Ionis Pharmaceuticals Visa Sponsorship USA
Ionis Pharmaceuticals is a pioneering RNA-targeted drug discovery company headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Known for cutting-edge science and a specialized research focus, Ionis sponsors international talent in select technical and scientific roles, making it a niche but relevant option for skilled candidates in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
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DIRECTOR OF EPIDEMIOLOGY, MEDICAL EVIDENCE GENERATION
SUMMARY
The Director of Epidemiology is part of the Medical Evidence Generation (MEG) team and will serve as the lead for the Medical Affairs Epidemiology function, serving as a cross-TA epidemiology resource. The Director of Epidemiology provides scientific and strategic leadership for epidemiology activities across the product lifecycle in 20-30 different disease states, working closely with cross-functional teams including Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, HEOR, and Commercial teams. The Director of Epidemiology will provide epidemiology expertise and will design and conduct epidemiology studies/analyses and literature reviews to support organizational needs for epidemiology information across Ionis’ product portfolio and pipeline. This role will report to the Executive Director of Medical Evidence Generation.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as the principal epidemiology expert and resource for the organization.
- Responsible for the epidemiological approach and standards (governance, methodological guidance, quality expectations, and “source of truth” stewardship).
- Assess the long-term strategic impact of epidemiology information across the enterprise, as well as from individual functional perspectives.
- Serve as the hub of epidemiology data (cross-TA) for internal and external use, based on literature reviews or other sources.
- Maintain a database of all approved epidemiology estimates for disease states.
- Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of epidemiologic studies.
- Lead alignment with Medical Evidence Generation TA leads to ensure epidemiology activities are aligned with evidence strategy.
- Lead cross-functional teams including Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, HEOR, Corporate Communications, Investor Relations, and Commercial teams to ensure that epidemiology estimates are aligned with the overall business objectives.
- Review and approve study protocols, analysis plans, study reports, and manuscripts.
- Present epidemiology study results to internal and external stakeholders, including at scientific conferences, and other relevant forums.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in epidemiology, observational research, registry methodologies, Phase 4 study design, and advanced analytical methods, and incorporate them in Ionis’ medical evidence generation activities.
REQUIREMENTS
- A PhD or Master’s degree in epidemiology, public health, or related field with at least 8 years of experience (PhD level) or 12 years of experience (Master’s level) in Epidemiology and/or Evidence Generation in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Demonstrated experience leading epidemiologic studies across multiple phases of the product lifecycle and in rare diseases.
- Strong knowledge of observational study designs, pharmacoepidemiology, genetic epidemiology, and real-world data sources (e.g., claims, EHRs, registries).
- Understanding of statistical methods for epidemiologic research.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong publication record.
- Experience in creation and management of a disease state epidemiology database.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to lead without authority, specifically working with other functions to reach agreement.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
If you are passionate about using epidemiology methods to improve health outcomes for patients and have appropriate qualifications, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Ionis offers an excellent benefits package! Follow this link for more details: Ionis Benefits
The pay scale for this position is $240,000 TO $260,000
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.

DIRECTOR OF EPIDEMIOLOGY, MEDICAL EVIDENCE GENERATION
SUMMARY
The Director of Epidemiology is part of the Medical Evidence Generation (MEG) team and will serve as the lead for the Medical Affairs Epidemiology function, serving as a cross-TA epidemiology resource. The Director of Epidemiology provides scientific and strategic leadership for epidemiology activities across the product lifecycle in 20-30 different disease states, working closely with cross-functional teams including Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, HEOR, and Commercial teams. The Director of Epidemiology will provide epidemiology expertise and will design and conduct epidemiology studies/analyses and literature reviews to support organizational needs for epidemiology information across Ionis’ product portfolio and pipeline. This role will report to the Executive Director of Medical Evidence Generation.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as the principal epidemiology expert and resource for the organization.
- Responsible for the epidemiological approach and standards (governance, methodological guidance, quality expectations, and “source of truth” stewardship).
- Assess the long-term strategic impact of epidemiology information across the enterprise, as well as from individual functional perspectives.
- Serve as the hub of epidemiology data (cross-TA) for internal and external use, based on literature reviews or other sources.
- Maintain a database of all approved epidemiology estimates for disease states.
- Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of epidemiologic studies.
- Lead alignment with Medical Evidence Generation TA leads to ensure epidemiology activities are aligned with evidence strategy.
- Lead cross-functional teams including Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, HEOR, Corporate Communications, Investor Relations, and Commercial teams to ensure that epidemiology estimates are aligned with the overall business objectives.
- Review and approve study protocols, analysis plans, study reports, and manuscripts.
