H-1B Visa Research Chemist Jobs
Research Chemist jobs qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations because the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field. Sponsoring employers file a Labor Condition Application with DOL and an I-129 petition with USCIS, covering your status for up to three years with extension possible to six.
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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
Your Role: Principal Research Scientist - Medicinal Chemist
As a Principal Research Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry, you will be a key figure in our small molecule drug discovery engine, guiding the design and synthesis of innovative medicines that improve the health and well-being of animals. You will apply your scientific expertise to advance multiple therapeutic programs, from lead generation to development candidate selection. Partnering with a global, cross-functional team of scientists, you will leverage cutting-edge technologies like AI/ML and DNA-Encoded Libraries to solve complex chemical challenges. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on our discovery portfolio and help shape the future of our growing research team in Indianapolis.
Your Responsibilities:
- Drive the design and optimization of novel small molecules by leveraging advanced synthetic strategies and integrating biological, pharmacological, and ADME/PK data to guide structure–activity relationship (SAR) campaigns.
- Lead medicinal chemistry initiatives within multidisciplinary teams, partnering with Biology, Pharmacology, DMPK, Toxicology, and Computational Sciences to drive the strategic progression of drug discovery programs.
- Serve as a key medicinal chemistry figure on multidisciplinary project teams, collaborating with partners in Biology, Pharmacology, DMPK, Toxicology, and Computational Sciences to strategically advance discovery programs.
- Direct synthetic chemistry efforts with external Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and internal partners, ensuring the efficient execution of project goals and timelines.
- Leverage cutting-edge drug discovery technologies, including DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL), computational chemistry, and AI/ML-enabled tools, to accelerate hit identification and lead optimization.
- Drive IP strategy by exploring novel chemical space and developing patent applications in collaboration with the IP team.
- Promote scientific excellence and data integrity while providing mentorship and technical guidance to junior scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
- Education: PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
- Experience: A minimum of 8-10 years of relevant industry experience in medicinal chemistry within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or animal health research environment.
- Top Skills: Demonstrated expertise in modern medicinal chemistry, including the design and multi-step synthesis of complex small molecules, and a strong understanding of Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR), pharmacology, and ADME/PK principles. Proven ability to autonomously manage scientific initiatives within a cross-functional team and manage external collaborations with CROs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
What will give you a strong candidate profile (preferred qualifications):
- Postdoctoral experience.
- Experience applying modern drug discovery technologies such as DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL), computational chemistry, or AI/ML-enabled molecular design.
- A strong track record of advancing small-molecule discovery programs toward preclinical development, evidenced by significant patent and/or publication contributions.
- Prior research experience in the animal health industry.
- Expertise in peptide chemistry, macrocycles, or related drug modalities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Travel: Less than 10%
- Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment
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!
BENEFITS
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 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
Your Role: Principal Research Scientist - Medicinal Chemist
As a Principal Research Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry, you will be a key figure in our small molecule drug discovery engine, guiding the design and synthesis of innovative medicines that improve the health and well-being of animals. You will apply your scientific expertise to advance multiple therapeutic programs, from lead generation to development candidate selection. Partnering with a global, cross-functional team of scientists, you will leverage cutting-edge technologies like AI/ML and DNA-Encoded Libraries to solve complex chemical challenges. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on our discovery portfolio and help shape the future of our growing research team in Indianapolis.
Your Responsibilities:
- Drive the design and optimization of novel small molecules by leveraging advanced synthetic strategies and integrating biological, pharmacological, and ADME/PK data to guide structure–activity relationship (SAR) campaigns.
- Lead medicinal chemistry initiatives within multidisciplinary teams, partnering with Biology, Pharmacology, DMPK, Toxicology, and Computational Sciences to drive the strategic progression of drug discovery programs.
- Serve as a key medicinal chemistry figure on multidisciplinary project teams, collaborating with partners in Biology, Pharmacology, DMPK, Toxicology, and Computational Sciences to strategically advance discovery programs.
- Direct synthetic chemistry efforts with external Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and internal partners, ensuring the efficient execution of project goals and timelines.
