Green Card Associate Scientist Jobs
Associate Scientist roles in biotech, pharma, and research institutions qualify for EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process. Employers file a permanent petition on your behalf, leading to lawful residency rather than a temporary visa. Specialized lab and research skills make this pathway highly viable for foreign professionals.
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Join the Legacy: Biologics Research & Development Department’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow Opportunity
Our Research Laboratories’ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program is designed to provide postdoctoral researchers with an academic focus in a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a leading pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers are positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery.
Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) within our Research & Development Division is hosting this multi-year Postdoctoral Research Fellow. BPR&D is on a mission to rapidly deliver biotherapeutics to patients by efficiently developing innovative, robust manufacturing processes and technologies. To achieve this, we work closely with colleagues in Discovery, Pre-clinical, Early Development, Analytical, Formulation, and Commercial Manufacturing while providing an inclusive environment for all. Beyond process development for pipeline biologics, we innovate and build next generation biomanufacturing technologies. Examples include investments for development of continuous manufacturing, green and sustainable processes, and proprietary technology platforms. We actively publish and engage with the scientific community to influence the field.
This job posting covers opportunities for the Biologics Upstream Process Development group. We are actively looking for a highly motivated candidate with a passion for applying systems biology tools and process development methods to help us improve process understanding for a key pipeline project.
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to fill a postdoctoral fellowship position in Biologics Process Research & Development. This is an exciting opportunity to conduct research in an industry setting at the intersection of process development, systems biology, and analytical science.
The successful candidate will work on a multidisciplinary research program aimed at improving understanding of biologics manufacturing processes and their impact on process performance and product quality. Specifically, this project seeks improved mechanistic understanding of the effect of process mode differences on cellular metabolism, product quality attributes, and process performance. The role will involve collaboration with scientists across multiple functions and the use of experimental and data-driven approaches to generate actionable insights.
This position offers the opportunity and expectation to contribute to scientific publications and presentations while gaining valuable experience in biologics development and process science. The successful candidate will deepen the team's scientific understanding of biologics process development while preparing for a successful career in biotechnology and pharmaceutical development. The duration of this project could extend up to 3 years depending on the progress demonstrated.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- Design, execute, and interpret research studies related to biologics manufacturing and process development
- Develop and manage an independent research project while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
- Investigate relationships among process conditions, cell culture performance, and product characteristics
- Apply analytical, molecular, and biological methods to generate and interpret data
- Integrate and analyze multiple data types using statistical and computational tools to identify trends, hypotheses, and process insights
- Develop mechanistic hypotheses and experimental strategies to support process improvement
- Present research findings at internal and external scientific forums and in peer-reviewed journals
- Stay current with scientific literature and emerging developments in the field
EDUCATION MINIMUM REQUIREMENT:
- Must currently hold a Ph.D. or
- Receive a Ph.D. no later than June 2027
- Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
- 0+ years of post-PhD relevant academic or industrial experience.
- Interest in biologics manufacturing, cell culture, or bioprocess development
- Strong record of scientific achievement, including publications and presentations
- Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, including cell culture, functional assays, and mechanistic studies
- Strong analytical, statistical, and quantitative skills
- Ability to work independently in a collaborative environment
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Creativity, scientific curiosity, and strong problem-solving ability
- Knowledge of recombinant protein expression, metabolic pathways, biochemistry, and cell culture
- Understanding of basic bioreactor principles, mass transfer kinetics
- Understanding of cell & molecular biology
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
- History of external presentations and/or publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Experience with mammalian cell culture or recombinant protein production
- Familiarity with biologics manufacturing or process development environments
- Experience with cellular stress biology, redox biology, metabolism, or related scientific areas
- Experience working with transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, single-cell datasets or bioinformatics analyses
- Proficiency with data analysis tools such as R, Python, Prism, or similar software
COMPENSATION
- The salary range for this role is: $82,000-$92,000
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
Biochemistry, Biological Manufacturing, Biologics, Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Data Analysis, Drug Development, Mammalian Cell Culture, Programming Languages, Systems Biology
PREFERRED SKILLS:
Bioreactor Operation, Enzyme Assays
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
EEOC Know Your Rights
EEOC GINA Supplement
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
EMPLOYEE STATUS:
Regular
RELOCATION:
Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
10%
FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS:
Not Applicable
SHIFT:
Not Indicated
VALID DRIVING LICENSE:
No
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL(S):
N/A
JOB POSTING END DATE:
11/11/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
REQUISITION ID: R423913
INTRODUCTION
Join the Legacy: Biologics Research & Development Department’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow Opportunity
Our Research Laboratories’ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program is designed to provide postdoctoral researchers with an academic focus in a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a leading pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers are positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery.
Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) within our Research & Development Division is hosting this multi-year Postdoctoral Research Fellow. BPR&D is on a mission to rapidly deliver biotherapeutics to patients by efficiently developing innovative, robust manufacturing processes and technologies. To achieve this, we work closely with colleagues in Discovery, Pre-clinical, Early Development, Analytical, Formulation, and Commercial Manufacturing while providing an inclusive environment for all. Beyond process development for pipeline biologics, we innovate and build next generation biomanufacturing technologies. Examples include investments for development of continuous manufacturing, green and sustainable processes, and proprietary technology platforms. We actively publish and engage with the scientific community to influence the field.
This job posting covers opportunities for the Biologics Upstream Process Development group. We are actively looking for a highly motivated candidate with a passion for applying systems biology tools and process development methods to help us improve process understanding for a key pipeline project.
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to fill a postdoctoral fellowship position in Biologics Process Research & Development. This is an exciting opportunity to conduct research in an industry setting at the intersection of process development, systems biology, and analytical science.
The successful candidate will work on a multidisciplinary research program aimed at improving understanding of biologics manufacturing processes and their impact on process performance and product quality. Specifically, this project seeks improved mechanistic understanding of the effect of process mode differences on cellular metabolism, product quality attributes, and process performance. The role will involve collaboration with scientists across multiple functions and the use of experimental and data-driven approaches to generate actionable insights.
This position offers the opportunity and expectation to contribute to scientific publications and presentations while gaining valuable experience in biologics development and process science. The successful candidate will deepen the team's scientific understanding of biologics process development while preparing for a successful career in biotechnology and pharmaceutical development. The duration of this project could extend up to 3 years depending on the progress demonstrated.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- Design, execute, and interpret research studies related to biologics manufacturing and process development
- Develop and manage an independent research project while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
- Investigate relationships among process conditions, cell culture performance, and product characteristics
- Apply analytical, molecular, and biological methods to generate and interpret data
- Integrate and analyze multiple data types using statistical and computational tools to identify trends, hypotheses, and process insights
- Develop mechanistic hypotheses and experimental strategies to support process improvement
- Present research findings at internal and external scientific forums and in peer-reviewed journals
- Stay current with scientific literature and emerging developments in the field
EDUCATION MINIMUM REQUIREMENT:
- Must currently hold a Ph.D. or
- Receive a Ph.D. no later than June 2027
- Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
- 0+ years of post-PhD relevant academic or industrial experience.