- Present epidemiology study results to internal and external stakeholders, including at scientific conferences, and other relevant forums.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in epidemiology, observational research, registry methodologies, Phase 4 study design, and advanced analytical methods, and incorporate them in Ionis’ medical evidence generation activities.
REQUIREMENTS
- A PhD or Master’s degree in epidemiology, public health, or related field with at least 8 years of experience (PhD level) or 12 years of experience (Master’s level) in Epidemiology and/or Evidence Generation in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Demonstrated experience leading epidemiologic studies across multiple phases of the product lifecycle and in rare diseases.
- Strong knowledge of observational study designs, pharmacoepidemiology, genetic epidemiology, and real-world data sources (e.g., claims, EHRs, registries).
- Understanding of statistical methods for epidemiologic research.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong publication record.
- Experience in creation and management of a disease state epidemiology database.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to lead without authority, specifically working with other functions to reach agreement.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
If you are passionate about using epidemiology methods to improve health outcomes for patients and have appropriate qualifications, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Ionis offers an excellent benefits package! Follow this link for more details: Ionis Benefits
The pay scale for this position is $240,000 TO $260,000
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.
Job Roles at Ionis Pharmaceuticals Companies
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Ionis Pharmaceuticals Visa Sponsorship USA
Target scientific and research roles first
Ionis Pharmaceuticals concentrates its sponsorship on highly specialized positions in drug discovery, molecular biology, and clinical research. Focus your applications on roles where your technical expertise directly aligns with RNA-targeted therapeutics to maximize your chances.
Canadian professionals should explore the TN visa path
Ionis sponsors TN visas, giving Canadian nationals in qualifying scientific or engineering roles a faster, lottery-free alternative to the H-1B. If you hold a Canadian passport and meet TN occupational criteria, this pathway is worth prioritizing in your application strategy.
Demonstrate specialty occupation credentials clearly
Biotechnology employers like Ionis require candidates to clearly show their degree and role are directly related. Highlight specific coursework, research experience, or published work in RNA biology or pharmaceuticals, generic STEM credentials alone are less compelling in this specialized field.
Time your application around Ionis's hiring cycles
Pharmaceutical research companies often hire ahead of major project milestones or clinical trial phases. Monitor Ionis's pipeline announcements and IND filings, as new research programs frequently signal upcoming hiring needs in specialized scientific departments. Migrate Mate surfaces verified sponsors so you can filter by real sponsorship history.
Leverage your OPT or CPT window strategically
Ionis actively participates in OPT and CPT programs, making it accessible to international students still in training status. Use your OPT period to build demonstrated performance at Ionis, which strengthens the internal case for H-1B sponsorship when the cap season opens.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does Ionis Pharmaceuticals sponsor H-1B visas?
Yes, Ionis Pharmaceuticals sponsors H-1B visas for qualifying positions, particularly in scientific and research-intensive roles aligned with its RNA-targeted drug discovery focus. Because Ionis operates in a highly specialized area of biotechnology, sponsored roles typically require a strong academic and professional background directly relevant to the work, a general science degree alone may not be sufficient.
Which visa types does Ionis Pharmaceuticals sponsor?
Ionis Pharmaceuticals sponsors H-1B visas, F-1 OPT, F-1 CPT, and TN visas. This range makes Ionis accessible to international students completing degrees in life sciences or related fields, as well as Canadian nationals in qualifying occupations. Each visa type has different eligibility requirements, so confirming your situation with Ionis's HR or legal team early in the process is important.
Which departments or roles at Ionis Pharmaceuticals are most likely to be sponsored?
Sponsorship at Ionis tends to be concentrated in scientific and technical functions, including drug discovery research, medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, clinical development, and bioinformatics. Roles requiring advanced degrees, such as a Ph.D. or M.S. in a relevant life science discipline, are the most common candidates for visa sponsorship given the specialty occupation requirements of the H-1B classification.
How do I find open visa-sponsored jobs at Ionis Pharmaceuticals?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find verified visa-sponsored roles at Ionis Pharmaceuticals. Unlike general job boards, Migrate Mate filters by actual sponsorship history, so you can confirm Ionis's track record before applying. Search by company name and filter for the visa type relevant to your situation, H-1B, OPT, or TN, to see current openings that match your eligibility.
How do I approach the application timeline when targeting Ionis Pharmaceuticals for H-1B sponsorship?
Start early. The H-1B cap lottery opens in March each year, with petitions filed shortly after for an October 1 start date. If you're on OPT, calculate how much time you have before your EAD expires and work backward. Ideally, you'd have an offer from Ionis by December or January to give HR enough lead time to prepare the petition, engage immigration counsel, and file during the registration window.
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