Research Scientist Jobs at AbbVie with Visa Sponsorship
Research Scientist jobs at AbbVie span therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and neuroscience, and the company has a consistent track record of sponsoring work visas for this function. If you're pursuing a research career in biopharma, AbbVie is an employer worth targeting early.
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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 Research Scientist Jobs at AbbVie
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Scientist Jobs at AbbVie.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Scientist Jobs at AbbVie
Tailor your CV to AbbVie's therapeutic focus areas
AbbVie's research pipeline centers on immunology, oncology, and neuroscience. Highlighting publications, assay development, or lab work in these areas signals direct relevance and strengthens your candidacy before sponsorship even enters the conversation.
Verify your visa category before applying
AbbVie sponsors H-1B, E-3, TN, and J-1 visas for Research Scientists. Knowing which category fits your nationality and degree before you apply lets you answer recruiter questions confidently and avoids delays at the offer stage.
Search open Research Scientist roles through Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter AbbVie's open Research Scientist positions by visa type. This saves time by surfacing only roles where sponsorship aligns with your specific authorization needs rather than sorting through listings manually.
Clarify OPT cap-gap coverage during offer negotiation
If you're on F-1 OPT, your start date and H-1B filing timeline matter significantly. AbbVie does sponsor H-1B petitions, so confirm with your recruiter whether the offer accounts for the April filing window and any cap-gap period.
Prepare for PERM if you're targeting permanent residence
Research Scientist roles at AbbVie often support EB-2 or EB-3 Green Card pathways through PERM labor certification filed with the DOL. Ask during the offer process whether the role is designated for a Green Card track and what the expected timeline looks like.
Document your research contributions with specificity
USCIS scrutinizes whether a Research Scientist role meets specialty occupation standards. Gather documentation of your degree, publications, and any specialized lab techniques before your interview so your employer has everything needed to build a strong I-129 petition quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AbbVie sponsor H-1B visas for Research Scientists?
Yes, AbbVie sponsors H-1B visas for Research Scientists. The company participates in the annual H-1B cap lottery, so timing matters: offers typically need to be in place before the April registration window. If you're already on H-1B with another employer, AbbVie can file an H-1B transfer, which lets you start without waiting for a new cap slot.
How do I apply for Research Scientist jobs at AbbVie?
You can find and apply for Research Scientist positions at AbbVie through Migrate Mate, which filters open roles by visa sponsorship type so you can confirm your category is supported before applying. Applications go through AbbVie's careers portal, and you'll typically move through a phone screen, a technical interview covering your research expertise, and a final panel interview.
Which visa types does AbbVie commonly use for Research Scientist roles?
AbbVie sponsors several visa categories for Research Scientists, including H-1B, H-1B1 visa for Chilean and Singaporean nationals, E-3 visa for Australian citizens, TN visa for Canadian and Mexican nationals, J-1 visa for research exchange visitors, and F-1 OPT and CPT for students. For longer-term employment, AbbVie also supports Green Card sponsorship through EB-2 and EB-3 pathways via PERM labor certification.
What qualifications does AbbVie expect for Research Scientist positions?
Most Research Scientist roles at AbbVie require a Ph.D. in a life sciences field such as biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, or a related discipline, sometimes with postdoctoral experience. Hands-on expertise in techniques relevant to AbbVie's therapeutic areas, including immunology and oncology assays, cell-based models, or drug discovery workflows, is commonly expected. A strong publication record strengthens your profile significantly.
How do I navigate the visa filing timeline after receiving an offer from AbbVie?
Once you have an offer, AbbVie's immigration team typically works with outside counsel to prepare the petition. For H-1B cap cases, the April registration deadline is fixed, so your offer needs to be confirmed well in advance. For TN or E-3 categories, processing is faster and doesn't depend on a lottery. For PERM-based Green Card cases, expect a multi-year process that begins after your H-1B is approved.