- Leverage cutting-edge drug discovery technologies, including DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL), computational chemistry, and AI/ML-enabled tools, to accelerate hit identification and lead optimization.
- Drive IP strategy by exploring novel chemical space and developing patent applications in collaboration with the IP team.
- Promote scientific excellence and data integrity while providing mentorship and technical guidance to junior scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
- Education: PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
- Experience: A minimum of 8-10 years of relevant industry experience in medicinal chemistry within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or animal health research environment.
- Top Skills: Demonstrated expertise in modern medicinal chemistry, including the design and multi-step synthesis of complex small molecules, and a strong understanding of Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR), pharmacology, and ADME/PK principles. Proven ability to autonomously manage scientific initiatives within a cross-functional team and manage external collaborations with CROs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
What will give you a strong candidate profile (preferred qualifications):
- Postdoctoral experience.
- Experience applying modern drug discovery technologies such as DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL), computational chemistry, or AI/ML-enabled molecular design.
- A strong track record of advancing small-molecule discovery programs toward preclinical development, evidenced by significant patent and/or publication contributions.
- Prior research experience in the animal health industry.
- Expertise in peptide chemistry, macrocycles, or related drug modalities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Travel: Less than 10%
- Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment
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!
BENEFITS
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 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 H-1B Visa Research Chemist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Research Chemist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Research Chemist
Verify your degree field matches
USCIS evaluates whether your degree is in a directly related field like chemistry, chemical engineering, or biochemistry. A general science or unrelated degree can trigger a Request for Evidence, so gather transcripts and course descriptions before applying.
Look up prevailing wage tiers early
Use the OFLC Wage Search to check the prevailing wage for your SOC code and target city before accepting an offer. Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above that level, and knowing the tiers lets you negotiate from an informed position.
Target industry sectors with LCA filing history
Pharmaceutical manufacturers, government labs, chemical companies, and contract research organizations file H-1B LCAs most consistently for Research Chemist roles. Use Migrate Mate to identify employers with verified sponsorship history matched to your specialty.
Confirm each worksite requires its own LCA
If you rotate between lab facilities or move to a new location mid-status, your employer must file a separate certified LCA for each worksite. Raise this with HR before signing, especially at companies with multiple research campuses.
Check your O*NET profile before interviews
O*NET lists the core tasks, tools, and knowledge domains for Research Chemist roles. Reviewing it helps you frame your experience around the duties USCIS expects, strengthening the specialty occupation case your employer will need to make.
Account for cap timing in your job search
H-1B cap selection rules have changed recently, so plan your search timeline carefully. Cap-exempt employers such as universities and nonprofit research institutions can file year-round, which removes selection uncertainty entirely for qualifying positions.
H-1B Visa Research Chemist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Chemist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Research Chemist positions consistently require at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, which meets the specialty occupation standard USCIS applies. The employer's LCA and I-129 petition must document that the specific role requires that degree at minimum, so the job description needs to reflect degree-level duties throughout.
Which employers sponsor H-1B visas for Research Chemist roles?
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, chemical manufacturers, federal agencies such as the FDA and EPA, national laboratories, and contract research organizations are among the most active H-1B sponsors for this occupation. Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA filing history for Research Chemist positions, so you can target your search to companies with a documented track record of sponsorship.
How long does H-1B status last for a Research Chemist?
USCIS grants H-1B status for up to three years on the initial approval. Your employer can file an extension to reach the six-year statutory maximum. Beyond six years, continued H-1B status is only possible if you have an approved I-140 immigrant petition or a PERM labor certification that has been pending for at least a year.
What happens to my H-1B if I change labs or move to a new research site?
Each new worksite requires its own DOL-certified LCA before you begin work there. If your employer transfers you to a different facility, they must file a new LCA covering that location. This applies even to temporary rotations. Confirm your employer's HR team understands this obligation before you accept any inter-site assignment.
Can a research chemist on H-1B work on classified or government-restricted projects?
Some federal contracts and national laboratory positions require security clearances or citizenship, which H-1B holders cannot hold. Before accepting a role at a government lab or defense contractor, confirm explicitly with the employer whether the position involves export-controlled research under ITAR or EAR, as those restrictions can affect H-1B work authorization for certain project assignments.