H-1B Visa Project Scientist Jobs
Project Scientist jobs at H-1B visa-sponsoring employers sit squarely in specialty occupation territory, requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related scientific discipline. Research institutions, biotech firms, and national laboratories are among the most active sponsors, filing LCAs with DOL to certify prevailing wages before your petition reaches USCIS.
Find H-1B Visa Project Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 43+ Project Scientist jobs
See all 43+ Project Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Project Scientist roles.
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.
See all 43+ H-1B Visa Project Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Project Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Project Scientist
Align your degree to your research specialty
USCIS evaluates whether your degree field directly relates to your specific research duties, not science broadly. A materials science PhD supporting a computational chemistry role may face an RFE. Document the technical overlap explicitly in your offer letter and petition support materials.
Verify prevailing wages by research discipline
Project Scientist wages vary sharply between Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Environmental Research SOC codes. Use the OFLC Wage Search to confirm which code matches your duties before accepting an offer, since the LCA must reflect the correct prevailing wage level for your worksite.
Target cap-exempt institutions strategically
Universities, nonprofit research organizations affiliated with higher education, and government research entities are cap-exempt, meaning your employer can file your I-129 petition any time without waiting for the annual cap selection cycle, which has seen rule changes recently. Prioritize these employers in your search on Migrate Mate.
Confirm each worksite has a certified LCA
If your Project Scientist role involves fieldwork, satellite labs, or multi-site collaboration, each primary worksite requires its own DOL-certified LCA before work begins there. Clarify your expected work locations with HR before the petition is filed to avoid compliance gaps.
Secure a recommendation letter detailing technical duties
Project Scientist positions can blur into postdoctoral or research associate roles in USCIS's view. A recommendation letter from your PI or department head that specifies independent research responsibilities, grant contributions, and degree requirements for the position strengthens the specialty occupation argument considerably.
Track your six-year H-1B clock across positions
H-1B status starts at three years and extends to a six-year maximum in most cases. If you've held H-1B status at a previous employer, that time counts. Confirm your remaining authorized period before signing an offer so your employer files for the correct duration.
H-1B Visa Project Scientist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Project Scientist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. Project Scientist positions typically qualify as specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree, and usually a graduate degree, in a directly related scientific field such as biology, chemistry, environmental science, or physics. The key is that the specific research duties must necessitate that degree-level knowledge, which sponsoring employers document through the job description and LCA filing.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Project Scientists most actively?
Research universities, national laboratories, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and government-affiliated nonprofit institutes are among the most active sponsors for Project Scientist roles. Many of these qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers, which removes the annual cap constraint. You can browse verified sponsoring employers by research field on Migrate Mate to identify organizations with active LCA filing history.
What happens to my H-1B status if my research grant funding ends mid-petition?
H-1B status is tied to the employer-employee relationship, not the funding source. If your grant ends and the employer can no longer pay the LCA-certified wage, your status is at risk. Some institutions have bridge funding or reassign researchers to other projects. Clarify with HR how the institution handles funding gaps before your petition is approved, since USCIS expects the offered wage to be maintained throughout the authorized period.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new research institution mid-project?
Yes. Under H-1B portability rules, you can begin working for a new employer as soon as they file a nontransferring petition on your behalf, provided you're maintaining valid status. The new employer must file a fresh LCA and I-129 petition reflecting the new worksite and duties. If the role involves different research areas or worksites, the LCA must be updated accordingly before work begins.
How does O*NET classification affect my H-1B petition as a Project Scientist?
USCIS uses O*NET job zone classifications to assess whether a role requires specialized degree-level knowledge. The O*NET profile for life and physical scientists consistently places Project Scientist roles in Job Zone 5, the highest classification, which supports the specialty occupation argument. Your employer's attorney will typically reference the relevant O*NET code in the petition to reinforce that the position requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific scientific discipline.