Research Fellow Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Research Fellow positions offer strong visa sponsorship opportunities across universities, research institutes, and federal agencies. Many qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B visas, while postdoc positions often support J-1 visa sponsorship. International researchers frequently transition from F-1 OPT or gain direct sponsorship through competitive fellowship programs with built-in visa support.
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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 1,092+ Research Fellow Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Fellow roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Fellow Jobs
Target R1 research universities and national labs
Major research institutions like NIH, Oak Ridge, and R1 universities routinely sponsor international researchers. They have established visa processing workflows and understand immigration requirements for academic positions.
Highlight specialized research skills in your application
Research Fellow roles typically qualify as H-1B specialty occupations when they require advanced degrees in specific fields. Emphasize unique methodologies, technical expertise, and specialized knowledge in your field.
Consider J-1 Research Scholar status first
Many Research Fellow positions support J-1 visas, which process faster than H-1B and don't count against caps. J-1 allows dual intent and can bridge to permanent residency paths.
Apply during federal funding cycles
Research institutions often have more visa sponsorship budget when new grants begin. Time applications with fiscal year starts (October) or when major funding announcements are made.
Network through academic conferences and collaborations
Research Fellow hires often come through professional connections. Present at conferences, collaborate on publications, and engage with potential supervisors before formal applications open to build sponsorship relationships.
Prepare for longer visa processing timelines
Academic visa sponsorship can take 4-6 months due to institutional approval processes. Start conversations early and be prepared for extended timelines, especially for positions requiring security clearances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa types work best for Research Fellow positions?
J-1 visa Research Scholar is most common for academic research positions, processing in 2-3 months without caps. H-1B works for university and private research roles but faces lottery requirements. O-1 visa applies for researchers with extraordinary ability demonstrated through publications, citations, and peer recognition. Some positions support TN visa for Canadian/Mexican researchers in eligible fields.
Do Research Fellow positions require specific degree levels for visa sponsorship?
Most Research Fellow roles require master's or doctoral degrees for H-1B specialty occupation classification. The degree field must directly relate to the research area. Some positions accept bachelor's plus significant research experience using the 3-for-1 rule (three years experience equals one year education), but doctoral preference is strong in academic settings.
How do postdoc Research Fellow positions handle visa sponsorship differently?
Postdoc Research Fellow roles typically use J-1 Exchange Visitor status rather than H-1B, avoiding lottery requirements and processing faster. Many institutions have established J-1 programs specifically for postdocs. J-1 allows 36-month maximum stay with possible extensions, and most positions include built-in visa support as part of the fellowship package.
What approval rates should Research Fellows expect for visa sponsorship?
J-1 Research Scholar applications have very high approval rates (95%+) when properly documented through established institutional programs. H-1B approval rates for Research Fellow positions are strong (80-90%) due to clear specialty occupation requirements and advanced degree holders. O-1 rates vary significantly based on individual qualifications and evidence quality.
How to find Research Fellow jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Research Fellow positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on universities, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms that commonly offer H-1B, O-1, or J-1 visas for research roles. These organizations frequently sponsor qualified candidates for postdoctoral and senior research positions across various scientific disciplines.
Can Research Fellows transition from student visas to work authorization?
Yes, F-1 students can transition directly to Research Fellow positions through OPT or H-1B cap-gap extensions. STEM OPT provides 36 months of work authorization, often enough to secure permanent research positions. Many international PhD students move seamlessly from F-1 to postdoc J-1 status, then to H-1B or permanent residency through academic pathways.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored 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.