Green Card Lead Scientist Jobs
Lead Scientist green card sponsorship typically follows the EB-2 or EB-3 pathway, requiring your employer to complete PERM labor certification with the DOL before filing an I-140 petition with USCIS. Research-intensive industries sponsor these roles regularly, though priority-date backlogs vary significantly by country of birth.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Global Regulatory Project Lead
As the Global Regulatory Project Lead, you will be a key individual contributor at the forefront of our innovation pipeline, guiding the regulatory strategy for novel farm and companion animal products. You will serve as the dedicated regulatory expert on global project teams, shaping development from the ground up and leading direct negotiations with agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). This role requires a strategic professional who can navigate complex agency interactions, influence cross-functional partners (including Global Research and Development (R&D), Sales and Marketing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing & Quality, Finance, and Technical Services), and ensure our submissions in the United States (US), European Union (EU), and other first-wave countries are successful.
Your Responsibilities:
- Guide the design and development of the global regulatory strategy for development projects, with a primary focus on CVM/FDA submissions.
- Serve as the dedicated regulatory subject matter expert on development teams, representing the regulatory viewpoint and providing risk/benefit evaluations to guide project strategy.
- Act as the primary point of contact for and lead direct engagements with regulatory agencies (e.g., CVM, European Medicines Agency (EMA)), including pre-submission meetings and negotiations.
- Partner with R&D to develop and implement clinical trial submission plans, ensuring alignment with the overall regulatory strategy.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to provide technical leadership on Quality, Safety, and Efficacy sections for regulatory submissions.
- Proactively identify and communicate project-specific regulatory risks and opportunities to the development team and leadership.
- Comply with all company local and global policies including quality frameworks, Code of Conduct, anti-discrimination, harassment, and health, safety, and environment (HSE) policies.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
- Education: A Master’s degree or higher in veterinary medicine, biology, infectious diseases, immunology, animal science, or a related field.
- Experience: At least 10 years of relevant experience in the animal health industry, with direct regulatory affairs experience in veterinary pharmaceuticals.
- Regulatory Expertise: Demonstrated experience leading direct submissions and negotiations with regulatory agencies, with a strong preference for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM).
- Guidance & Influence: Proven ability to serve as the primary regulatory expert on cross-functional project teams in a global environment, with exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
- Direct regulatory experience with both farm animal and companion animal products.
- Broad experience with global registration processes, particularly leading first-wave submissions in the European Union and other key markets simultaneously.
- Experience navigating novel regulatory pathways for innovative products.
- A strong understanding of risk assessment and risk management fundamentals.
- Knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Travel: 10-25%
- Location: This is a US-based role. It can be based at our Global Headquarters in Indianapolis, IN (Hybrid), or be a remote position for the right candidate.
LI-SC1
Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
- Multiple relocation packages
- Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
- 8-week parental leave
- 9 Employee Resource Groups
- Annual bonus offering
- Flexible work arrangements
- Up to 6% 401K matching
Elanco currently anticipates that the base salary for this position could range from $118,000 to $197,000 depending partly on the successful candidate's qualifications, including education and experience. Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending partly on company and individual performance). Additionally, Elanco offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees that includes a company-matching 401(k); vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities). Of course, the compensation is subject to change and could be higher or lower than the range described above. Elanco reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion, and Elanco's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Elanco employees. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the role is filled.
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.
INTRODUCTION
At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Global Regulatory Project Lead
As the Global Regulatory Project Lead, you will be a key individual contributor at the forefront of our innovation pipeline, guiding the regulatory strategy for novel farm and companion animal products. You will serve as the dedicated regulatory expert on global project teams, shaping development from the ground up and leading direct negotiations with agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). This role requires a strategic professional who can navigate complex agency interactions, influence cross-functional partners (including Global Research and Development (R&D), Sales and Marketing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing & Quality, Finance, and Technical Services), and ensure our submissions in the United States (US), European Union (EU), and other first-wave countries are successful.
Your Responsibilities:
- Guide the design and development of the global regulatory strategy for development projects, with a primary focus on CVM/FDA submissions.
- Serve as the dedicated regulatory subject matter expert on development teams, representing the regulatory viewpoint and providing risk/benefit evaluations to guide project strategy.
- Act as the primary point of contact for and lead direct engagements with regulatory agencies (e.g., CVM, European Medicines Agency (EMA)), including pre-submission meetings and negotiations.
- Partner with R&D to develop and implement clinical trial submission plans, ensuring alignment with the overall regulatory strategy.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to provide technical leadership on Quality, Safety, and Efficacy sections for regulatory submissions.
- Proactively identify and communicate project-specific regulatory risks and opportunities to the development team and leadership.
- Comply with all company local and global policies including quality frameworks, Code of Conduct, anti-discrimination, harassment, and health, safety, and environment (HSE) policies.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
- Education: A Master’s degree or higher in veterinary medicine, biology, infectious diseases, immunology, animal science, or a related field.
