E-3 Visa Associate Scientist Jobs
Associate Scientist roles in biotech, pharma, and research organizations qualify as E-3 specialty occupations when tied to a relevant science degree. Australian nationals can secure E-3 visa sponsorship without entering a lottery, and the visa renews every two years as long as you hold a qualifying position.
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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 Pathology Laboratory within Local Delivery Translational Sciences (LDTS) develops, validates, and applies investigative pathology-based methods to support drug discovery, translational research, and nonclinical safety programs. The laboratory helps pathologists and scientists characterize compound-induced effects related to target-organ injury in animal and human tissues, characterize animal models of disease, develop target-engagement endpoints, evaluate local drug biodistribution, and address key questions that advance eyecare, aesthetics, and botulinum toxin development programs.
The Pathology Associate II is an experienced laboratory professional responsible for independently performing routine histology, specialized ocular histology, and related laboratory activities in support of nonclinical safety and investigative research studies. This role works closely with pathologists, scientists, and laboratory colleagues to coordinate study support, maintain laboratory equipment and supplies, manage pathology materials, and assist with specialized histology procedures such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) and special stains.
As a member of a small, collaborative team, the successful candidate will apply strong histology expertise, attention to detail, and sound laboratory judgment to support timely, high-quality study execution and efficient pathology laboratory operations.
Responsibilities
- Independently perform routine histology procedures, including tissue trimming, embedding, microtomy, slide preparation, staining, and coverslipping.
- Perform specialized ocular histology procedures and support preparation of ocular tissues for nonclinical safety and investigative studies.
- Perform or assist with immunohistochemistry (IHC), special stains, and other pathology laboratory procedures according to established protocols.
- Prepare, label, organize, track, archive, package, ship, and receive tissue blocks, slides, biological specimens, and other study-related materials.
- Operate histology equipment, including tissue processors and automated staining systems, and coordinate routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting activities.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, sample-tracking information, equipment documentation, and study-related documentation.
- Support laboratory operations through inventory management, purchasing and stocking supplies, coordinating equipment service, and maintaining organized work areas.
- Coordinate pathology materials and work schedules with pathologists, scientists, external contract research organizations (CROs), and colleagues at other sites.
- Follow laboratory safety policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality procedures, and applicable compliance requirements.
- Maintain awareness of current histology technologies and contribute to laboratory efficiency and continuous-improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate effectively with pathologists, scientists, and laboratory staff to support study execution and departmental objectives.
- Provide technical guidance or hands-on support to less experienced colleagues as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree with 2-4 years of relevant experience, a master's degree with 0-2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Hands-on experience with routine histology procedures, including tissue trimming, embedding, microtomy, sectioning, staining, and slide preparation.
- Experience operating and maintaining histology equipment, such as tissue processors and automated staining systems.
- Experience packaging, shipping, receiving, and tracking histology specimens and materials.
- Ability to independently manage assigned laboratory activities with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively in a team environment.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, communication skills, and commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments, follow established procedures, and maintain accurate documentation.
Preferred
- Experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, contract research, or related life-sciences industry.
- Hands-on experience with ocular histology.
- Experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and automated platforms such as the Leica Bond RX.
- Experience with special staining methods.
- Experience with digital pathology and whole-slide imaging systems.
- ASCP Histotechnician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HTL) certification.
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 short-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 Pathology Laboratory within Local Delivery Translational Sciences (LDTS) develops, validates, and applies investigative pathology-based methods to support drug discovery, translational research, and nonclinical safety programs. The laboratory helps pathologists and scientists characterize compound-induced effects related to target-organ injury in animal and human tissues, characterize animal models of disease, develop target-engagement endpoints, evaluate local drug biodistribution, and address key questions that advance eyecare, aesthetics, and botulinum toxin development programs.
The Pathology Associate II is an experienced laboratory professional responsible for independently performing routine histology, specialized ocular histology, and related laboratory activities in support of nonclinical safety and investigative research studies. This role works closely with pathologists, scientists, and laboratory colleagues to coordinate study support, maintain laboratory equipment and supplies, manage pathology materials, and assist with specialized histology procedures such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) and special stains.
As a member of a small, collaborative team, the successful candidate will apply strong histology expertise, attention to detail, and sound laboratory judgment to support timely, high-quality study execution and efficient pathology laboratory operations.
Responsibilities
- Independently perform routine histology procedures, including tissue trimming, embedding, microtomy, slide preparation, staining, and coverslipping.
- Perform specialized ocular histology procedures and support preparation of ocular tissues for nonclinical safety and investigative studies.
- Perform or assist with immunohistochemistry (IHC), special stains, and other pathology laboratory procedures according to established protocols.
- Prepare, label, organize, track, archive, package, ship, and receive tissue blocks, slides, biological specimens, and other study-related materials.
