Research Jobs at AbbVie with Visa Sponsorship
Research jobs at AbbVie span drug discovery, preclinical development, and translational science across immunology, oncology, and neuroscience. The company has a consistent track record of sponsoring international researchers across multiple visa categories, making it a realistic target for scientists seeking long-term U.S. career paths in biopharma.
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About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
The Checkpoint Immunology group is seeking an experienced Principal Research Scientist I to advance novel immune checkpoint programs for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership across discovery and translational research activities, driving innovative therapeutic concepts from target identification through candidate nomination.
This role is ideal for a scientist who combines deep immunology expertise with a strong drug discovery mindset, enjoys solving challenging biological questions in emerging areas of science, and thrives in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead the scientific strategy and execution of one or more discovery-stage immunology programs.
- Drive biological understanding of novel immune regulatory pathways and translate insights into therapeutic opportunities.
- Lead from the bench by designing, executing, and interpreting critical experiments while mentoring other scientists.
- Build scientific capability within the team and foster a strong drug discovery mindset.
- Integrate biology, pharmacology, translational sciences, and external collaborations to advance program objectives.
- Coordinate cross-functional workflows and drive alignment across multidisciplinary teams.
- Ensure high-quality project planning through sound experimental design, early risk assessment and robust contingency planning through integrated timelines.
- Contribute to PK/PD, translational, and biomarker strategies that support candidate selection and development decisions.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture through mentorship, scientific rigor, and effective teamwork.
Qualifications Required
- PhD with typically 6+ years of experience; MS or equivalent education with typically 12+ years of experience; or BS or equivalent education with typically 14+ years of extensive experience in Immunology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or related discipline.
- Significant experience in immunology drug discovery; proven ability to innovate and deliver new or improved lead and candidate molecules.
- Experience with biologics, bispecific antibodies, multispecific therapeutics, or other immune-modulating modalities.
- Strong expertise in immune cell biology, autoimmune disease, immune regulation, and/or checkpoint biology.
- Demonstrated ability to independently lead scientific strategy and execution in a matrixed environment.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred
- Experience advancing programs from target validation through candidate nomination.
- Experience designing and interpreting in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies, including PK/PD assessments.
- Translational research and biomarker development experience.
- Proven ability to integrate cross-functional activities and drive execution across complex research programs.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a scientist who can lead biology in areas where the path forward is not yet defined, remain closely connected to the science and the laboratory, integrate activities across diverse functions, and help build a cohesive, collaborative team. This individual will be recognized for scientific excellence, strong execution, mentorship, and the ability to translate complex biology into impactful therapeutic strategies.
Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
- The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
- We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html
Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
The Checkpoint Immunology group is seeking an experienced Principal Research Scientist I to advance novel immune checkpoint programs for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership across discovery and translational research activities, driving innovative therapeutic concepts from target identification through candidate nomination.
This role is ideal for a scientist who combines deep immunology expertise with a strong drug discovery mindset, enjoys solving challenging biological questions in emerging areas of science, and thrives in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead the scientific strategy and execution of one or more discovery-stage immunology programs.
- Drive biological understanding of novel immune regulatory pathways and translate insights into therapeutic opportunities.
- Lead from the bench by designing, executing, and interpreting critical experiments while mentoring other scientists.
- Build scientific capability within the team and foster a strong drug discovery mindset.
- Integrate biology, pharmacology, translational sciences, and external collaborations to advance program objectives.
- Coordinate cross-functional workflows and drive alignment across multidisciplinary teams.
- Ensure high-quality project planning through sound experimental design, early risk assessment and robust contingency planning through integrated timelines.
- Contribute to PK/PD, translational, and biomarker strategies that support candidate selection and development decisions.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture through mentorship, scientific rigor, and effective teamwork.
Qualifications Required
- PhD with typically 6+ years of experience; MS or equivalent education with typically 12+ years of experience; or BS or equivalent education with typically 14+ years of extensive experience in Immunology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or related discipline.
- Significant experience in immunology drug discovery; proven ability to innovate and deliver new or improved lead and candidate molecules.
- Experience with biologics, bispecific antibodies, multispecific therapeutics, or other immune-modulating modalities.