- Interest in biologics manufacturing, cell culture, or bioprocess development
- Strong record of scientific achievement, including publications and presentations
- Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, including cell culture, functional assays, and mechanistic studies
- Strong analytical, statistical, and quantitative skills
- Ability to work independently in a collaborative environment
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Creativity, scientific curiosity, and strong problem-solving ability
- Knowledge of recombinant protein expression, metabolic pathways, biochemistry, and cell culture
- Understanding of basic bioreactor principles, mass transfer kinetics
- Understanding of cell & molecular biology
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
- History of external presentations and/or publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Experience with mammalian cell culture or recombinant protein production
- Familiarity with biologics manufacturing or process development environments
- Experience with cellular stress biology, redox biology, metabolism, or related scientific areas
- Experience working with transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, single-cell datasets or bioinformatics analyses
- Proficiency with data analysis tools such as R, Python, Prism, or similar software
COMPENSATION
- The salary range for this role is: $82,000-$92,000
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
Biochemistry, Biological Manufacturing, Biologics, Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Data Analysis, Drug Development, Mammalian Cell Culture, Programming Languages, Systems Biology
PREFERRED SKILLS:
Bioreactor Operation, Enzyme Assays
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
EEOC Know Your Rights
EEOC GINA Supplement
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
EMPLOYEE STATUS:
Regular
RELOCATION:
Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
10%
FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS:
Not Applicable
SHIFT:
Not Indicated
VALID DRIVING LICENSE:
No
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL(S):
N/A
JOB POSTING END DATE:
11/11/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
REQUISITION ID: R423913
See all 354+ Green Card Associate Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Green Card Associate Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as an Associate Scientist
Align your degree to PERM requirements
PERM filings require your foreign degree to match the job's minimum requirements exactly. Get a credential evaluation confirming your bachelor's or master's aligns with the U.S. SOC classification for Associate Scientist roles before applying.
Target employers with active PERM filings
Biotech and pharmaceutical companies that have already run PERM for similar roles understand the process and are far less likely to withdraw sponsorship mid-cycle. Search DOL disclosure data to confirm prior Associate Scientist filings before accepting an offer.
Distinguish EB-2 from EB-3 eligibility early
If your role requires a master's degree or you have a bachelor's plus five years of progressive research experience, EB-2 may reduce your wait compared to EB-3. Clarify with your employer which category their petition will target before PERM begins.
Search green card sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Filter Associate Scientist openings by employers with verified green card sponsorship history on Migrate Mate. This surfaces companies already familiar with PERM, I-140, and adjustment of status, which cuts negotiation time significantly.
Confirm the recruitment process meets DOL standards
PERM requires your employer to advertise the role, document that no qualified U.S. worker applied, and certify prevailing wages via the OFLC Wage Search. Ask your employer or HR team how they handle this documentation to avoid audit delays.
File concurrent I-485 if your priority date is current
If your country of birth and EB-3 category have a current priority date, USCIS allows concurrent filing of the I-140 and I-485, which locks in your green card application date immediately after PERM approval and reduces total processing time.
Green Card Associate Scientist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Associate Scientist role qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship?
It depends on how the employer defines the position's minimum requirements. Roles requiring a master's degree or a bachelor's plus five years of specialized research experience typically qualify for EB-2. Roles requiring only a bachelor's degree fall under EB-3. The PERM application locks in the category based on the job description, not your personal credentials, so the offer letter wording matters significantly.
How does green card sponsorship differ from H-1B sponsorship for this role?
H-1B visa sponsorship is temporary, requires renewal every three years, and subjects you to the annual lottery unless you're cap-exempt. EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship through PERM leads to permanent residency with no cap lottery. The tradeoff is timeline: PERM and I-140 together can take one to two years before you reach the adjustment of status stage, and applicants from certain countries face additional priority date backlogs.
How do I find Associate Scientist employers willing to sponsor a green card?
Migrate Mate lets you filter Associate Scientist roles by employers with verified employment-based green card sponsorship history. This is more reliable than asking during interviews, since it surfaces companies that have already completed PERM filings for similar roles and understand the full I-140 and adjustment of status process.
What does the PERM process look like for a research or lab role?
Your employer files a PERM application with DOL certifying the role, the prevailing wage from the OFLC Wage Search, and proof that no qualified U.S. worker was displaced. DOL either certifies or audits the application. Certification typically takes six to eighteen months, after which your employer files the I-140 petition with USCIS. Lab and research roles with tightly defined technical skill requirements tend to have lower audit risk than broadly defined positions.
Can I change employers after my I-140 is approved?
Yes, under AC21 portability rules, if your I-485 has been pending for at least 180 days and you move to a similar role in the same or related occupation, your priority date and approved I-140 remain valid. Associate Scientist roles in adjacent research fields generally qualify as similar enough, but USCIS reviews the SOC codes and job duties, so confirm the match with your new employer before resigning.