H-1B Visa Biology Jobs
Biology roles in research, biotech, and pharmaceutical settings qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related biological science. Employers in these sectors have strong H-1B filing histories, and the 85,000-slot annual cap means timing your job search around the April lottery registration window matters.
Find H-1B Visa Biology JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 230+ Biology jobs
See all 230+ Biology Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Biology roles.
Get Access To All JobsJob Description
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Senior Research Associate to join our Tissue Dissection Group within our Molecular & Cell Biology group. The successful candidate will play a critical role in generating high-quality cells and tissue samples from primary human organs, contributing to various Vertex research programs. This position requires expertise in human tissue dissection, a commitment to excellence, and a deep respect for the gift of donated human tissues.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform dissection of human tissues, including dorsal root ganglia (DRG), lungs, kidneys and precision-cut tissue slices.
- Develop and optimize dissection workflows and methods to enhance efficiency and quality.
- Process donated tissues promptly, including outside normal working hours and on weekends, as required.
- Maintain exceptional documentation practices, including accurate logging of donor information and registration of tissue and cell samples in the Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).
- Collaborate effectively within a fast-paced research environment, contributing to the success of multiple research programs.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Expertise in human tissue dissection, particularly DRG, lung, and precision-cut tissue slices.
- Experience in method development and process optimization for tissue dissection workflows.
- Experience in organ perfusion and or precision cut tissue slice models.
- Proven experience in the procurement and/or dissection of human organs and DRGs.
- Proficiency in maintaining and utilizing Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN).
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines with 1+ years of relevant experience, OR
- Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines with 4+ years of relevant experience.
- Availability to work early mornings, weekends and after business hours as needed.
- Strong multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and capacity to work independently.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Pay Range:
$76,400 - $114,600
Disclosure Statement:
The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.
Flex Designation:
On-Site Designated
Flex Eligibility Status:
In this On-Site designated role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.
Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com
Job Description
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Senior Research Associate to join our Tissue Dissection Group within our Molecular & Cell Biology group. The successful candidate will play a critical role in generating high-quality cells and tissue samples from primary human organs, contributing to various Vertex research programs. This position requires expertise in human tissue dissection, a commitment to excellence, and a deep respect for the gift of donated human tissues.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform dissection of human tissues, including dorsal root ganglia (DRG), lungs, kidneys and precision-cut tissue slices.
- Develop and optimize dissection workflows and methods to enhance efficiency and quality.
- Process donated tissues promptly, including outside normal working hours and on weekends, as required.
- Maintain exceptional documentation practices, including accurate logging of donor information and registration of tissue and cell samples in the Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).
- Collaborate effectively within a fast-paced research environment, contributing to the success of multiple research programs.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Expertise in human tissue dissection, particularly DRG, lung, and precision-cut tissue slices.
- Experience in method development and process optimization for tissue dissection workflows.
- Experience in organ perfusion and or precision cut tissue slice models.
- Proven experience in the procurement and/or dissection of human organs and DRGs.
- Proficiency in maintaining and utilizing Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN).
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines with 1+ years of relevant experience, OR
- Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines with 4+ years of relevant experience.
- Availability to work early mornings, weekends and after business hours as needed.
- Strong multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and capacity to work independently.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Pay Range:
$76,400 - $114,600
Disclosure Statement:
The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.
Flex Designation:
On-Site Designated
Flex Eligibility Status:
In this On-Site designated role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.
Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com
See all 230+ H-1B Visa Biology Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Biology Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Biology
Verify your degree meets specialty occupation requirements
Your biology degree must directly relate to the specific role, not just the broad field. A cell biology degree supporting a molecular diagnostics position is a strong match. A general biology degree for a highly specialized genomics role may trigger an RFE from USCIS.
Target employers with active LCA filing histories
Use Migrate Mate to filter biology roles by employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for your occupation code. This surfaces companies already set up to sponsor H-1B petitions rather than those encountering the process for the first time.
Distinguish research institution from industry timelines
Universities and nonprofit research institutions are cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round with no lottery. Biotech and pharma employers are cap-subject and must register in March for an October 1 start date.
Confirm your SOC code before the prevailing wage step
Biology roles span multiple Standard Occupational Classification codes: microbiologists, biochemists, medical scientists, and zoologists each have distinct wage levels. Run your specific SOC code through the OFLC Wage Search before your employer files the LCA to catch any misclassification early.
Ask about postdoc-to-H-1B transition timing explicitly
Many postdoctoral appointments are funded through J-1 visa or F-1 OPT status. If you're converting from a postdoc to a permanent research position, confirm with your employer whether they'll file for a change of status or require consular processing, since two-year home residency requirements on some J-1 visa waivers affect eligibility.
Document publication and grant records for specialty occupation evidence
USCIS increasingly requests evidence that a biology role genuinely requires degree-level expertise. Peer-reviewed publications, grant co-investigator credits, and patent contributions strengthen the specialty occupation argument in your employer's I-129 petition beyond the job description alone.
H-1B Visa Biology: Frequently Asked Questions
Do biology jobs qualify as H-1B specialty occupations?
Most professional biology roles qualify as specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific biological science. Roles such as research scientist, microbiologist, biochemist, and clinical research associate routinely meet the standard. The exact SOC code matters: USCIS evaluates whether the specific position, not the general field, requires that degree as a minimum entry requirement.
Which types of biology employers sponsor H-1B visas most frequently?
Pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, biotech firms, hospital research divisions, and universities are the most frequent H-1B sponsors for biology roles. University and nonprofit research employers are cap-exempt and can file petitions at any time of year. For-profit biotech and pharma employers are subject to the annual 85,000-slot cap and the April lottery registration window. You can browse employers by their LCA filing history on Migrate Mate.
Can my employer file an H-1B petition while I'm still on OPT?
Yes, and timing is critical. If your OPT authorization expires before October 1 and your employer files during the regular cap season, you'll need cap-gap protection under federal regulations to stay authorized between OPT expiration and your H-1B start date. Your employer should file in April so USCIS receives the petition before your OPT end date for cap-gap coverage to apply automatically.
What documentation should I gather before a biology employer files my H-1B petition?
Prepare certified transcripts showing your degree in a specific biological discipline, any credential evaluations if your degree is from outside the U.S., a current resume with your full employment history, and copies of any publications or patents if your role involves research. Your employer's attorney will also need your passport, current immigration status documents, and a detailed job description tied to your SOC code.
How does the H-1B prevailing wage requirement affect biology job offers?
The DOL requires employers to pay at least the prevailing wage for your specific biology occupation, SOC code, and work location before certifying the LCA. Wage levels run from Level I (entry) to Level IV (fully competent). A research associate role in a high-cost metro typically falls at a higher wage level than the same title in a rural area. You can verify the applicable wage using the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating your offer.