Scientist Jobs at AbbVie with Visa Sponsorship
Scientist jobs at AbbVie span drug discovery, immunology, oncology, and neuroscience, with positions ranging from bench-focused research to translational work. AbbVie has a well-established process for sponsoring international researchers, supporting candidates through both nonimmigrant and immigrant visa pathways from offer through permanent residence.
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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 78+ Scientist Jobs at AbbVie
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Scientist Jobs at AbbVie
Align Your Degree Field to the Role
AbbVie Scientist postings typically require a Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, or a directly related field. USCIS scrutinizes specialty occupation status closely for research roles, so your degree field needs to map clearly to the specific science area listed in the job description.
Target Therapeutic Area Teams Strategically
AbbVie concentrates its research hiring around immunology, oncology, and neuroscience. Applying to roles within these core areas puts you in front of teams with active headcount and established sponsorship workflows, rather than newer or smaller functions where approvals move more slowly.
Browse Verified Sponsoring Roles on Migrate Mate
Filter Scientist openings by visa type on Migrate Mate to identify AbbVie positions actively listed for H-1B, E-3, or TN sponsorship, so you can prioritize applications where your specific work authorization pathway is already confirmed before you reach the offer stage.
Understand AbbVie's Green Card Timeline Early
AbbVie sponsors EB-2 and EB-3 immigrant visa petitions for Scientist roles. If your priority date matters, ask your recruiter when PERM labor certification typically begins relative to your start date, since Indian and Chinese nationals face multi-year backlogs that affect long-term planning significantly.
Negotiate Your Start Date Around H-1B Cap Cycles
If you need a cap-subject H-1B, USCIS opens registration in March for an October 1 start. Build this into offer negotiations early. AbbVie has research facilities that qualify as cap-exempt institutions in some collaboration contexts, but standard commercial roles require cap-subject petitions.
Prepare Publication and Patent Records Before Interviewing
AbbVie hiring managers evaluate Scientist candidates on demonstrated research output. Having your publication list, patent contributions, and any proprietary assay or platform experience clearly documented strengthens both your interview case and the evidentiary package your employer's immigration counsel will need for the visa petition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AbbVie sponsor H-1B visas for Scientists?
Yes, AbbVie sponsors H-1B visas for Scientist roles. The company works with immigration counsel to file cap-subject petitions during the annual USCIS registration window, with an October 1 start date for selected candidates. AbbVie also supports H-1B transfers for candidates already holding H-1B status with another employer, which allows you to start sooner without waiting for the next cap cycle.
How do I apply for Scientist jobs at AbbVie?
Applications go through AbbVie's careers portal at abbvie.com. Search by job function or therapeutic area and filter for research and development roles. Most Scientist positions list specific degree requirements and preferred experience in the posting. You can also find AbbVie Scientist openings filtered by visa type on Migrate Mate, which lets you confirm sponsorship eligibility before you apply.
Which visa types does AbbVie sponsor for Scientist roles?
AbbVie sponsors a broad range of work visas for Scientist positions, including H-1B, H-1B1 visa for Chilean and Singaporean nationals, E-3 visa for Australian nationals, and TN visa for Canadian and Mexican nationals. AbbVie also supports F-1 OPT and CPT for students in qualifying programs, J-1 visa research appointments, and immigrant visa pathways including EB-2 and EB-3 for candidates pursuing permanent residence.
What qualifications does AbbVie expect for Scientist positions?
Most AbbVie Scientist roles require a Ph.D. in a relevant life sciences discipline such as biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, or pharmacology. Postdoctoral experience is strongly preferred for senior-level positions. Hands-on expertise with specific platforms, such as CRISPR, flow cytometry, or in vivo disease models, often appears as a required rather than preferred qualification in the job posting.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for an AbbVie Scientist role?
Timeline depends on your visa category. A TN or E-3 can be processed within weeks. A cap-subject H-1B requires registration in March, with employment starting October 1 at the earliest, roughly six to nine months from offer. Green Card sponsorship through PERM labor certification adds additional years for EB-2 and EB-3 pathways, and waiting times vary significantly by country of birth.