complexity and your unique qualifications match institutional needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do postdoctoral research fellows qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, postdoc positions typically qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations since they require advanced scientific training and PhD-level expertise. Most university and research institution sponsors are cap-exempt, meaning no lottery participation required. You can start working immediately upon H-1B approval rather than waiting for October 1st.
What degree requirements apply for postdoc visa sponsorship?
Most postdoc positions require a PhD in the relevant field, though some accept candidates with master's degrees plus significant research experience. For H-1B cases, USCIS expects the degree to directly relate to your research area. Foreign PhDs are generally accepted if properly evaluated by a credential evaluation service.
Can I get O-1 sponsorship as a postdoc instead of H-1B?
Yes, if you demonstrate extraordinary ability through publications, citations, peer review work, conference presentations, or research awards. O-1 offers advantages like faster processing, no degree restrictions, and easier renewal. However, the evidence threshold is higher than H-1B specialty occupation requirements.
How long does postdoc H-1B processing typically take?
Standard processing takes 4-6 months from filing to approval. Premium processing guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days for an additional $2,805 fee. Cap-exempt institutions can file year-round, so timing is more flexible than cap-subject H-1B petitions that must be submitted by March.
What if my postdoc position is temporary or project-based?
H-1B petitions can be approved for temporary positions as long as the role meets specialty occupation requirements and has defined start/end dates. Many postdoc positions are initially approved for 2-3 years with possible extensions. The temporary nature doesn't disqualify you from H-1B eligibility.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Postdoctoral Research Fellow 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.
How to find Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international researchers with sponsoring employers. Focus on universities, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and government laboratories that commonly sponsor J-1 visa, H-1B, or O-1 visas for postdocs. These employers typically have established visa sponsorship processes for international research talent.