- Operate histology equipment, including tissue processors and automated staining systems, and coordinate routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting activities.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, sample-tracking information, equipment documentation, and study-related documentation.
- Support laboratory operations through inventory management, purchasing and stocking supplies, coordinating equipment service, and maintaining organized work areas.
- Coordinate pathology materials and work schedules with pathologists, scientists, external contract research organizations (CROs), and colleagues at other sites.
- Follow laboratory safety policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality procedures, and applicable compliance requirements.
- Maintain awareness of current histology technologies and contribute to laboratory efficiency and continuous-improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate effectively with pathologists, scientists, and laboratory staff to support study execution and departmental objectives.
- Provide technical guidance or hands-on support to less experienced colleagues as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree with 2-4 years of relevant experience, a master's degree with 0-2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Hands-on experience with routine histology procedures, including tissue trimming, embedding, microtomy, sectioning, staining, and slide preparation.
- Experience operating and maintaining histology equipment, such as tissue processors and automated staining systems.
- Experience packaging, shipping, receiving, and tracking histology specimens and materials.
- Ability to independently manage assigned laboratory activities with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively in a team environment.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, communication skills, and commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments, follow established procedures, and maintain accurate documentation.
Preferred
- Experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, contract research, or related life-sciences industry.
- Hands-on experience with ocular histology.
- Experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and automated platforms such as the Leica Bond RX.
- Experience with special staining methods.
- Experience with digital pathology and whole-slide imaging systems.
- ASCP Histotechnician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HTL) certification.
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 short-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 80+ E-3 Visa Associate Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new E-3 Visa Associate Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding E-3 Visa Sponsorship as an Associate Scientist
Match your degree to the role
E-3 visa eligibility depends on your degree field directly matching the Associate Scientist position. A biochemistry or molecular biology degree supporting a cell biology role is clean; a general science degree for a highly specialized assay development role may trigger an employer's RFE concern.
Target labs with existing LCA history
Search the DOL's Foreign Labor Application Gateway to identify biotech and pharma employers who have filed LCAs for scientist-level roles. Prior LCA activity signals that HR and legal teams already know the E-3 process, cutting your sponsorship negotiation time significantly.
Clarify sponsorship before the technical interview
Ask about E-3 sponsorship during the recruiter screen, not after an offer. Frame it as straightforward: no lottery, no quota risk, and employer costs are low. Raising it late in the process creates unnecessary hesitation from hiring managers who confuse the E-3 with the H-1B visa.
Use Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service for end-to-end processing
Once you have an offer, Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service handles the LCA submission with DOL, prepares your DS-160, and coordinates consulate documentation so you're not piecing together requirements across government portals while also starting a new role.
Get your Australian transcripts credential-evaluated early
Australian three-year bachelor's degrees are generally accepted as equivalent to U.S. four-year degrees for E-3 purposes, but have a credentials evaluation letter ready before you enter late-stage interviews. Some employers request it before issuing a formal offer letter.
Negotiate a start date that clears your consulate timeline
E-3 consulate appointment wait times vary by city and season. Sydney and Melbourne can book out several weeks. Confirm appointment availability before committing to a start date, and build a two-to-four week buffer between your interview and your first day.
E-3 Visa Associate Scientist: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find Associate Scientist jobs that offer E-3 visa sponsorship?
Search Migrate Mate, which filters roles by E-3 sponsorship eligibility so you're not cold-applying to employers unfamiliar with the visa. Look specifically for biotech, pharma, and university research employers who have active LCA filings for scientist-level positions, as these organizations already have established sponsorship workflows.
How much does it cost to get an E-3 visa?
Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service covers the entire process for $499, including the Labor Condition Application, visa document preparation, and consulate appointment guidance. Traditional immigration lawyers charge $2,000–$5,000+ for the same work. The E-3 has less paperwork than most work visas, so paying thousands for legal help is usually unnecessary.
Does an Associate Scientist role qualify as a specialty occupation for the E-3?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS defines a specialty occupation as one requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. Associate Scientist roles tied to biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline meet this standard. Roles where any science background is accepted regardless of field carry slightly more risk at adjudication, so ensure the job description references a specific degree requirement.
How does the E-3 compare to the H-1B for Associate Scientist positions?
The E-3 has no lottery, no annual cap backlog, and renews in two-year increments indefinitely. The H-1B requires registration in a randomized lottery with roughly a one-in-four selection rate, and if selected, processing can take months. For Australian nationals, the E-3 is a direct path to the same research roles without the lottery uncertainty that affects H-1B applicants.
Can I change employers or labs while on an E-3 as an Associate Scientist?
Yes, but you need a new LCA and new E-3 visa stamp before starting with the new employer, or you can change status through USCIS if you're already inside the U.S. You can't simply transfer an E-3 from one employer to another. Plan for a four-to-six week lead time between receiving a new offer and your actual start date to allow for LCA certification.