- Strong expertise in immune cell biology, autoimmune disease, immune regulation, and/or checkpoint biology.
- Demonstrated ability to independently lead scientific strategy and execution in a matrixed environment.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred
- Experience advancing programs from target validation through candidate nomination.
- Experience designing and interpreting in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies, including PK/PD assessments.
- Translational research and biomarker development experience.
- Proven ability to integrate cross-functional activities and drive execution across complex research programs.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a scientist who can lead biology in areas where the path forward is not yet defined, remain closely connected to the science and the laboratory, integrate activities across diverse functions, and help build a cohesive, collaborative team. This individual will be recognized for scientific excellence, strong execution, mentorship, and the ability to translate complex biology into impactful therapeutic strategies.
Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
- The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
- We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html
See all 152+ Research Jobs at AbbVie
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Jobs at AbbVie.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Jobs at AbbVie
Align your publications to AbbVie's pipeline
AbbVie's Research function is organized around therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, and neuroscience. Framing your published work and CV around those specific disease areas signals direct fit before you even reach a recruiter.
Confirm your degree field supports the role
H-1B specialty occupation requires your degree to match the specific Research position, not just science broadly. A computational biology role requires a degree in that field or a closely related one. A mismatch can trigger a Request for Evidence from USCIS.
Target roles with a lab or functional lead listed
AbbVie Research postings that name a specific research unit or functional group tend to reflect active headcount needs. Positions without a clear functional home are often exploratory pipelines and may move more slowly through the offer and sponsorship process.
Prepare documentation before your offer stage
Once AbbVie extends an offer, immigration counsel will need your degree transcripts, credential evaluations for foreign degrees, and a current CV. Having these ready cuts weeks off the time between offer acceptance and petition filing.
Understand the PERM timeline if you want a Green Card
AbbVie sponsors EB-2 and EB-3 green cards for Research roles, but PERM labor certification with DOL typically takes 12 to 18 months before the I-140 petition can even be filed. Factor this into your career planning early.
Search AbbVie Research roles on Migrate Mate
Finding open Research positions at AbbVie that actively list visa sponsorship saves time when you're on OPT or a tight timeline. Migrate Mate filters jobs by visa type and company, so you can see AbbVie's current sponsorship-eligible Research openings directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AbbVie sponsor H-1B visas for Research roles?
Yes, AbbVie sponsors H-1B visas for Research positions. The role must qualify as a specialty occupation under USCIS standards, meaning a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field is normally required for the position. Research roles in drug discovery, translational science, and preclinical development typically meet this standard, provided your degree field aligns with the specific job.
Which visa types does AbbVie commonly sponsor for Research positions?
AbbVie sponsors a broad range of visa categories for Research roles, including H-1B, H-1B1 visa for Chilean and Singaporean nationals, E-3 visa for Australian nationals, TN visa for Canadian and Mexican nationals, F-1 OPT and CPT for current students, J-1 visa for exchange visitors, and employment-based Green Cards through the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. The right category depends on your nationality, degree level, and career stage.
What qualifications does AbbVie expect for sponsored Research roles?
Most Research positions at AbbVie require at least a master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant life sciences discipline such as biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, or a related field. Industry experience in a biopharma or biotech setting is valued, and publications or demonstrated expertise in one of AbbVie's core therapeutic areas, including immunology, oncology, or neuroscience, strengthens a candidacy considerably.
How do I apply for Research jobs at AbbVie?
Applications go through AbbVie's careers portal, where Research roles are listed by function and location. Tailoring your application to the specific therapeutic area and research unit listed in the posting improves your visibility in their process. You can also browse AbbVie's current sponsorship-eligible Research openings on Migrate Mate, which filters roles by visa type so you can focus on positions relevant to your immigration situation.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for a Research role at AbbVie?
Timeline depends on the visa type. H-1B cap-subject petitions require lottery selection in March for an October 1 start date, so planning at least six months ahead is essential. E-3 and TN petitions can move faster, often within four to eight weeks of an accepted offer. F-1 OPT extensions and J-1 transitions have their own USCIS or program sponsor timelines. AbbVie's immigration counsel manages filings, but you should flag your visa status early in the interview process.