- Experience: At least 10 years of relevant experience in the animal health industry, with direct regulatory affairs experience in veterinary pharmaceuticals.
- Regulatory Expertise: Demonstrated experience leading direct submissions and negotiations with regulatory agencies, with a strong preference for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM).
- Guidance & Influence: Proven ability to serve as the primary regulatory expert on cross-functional project teams in a global environment, with exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
- Direct regulatory experience with both farm animal and companion animal products.
- Broad experience with global registration processes, particularly leading first-wave submissions in the European Union and other key markets simultaneously.
- Experience navigating novel regulatory pathways for innovative products.
- A strong understanding of risk assessment and risk management fundamentals.
- Knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Travel: 10-25%
- Location: This is a US-based role. It can be based at our Global Headquarters in Indianapolis, IN (Hybrid), or be a remote position for the right candidate.
LI-SC1
Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
- Multiple relocation packages
- Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
- 8-week parental leave
- 9 Employee Resource Groups
- Annual bonus offering
- Flexible work arrangements
- Up to 6% 401K matching
Elanco currently anticipates that the base salary for this position could range from $118,000 to $197,000 depending partly on the successful candidate's qualifications, including education and experience. Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending partly on company and individual performance). Additionally, Elanco offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees that includes a company-matching 401(k); vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities). Of course, the compensation is subject to change and could be higher or lower than the range described above. Elanco reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion, and Elanco's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Elanco employees. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the role is filled.
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Lead Scientist
Document your progressive research contributions now
PERM requires your employer to define the minimum requirements for your Lead Scientist role before recruitment begins. Gather publications, patents, project leadership records, and degree transcripts early so your credentials map cleanly to the job description DOL will scrutinize.
Use O*NET to anchor your job description
Lead Scientist duties vary widely across pharma, biotech, and government labs. Cross-reference your actual responsibilities against the O*NET occupation profile before your employer drafts the PERM job description to reduce audit risk and strengthen the specialty-requirement argument.
Search Migrate Mate for verified green card sponsors
Target employers who have already navigated PERM for scientific roles rather than educating a new HR team. Migrate Mate lists U.S. employers with verified employment-based green card sponsorship history, searchable by role and location, so you can focus outreach on proven sponsors.
Distinguish EB-2 from EB-3 before accepting any offer
If your role requires a master's degree or a bachelor's plus five years of progressive research experience, push for EB-2 classification. EB-2 often yields shorter priority-date waits for most nationalities, and your employer's PERM attorney should evaluate this before filing begins.
Ask employers about PERM recruitment timelines upfront
DOL requires a bona fide recruitment test before certifying PERM, which typically takes several months before the I-140 is even filed. Ask hiring managers whether they've completed recruitment for your position or whether the clock hasn't started, so you understand the real timeline.
Track your priority date against the Visa Bulletin
Once USCIS approves your I-140, your priority date determines when you can file for adjustment of status. Nationals from India and China can face significant backlogs for EB-2 and EB-3. Check the monthly Visa Bulletin to understand where your date falls and plan accordingly.
Green Card Lead Scientist: Frequently Asked Questions
How does green card sponsorship for a Lead Scientist differ from H-1B sponsorship?
H-1B visa is a temporary nonimmigrant status requiring renewal every few years with no guaranteed path to permanence. Green card sponsorship through EB-2 or EB-3 results in lawful permanent residence. The process is longer: your employer must complete PERM labor certification with DOL, then file an I-140 with USCIS, and you must wait for your priority date to become current before filing for adjustment of status or consular processing.
What does PERM labor certification actually involve for a Lead Scientist role?
PERM requires your employer to obtain a prevailing wage determination from DOL using the OFLC Wage Search, run a bona fide recruitment campaign to test the U.S. labor market, and certify that no qualified U.S. worker was available. The job description must reflect the actual minimum requirements of your Lead Scientist position, so it's critical that duties and degree requirements are documented accurately before the process begins.
How do I find employers who actively sponsor green cards for Lead Scientist positions?
Many employers are willing to sponsor but only after you're already in conversations, while others have established PERM processes for scientific roles. Migrate Mate lists employers with verified employment-based green card sponsorship history, letting you identify and target companies that have already successfully navigated PERM for roles like yours, which saves time and increases your odds of a productive conversation.
Can I change employers after my green card process has started?
Yes, under AC21 job portability, once your I-485 has been pending for 180 days or more, you can move to a new employer in the same or a similar occupation without losing your place in line. Separately, an approved I-140's priority date can be carried over to a new employer's I-140, even if the original sponsoring employer withdrew it, as long as the first I-140 was approved.
Does my nationality affect how long green card sponsorship takes as a Lead Scientist?
Yes, significantly. Employment-based green cards have per-country annual limits, and nationals from high-demand countries such as India and China can face multi-year priority-date backlogs even after an I-140 is approved. Nationals from most other countries typically see much shorter waits. Check the monthly Visa Bulletin to understand where your priority date stands before accepting a role with a long-term green card commitment.