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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Get Access To All JobsWork Schedule
First Shift (Days)
Environmental Conditions
Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards
Job Description
Join Us as a Research Scientist – Make an Impact at the Forefront of Innovation
We have successfully supported the top 50 pharmaceutical companies and more than 750 biotechs, spanning 2,700 clinical trials across 100+ countries in the last 5 years.
The clinical genomics research scientist is responsible for helping to development clinical genomic workflows and perform genomic and genetic testing of clinical trial biospecimens to advance translational research initiatives. This includes but is not limited to responsibilities for genomics and gene expression profiling (GEP) biomarker assay technology/platform selection, evaluation of in-house or vendor choice per assay use requirements, development, optimization, qualification/validation and execution of biomarker analysis for translational medicine and clinical programs. Successful candidates must have a strong technical background in genomics and transcriptomics and its application in clinical programs, additional specific requirements listed below:
Key Responsibilities:
- Developing genomics and transcriptomics strategies with biomarker leads, data analysis, and trial operations teams.
- Focusing 100% on lab work, requiring onsite attendance.
- Designing and developing genomics/transcriptomics assays, including broad genomic/GEP profiling, pharmacodynamic, target engagement, predictive, and prognostic assays.
- Developing, optimizing, qualifying/validating, and executing biomarker assays, both in-house and with external vendors.
- Overseeing assay/workflow development and analyzing qualification/validation data.
- Providing subject matter expertise and oversight for outsourced studies.
- Drafting experimental plans, qualification protocols, reports, SOPs, technology transfer documents, and study summaries.
- Participating in internal/external collaborations and clinical study teams.
- Assessing and onboarding relevant technologies through due diligence and pilot projects.
- Working closely with data analysis, sample management, and clinical operation teams.
- Providing mentorship and leadership within the lab team.
- Developing efficient genomics processes and best practices.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic/vocational qualification
- Previous experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (comparable to 8+ years).
In some cases an equivalency, consisting of a combination of appropriate education, training and/or directly related experience, will be considered sufficient for an individual to meet the requirements of the role.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Prior experience working in a CLIA-licensed lab is a plus.
- Must be capable of working and operating in a laboratory environment for the entirety of the work schedule.
- Significant experience with NGS or GEP applications is required.
- Demonstrated experience in assay development for genomics assets, preferably in a pharma, biotech, diagnostic, or clinical lab setting.
- In-depth, hands-on experience with genomics platforms (NGS, qPCR, variant analysis) for assay development, qualification/validation, troubleshooting, and reviewing run QC data.
- Experience with technologies for ctDNA and GEP analysis is critical.
- Understanding of fit-for-purpose genomics assay validation principles for clinical assays.
- Knowledge of clinical sample analysis regulatory and quality frameworks (e.g., GCP, CLIA, CAP, NYDOH) is a plus.
- Strong organizational and collaborative skills are essential.
Work Environment:
Thermo Fisher Scientific values the health and wellbeing of our employees. We support and encourage individuals to create a healthy and balanced environment where they can thrive. Below is listed the working environment/requirements for this role:
- Able to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups of people in a comprehensible and reasonable manner.
- Able to work upright and stationary and/or standing for typical working hours.
- Able to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.
- Able to work in non-traditional work environments.
- Able to use and learn standard office equipment and technology with proficiency.
- May have exposure to potentially hazardous elements, including infectious agents, typically found in healthcare or laboratory environments.
- Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities.
Why Join Us?
When you join Thermo Fisher Scientific, you become part of a global team that values passion, innovation, and a commitment to scientific excellence. You’ll work in an environment where collaboration and development are part of the everyday experience—and where your contributions truly make a difference.
Apply today to help us deliver tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in New Jersey is $90,000.00–$110,000.00. This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
- Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
Work Schedule
First Shift (Days)
Environmental Conditions
Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards
Job Description
Join Us as a Research Scientist – Make an Impact at the Forefront of Innovation
We have successfully supported the top 50 pharmaceutical companies and more than 750 biotechs, spanning 2,700 clinical trials across 100+ countries in the last 5 years.
The clinical genomics research scientist is responsible for helping to development clinical genomic workflows and perform genomic and genetic testing of clinical trial biospecimens to advance translational research initiatives. This includes but is not limited to responsibilities for genomics and gene expression profiling (GEP) biomarker assay technology/platform selection, evaluation of in-house or vendor choice per assay use requirements, development, optimization, qualification/validation and execution of biomarker analysis for translational medicine and clinical programs. Successful candidates must have a strong technical background in genomics and transcriptomics and its application in clinical programs, additional specific requirements listed below:
Key Responsibilities:
- Developing genomics and transcriptomics strategies with biomarker leads, data analysis, and trial operations teams.
- Focusing 100% on lab work, requiring onsite attendance.
- Designing and developing genomics/transcriptomics assays, including broad genomic/GEP profiling, pharmacodynamic, target engagement, predictive, and prognostic assays.
- Developing, optimizing, qualifying/validating, and executing biomarker assays, both in-house and with external vendors.
- Overseeing assay/workflow development and analyzing qualification/validation data.
- Providing subject matter expertise and oversight for outsourced studies.
- Drafting experimental plans, qualification protocols, reports, SOPs, technology transfer documents, and study summaries.
- Participating in internal/external collaborations and clinical study teams.
- Assessing and onboarding relevant technologies through due diligence and pilot projects.
- Working closely with data analysis, sample management, and clinical operation teams.
- Providing mentorship and leadership within the lab team.
- Developing efficient genomics processes and best practices.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic/vocational qualification
- Previous experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (comparable to 8+ years).
In some cases an equivalency, consisting of a combination of appropriate education, training and/or directly related experience, will be considered sufficient for an individual to meet the requirements of the role.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Prior experience working in a CLIA-licensed lab is a plus.
- Must be capable of working and operating in a laboratory environment for the entirety of the work schedule.
- Significant experience with NGS or GEP applications is required.
- Demonstrated experience in assay development for genomics assets, preferably in a pharma, biotech, diagnostic, or clinical lab setting.
- In-depth, hands-on experience with genomics platforms (NGS, qPCR, variant analysis) for assay development, qualification/validation, troubleshooting, and reviewing run QC data.
- Experience with technologies for ctDNA and GEP analysis is critical.
- Understanding of fit-for-purpose genomics assay validation principles for clinical assays.
- Knowledge of clinical sample analysis regulatory and quality frameworks (e.g., GCP, CLIA, CAP, NYDOH) is a plus.
- Strong organizational and collaborative skills are essential.
Work Environment:
Thermo Fisher Scientific values the health and wellbeing of our employees. We support and encourage individuals to create a healthy and balanced environment where they can thrive. Below is listed the working environment/requirements for this role:
- Able to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups of people in a comprehensible and reasonable manner.
- Able to work upright and stationary and/or standing for typical working hours.
- Able to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.
- Able to work in non-traditional work environments.
- Able to use and learn standard office equipment and technology with proficiency.
- May have exposure to potentially hazardous elements, including infectious agents, typically found in healthcare or laboratory environments.
- Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities.
Why Join Us?
When you join Thermo Fisher Scientific, you become part of a global team that values passion, innovation, and a commitment to scientific excellence. You’ll work in an environment where collaboration and development are part of the everyday experience—and where your contributions truly make a difference.
Apply today to help us deliver tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in New Jersey is $90,000.00–$110,000.00. This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
- Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
See all 2,268+ H-1B Visa Research Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Research Scientist Jobs.
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.