H-1B Visa Research Scientist Jobs
Research Scientist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field like biology, chemistry, or computer science. Many research positions at universities, pharma companies, and national labs have active H-1B filing histories, and cap-exempt employers can sponsor year-round without the lottery.
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About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
The Cell Culture Development organization within Operations leads process development and tech transfer for cell culture processes supporting clinical manufacturing and commercialization of therapeutic proteins across AbbVie’s pipeline. The team also provides subject matter expertise and experimental support for the manufacture of commercial biologics.
The role is responsible for managing a team of scientists and engineers to solve complex challenges across AbbVie’s diverse biologics pipeline. The successful candidate will collaborate with cell culture scientists to develop and implement strategies for pre-clinical, early-stage, and late-stage cell culture development, and will lead cell culture media development efforts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage a group of 2+ scientists and engineers (BS/MS and PhDs) focused on systems biology applied to bioprocess improvement, including cell culture media development and process optimization.
- Lead cell culture process development for monoclonal antibodies, bi-specifics, ADCs, fusion proteins and other molecular formats for early- and late-stage clinical assets.
- Lead PPQ enabling cell culture process characterization activities.
- Participate in cross-functional CMC teams and review relevant sections of regulatory submissions (e.g. IND, BLA, MAA, etc…).
- Mentor and develop staff to foster a high-performance culture that achieves business and scientific objectives.
- Build strong relationships with other process and analytical development, Manufacturing Sciences and Technology, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality and Regulatory teams to improve efficiency, productivity, robustness and product quality.
- Advance technical expertise within the cell culture development field by tracking emerging trends and technologies within the field through internal and external sources, and proactively sharing knowledge with the team, peers and management.
- Represent the organization as a scientific thought leader through conference presentations, publications, and broader engagement in the external and internal scientific community.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Data Science, or a related discipline, with 16+ years of experience for BS holders, 14+ years for MS holders, or 8+ years for PhD holders; highly qualified candidates with fewer years of experience may also be considered.
- Demonstrated executive presence with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strong scientific curiosity, and a proven ability to solve complex problems and drive optimization.
- Self-directed and highly organized, with strong attention to detail, outstanding planning and troubleshooting capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Deep understanding of cell culture processes, including cell and molecular biology, process development, scale-up and scale-down, recombinant protein production, and protein characterization.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated proficiency in bench scale bioreactor and other high-throughput cell culture systems for the optimization of cell culture processes.
- Experience with or ability to lead a team with focus on cell culture media development, including the application of complex statistics and systems biology.
Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
- The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
- We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html
Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
The Cell Culture Development organization within Operations leads process development and tech transfer for cell culture processes supporting clinical manufacturing and commercialization of therapeutic proteins across AbbVie’s pipeline. The team also provides subject matter expertise and experimental support for the manufacture of commercial biologics.
The role is responsible for managing a team of scientists and engineers to solve complex challenges across AbbVie’s diverse biologics pipeline. The successful candidate will collaborate with cell culture scientists to develop and implement strategies for pre-clinical, early-stage, and late-stage cell culture development, and will lead cell culture media development efforts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage a group of 2+ scientists and engineers (BS/MS and PhDs) focused on systems biology applied to bioprocess improvement, including cell culture media development and process optimization.
- Lead cell culture process development for monoclonal antibodies, bi-specifics, ADCs, fusion proteins and other molecular formats for early- and late-stage clinical assets.
- Lead PPQ enabling cell culture process characterization activities.
- Participate in cross-functional CMC teams and review relevant sections of regulatory submissions (e.g. IND, BLA, MAA, etc…).
- Mentor and develop staff to foster a high-performance culture that achieves business and scientific objectives.
- Build strong relationships with other process and analytical development, Manufacturing Sciences and Technology, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality and Regulatory teams to improve efficiency, productivity, robustness and product quality.
- Advance technical expertise within the cell culture development field by tracking emerging trends and technologies within the field through internal and external sources, and proactively sharing knowledge with the team, peers and management.
