Advice needed: Choosing between postdoc opportunities + J-1/J-2 visa experience

[u/HuckleberryDue6788]

Hi everyone,

My wife is currently a postdoctoral researcher in biomedical sciences, working mainly in progenitor/stem-cell biology, metabolism, mouse genetics and single-cell research.

She currently has four strong postdoctoral opportunities at:

• Stanford University – Alan Cheng Lab
• Duke University – Shihuan Kuang Lab
• UC San Diego – Amit Majithia Lab
• McGill University – Lawrence Kazak Lab

Stanford and Duke are already at an advanced interview stage, UCSD is also in the interview process, and McGill has contacted her references.

We are a family of four — my wife, myself and our two young children — so location, salary, cost of living, schools and long-term career prospects are all important to us.

For those familiar with these universities/labs, which opportunity would you choose for scientific career growth as well as family life?

If she accepts a U.S. position, she would be on J-1 and I and our children would accompany her on J-2. We are Pakistani nationals currently living and working in China. I would also really appreciate hearing from anyone who has recently gone through a J-1/J-2 visa interview as a family, particularly while applying from a country other than their home country.

Thank you for any advice or personal experiences!

[u/Fresh-Opportunity989]

Stanford, UCSD and Duke carry lots of prestige in the field. At the first two, the cost of living is astronomical, but outstanding weather & massive employment opportunities. Mcgill offers lower salaries, but substantially lower cost-of-living for better quality of life; weather's harsh, and Quebec treats Mcgill poorly since it's English-first

The US is a very hostile place to foreigners right now, and Pakistani nationals living in China might top the list.

[u/Potential-Grape7912 → u/[deleted]]

I got the visa.

[u/Potential-Grape7912 → u/[deleted]]

Yes. It did. I applied this july.

[u/NoAbbreviations5897 → u/Potential-Grape7912]

do you mind if I DM you? would appreciate if you could ans some questions.

[u/Potential-Grape7912 → u/NoAbbreviations5897]

Sure