Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Postdoctoral Research Fellows typically qualify for H-1B visa, O-1, 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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Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Crystallization Sciences
Be a part of the legacy: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program
Our Research Laboratories’ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program aims to be a best-in-industry program for industrial postdoctoral researchers, designed to provide you with an academic focus in a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a large pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers will be positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly driven and motivated postdoctoral research scholar to join the Materials & Biophysical Characterization group within Analytical Research & Development. This individual will develop innovative high-throughput crystallization strategies and methodologies to discover new solid forms. The project will utilize automation techniques to screen various crystallization processes to control solid form outcomes. It will also involve high-throughput characterization techniques, such as Raman microscopy, optical microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction, to effectively identify new solid forms using spectral and imaging data. Additionally, new analytical platforms will be developed utilizing machine learning and other analytical tools to process large datasets of spectra and images. These integrated approaches can significantly reduce the time and material consumption required for solid form discovery, while effectively constructing comprehensive solid form landscapes. The postdoctoral research scholar will collaborate closely with other functional areas, including Automation, Crystal Structure Prediction, Digital Science & Statistics, and Structure Elucidation.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Design and develop automated crystallization methodologies, and execute studies to discover and identify novel solid forms.
- Perform high-throughput physical characterization using Raman microscopy, high-throughput microscopy, or powder X-ray diffraction.
- Build analytical methods using machine learning or other analytical tools to process and analyze spectra or image datasets.
- Leverage traditional and advanced physical characterization and crystallography techniques to understand solid-state and structural properties, respectively.
- Interpret and present data to internal and external collaborators.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional and technical experts to facilitate scientific success and breakthroughs.
- Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present work at scientific meetings.
- Ensure that safe laboratory practices are followed.
Education Minimum Requirement:
Candidates must currently hold a Ph.D. or receive a Ph.D. by the summer of 2026. Preferred educational background includes but is not restricted to Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutics, Physical Chemistry, or a related field.
Required Experience and Skills:
- Experience in physical characterization (Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, crystallography, thermal analysis, etc.) of organic and/or inorganic materials.
- Experience in crystallization and crystal growth.
- Interest in automation, high-throughput physical characterization, and machine learning.
- Proven ability to independently design and execute experiments, interpret data, and identify appropriate follow-up studies.
- Track record of adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, innovation, integrity, and teamwork.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
- Strong track record of scientific achievements (publications, patent, etc.) and effective writing skills.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Experience in automation, Raman microscopy, and crystallography.
- Knowledge and skills in machine learning or large dataset analytics.
- Demonstrated ability to be productive and a strong aptitude for learning and adopting new techniques and technologies.
The salary range for this role is: $82,000
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
Required Skills:
Analytical Chemistry, Confocal Raman Microscopy, Crystallography, Data Analysis, Raman Spectroscopy, Solid State Chemistry, Spectroscopy, X-RAY CRYSTALLOGRAPHY
Preferred Skills:
Analytical Method, Analytical Research, Scientific Writing
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
EEOC Know Your Rights
EEOC GINA Supplement
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
U.S. Hybrid Work Model
Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
Travel Requirements:
No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
N/A
Job Posting End Date:
05/11/2026
A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Requisition ID: R395834
Job Description
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Crystallization Sciences
Be a part of the legacy: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program
Our Research Laboratories’ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program aims to be a best-in-industry program for industrial postdoctoral researchers, designed to provide you with an academic focus in a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a large pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers will be positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly driven and motivated postdoctoral research scholar to join the Materials & Biophysical Characterization group within Analytical Research & Development. This individual will develop innovative high-throughput crystallization strategies and methodologies to discover new solid forms. The project will utilize automation techniques to screen various crystallization processes to control solid form outcomes. It will also involve high-throughput characterization techniques, such as Raman microscopy, optical microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction, to effectively identify new solid forms using spectral and imaging data. Additionally, new analytical platforms will be developed utilizing machine learning and other analytical tools to process large datasets of spectra and images. These integrated approaches can significantly reduce the time and material consumption required for solid form discovery, while effectively constructing comprehensive solid form landscapes. The postdoctoral research scholar will collaborate closely with other functional areas, including Automation, Crystal Structure Prediction, Digital Science & Statistics, and Structure Elucidation.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Design and develop automated crystallization methodologies, and execute studies to discover and identify novel solid forms.
- Perform high-throughput physical characterization using Raman microscopy, high-throughput microscopy, or powder X-ray diffraction.
- Build analytical methods using machine learning or other analytical tools to process and analyze spectra or image datasets.
- Leverage traditional and advanced physical characterization and crystallography techniques to understand solid-state and structural properties, respectively.
- Interpret and present data to internal and external collaborators.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional and technical experts to facilitate scientific success and breakthroughs.
- Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present work at scientific meetings.
- Ensure that safe laboratory practices are followed.
Education Minimum Requirement:
Candidates must currently hold a Ph.D. or receive a Ph.D. by the summer of 2026. Preferred educational background includes but is not restricted to Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutics, Physical Chemistry, or a related field.
Required Experience and Skills:
- Experience in physical characterization (Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, crystallography, thermal analysis, etc.) of organic and/or inorganic materials.
- Experience in crystallization and crystal growth.
- Interest in automation, high-throughput physical characterization, and machine learning.
- Proven ability to independently design and execute experiments, interpret data, and identify appropriate follow-up studies.
- Track record of adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, innovation, integrity, and teamwork.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
- Strong track record of scientific achievements (publications, patent, etc.) and effective writing skills.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Experience in automation, Raman microscopy, and crystallography.
- Knowledge and skills in machine learning or large dataset analytics.
- Demonstrated ability to be productive and a strong aptitude for learning and adopting new techniques and technologies.
The salary range for this role is: $82,000
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
Required Skills:
Analytical Chemistry, Confocal Raman Microscopy, Crystallography, Data Analysis, Raman Spectroscopy, Solid State Chemistry, Spectroscopy, X-RAY CRYSTALLOGRAPHY
Preferred Skills:
Analytical Method, Analytical Research, Scientific Writing
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
EEOC Know Your Rights
EEOC GINA Supplement
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
U.S. Hybrid Work Model
Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
Travel Requirements:
No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
N/A
Job Posting End Date:
05/11/2026
A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Requisition ID: R395834
See all 409+ 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.
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.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Postdoctoral Research Fellow JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do postdoctoral research fellows qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, postdoc positions typically qualify as H-1B 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, H-1B, or O-1 visas for postdocs. These employers typically have established visa sponsorship processes for international research talent.
See which Postdoctoral Research Fellow employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
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