- Represent the organization as a scientific thought leader through conference presentations, publications, and broader engagement in the external and internal scientific community.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Data Science, or a related discipline, with 16+ years of experience for BS holders, 14+ years for MS holders, or 8+ years for PhD holders; highly qualified candidates with fewer years of experience may also be considered.
- Demonstrated executive presence with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strong scientific curiosity, and a proven ability to solve complex problems and drive optimization.
- Self-directed and highly organized, with strong attention to detail, outstanding planning and troubleshooting capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Deep understanding of cell culture processes, including cell and molecular biology, process development, scale-up and scale-down, recombinant protein production, and protein characterization.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated proficiency in bench scale bioreactor and other high-throughput cell culture systems for the optimization of cell culture processes.
- Experience with or ability to lead a team with focus on cell culture media development, including the application of complex statistics and systems biology.
Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
- The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
- We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html
See all 2,415+ H-1B Visa Research Scientist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Research Scientist
Verify your degree field matches the role
USCIS requires your degree to align specifically with the research discipline, not just science broadly. A biochemistry degree supporting a computational biology role can trigger an RFE. Check the O*NET profile for your specialty to confirm the accepted degree fields before applying.
Target cap-exempt research institutions first
Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government-affiliated labs are cap-exempt, meaning they can file your H-1B any time without lottery entry. Prioritizing these employers eliminates registration uncertainty and lets you start sooner.
Search verified H-1B sponsors on Migrate Mate
Filter by research or life sciences roles on Migrate Mate to see employers with confirmed H-1B LCA filing history for Research Scientist positions. This surfaces active sponsors rather than companies that listed sponsorship as a general possibility.
Request the prevailing wage tier before negotiating
Your employer files an LCA certifying your salary meets the DOL prevailing wage for your occupation and location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to check the Level I through Level IV wage tiers for your specific SOC code before your offer conversation.
Document your publications and grants for the petition
USCIS adjudicators assess specialty occupation partly through your academic and research record. Compile a list of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and funded grants before your employer files Form I-129 to support the specialty occupation argument.
Confirm the employer's H-1B filing timeline against your OPT end date
If you're on OPT, your employer must file your H-1B cap-subject petition before your OPT expires or your cap-gap protection kicks in. Confirm your employer's legal team timeline at least 90 days before your EAD expiration to avoid a gap in work authorization.
H-1B Visa Research Scientist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Scientist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, Research Scientist positions qualify when the employer requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific scientific field directly related to the role. The degree must be tied to the research discipline, not just a general science background. USCIS evaluates the job duties and the employer's normal hiring requirements together when adjudicating the petition.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Research Scientists?
Pharmaceutical and biotech companies, university research departments, federal contract research organizations, and national laboratories are among the most consistent H-1B sponsors for Research Scientist roles. University and nonprofit research lab employers are cap-exempt, allowing year-round filing without lottery participation. You can browse employers with confirmed H-1B filing history for research roles on Migrate Mate.
Can I switch research employers while on H-1B status?
Yes. Under AC21 portability, you can change employers if your new employer files an H-1B transfer petition while your current petition is still valid. The new petition must be for a same or similar occupational classification. You can start working for the new employer as soon as the transfer petition is filed, before it's approved.
How does the H-1B prevailing wage work for Research Scientist positions?
Your employer must certify through an LCA that your salary meets the DOL prevailing wage for your specific research occupation code and work location. Prevailing wages are divided into four levels based on experience and responsibility. You can check current wage levels for your SOC code and geographic area using the OFLC Wage Search before evaluating any offer.
Does holding a PhD affect my H-1B petition as a Research Scientist?
A PhD strengthens a Research Scientist petition because it directly demonstrates the specialized theoretical and practical knowledge USCIS looks for in specialty occupation cases. It also makes you eligible for the advanced degree cap, giving you two lottery chances in a cap-subject year. Cap-exempt employers like universities and nonprofit labs aren't affected by this distinction at all.