H-1B Visa Scientific Director Jobs
Scientific Director jobs with H-1B visa sponsorship sit squarely within specialty occupation territory, requiring advanced degrees in life sciences, chemistry, biology, or a directly related field. Employers file a Labor Condition Application with DOL and an I-129 petition with USCIS, sponsoring you for an initial three-year status period.
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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 Scientific Director provides medical and scientific input into medical market access payer, group purchasing organizations, health systems, guidelines, and pathways oncology scientific objectives and tactics for healthcare access decision makers. Develops and executes medical market access activities such as payer/healthcare access decision maker strategies, educational initiatives (medical education, data, guidelines, pathways, and value proposition), and translates payer/HCMD insights into. Works cross functionally in a highly matrixed environment with commercial, HEOR and medical affairs teams to provide strategic payer/HCDM input into brand strategies and shape integrated holistic value evidence plan.
- Leads development of medical affairs payer/HCDM strategy for the assigned therapeutic area and assets, translating the clinical, economic, humanistic, and real-world evidence into a differentiated value narrative that shapes access strategy, brand and portfolio priorities, and enterprise decisions.
- Actively participates in relevant cross functional brand, medical affairs and market access teams to provide medical, scientific, pharmaeconomic, and healthcare landscape input into portfolio and product strategies, influences without authority in a matrixed environment.
- Leads development and approval of medical affairs access/HCDM field and omnichannel materials.
- Leads and delivers training to the Medical Outcomes Science Liaison teams.
- Partners on the development of integrated evidence plan with Medical Affairs, HEOR to support scientific and business strategy aligned to Medical Affairs Evidence Gaps.
- Develops strategy for payer/HCDM collaborative customer research, thought-leadership forums, and external partnerships aligned with therapeutic area and AbbVie objectives in partnership with HEOR and medical affairs.
- Monitors scientific, health economic, access and healthcare policy trends through conferences, insights gathering and external engagement; proactively provide and provide proactive inputs into portfolio, therapeutic area and brand strategies.
- Responsible for compliance with applicable Corporate and Divisional Policies and procedures. Responsible for understanding the legal and regulatory requirements as well as the healthcare landscape and accountable for complying with those requirements. Serves as the scientific team interface for key regulatory, OEC and Legal discussions.
- May assist with the scientific review, development, execution and communication of medical affairs sponsored or supported RWE research activities.
- Lead cross functional and functional sub teams responsible for discrete projects within the therapeutic area.
Qualifications
- Advanced Education PhD, PharmD, PA, NP highly preferred. Residency or additional post doctorate highly preferred.
- Typically 8 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry or equivalent; substantial understanding of managed care required and pharmacoeconomic experience preferred.
- Management and leadership experience at project level, experience with strategic initiatives and issues. Proven leadership skills in a cross-functional environment. International experience is a plus.
- Ability to interact externally and internally to support global business strategy. Ability to advance RWE studies or medical affairs directed research independently with little supervision. Knowledge of statistical methodology, regulatory requirements governing RWE and experience in development strategy and the design of RWE protocols.
- Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Works mostly independently with limited guidance.
Hybrid position based in one of our locations.
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 Scientific Director provides medical and scientific input into medical market access payer, group purchasing organizations, health systems, guidelines, and pathways oncology scientific objectives and tactics for healthcare access decision makers. Develops and executes medical market access activities such as payer/healthcare access decision maker strategies, educational initiatives (medical education, data, guidelines, pathways, and value proposition), and translates payer/HCMD insights into. Works cross functionally in a highly matrixed environment with commercial, HEOR and medical affairs teams to provide strategic payer/HCDM input into brand strategies and shape integrated holistic value evidence plan.
- Leads development of medical affairs payer/HCDM strategy for the assigned therapeutic area and assets, translating the clinical, economic, humanistic, and real-world evidence into a differentiated value narrative that shapes access strategy, brand and portfolio priorities, and enterprise decisions.
- Actively participates in relevant cross functional brand, medical affairs and market access teams to provide medical, scientific, pharmaeconomic, and healthcare landscape input into portfolio and product strategies, influences without authority in a matrixed environment.
- Leads development and approval of medical affairs access/HCDM field and omnichannel materials.
- Leads and delivers training to the Medical Outcomes Science Liaison teams.
- Partners on the development of integrated evidence plan with Medical Affairs, HEOR to support scientific and business strategy aligned to Medical Affairs Evidence Gaps.
- Develops strategy for payer/HCDM collaborative customer research, thought-leadership forums, and external partnerships aligned with therapeutic area and AbbVie objectives in partnership with HEOR and medical affairs.
- Monitors scientific, health economic, access and healthcare policy trends through conferences, insights gathering and external engagement; proactively provide and provide proactive inputs into portfolio, therapeutic area and brand strategies.
- Responsible for compliance with applicable Corporate and Divisional Policies and procedures. Responsible for understanding the legal and regulatory requirements as well as the healthcare landscape and accountable for complying with those requirements. Serves as the scientific team interface for key regulatory, OEC and Legal discussions.
- May assist with the scientific review, development, execution and communication of medical affairs sponsored or supported RWE research activities.
- Lead cross functional and functional sub teams responsible for discrete projects within the therapeutic area.
Qualifications
- Advanced Education PhD, PharmD, PA, NP highly preferred. Residency or additional post doctorate highly preferred.
- Typically 8 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry or equivalent; substantial understanding of managed care required and pharmacoeconomic experience preferred.
- Management and leadership experience at project level, experience with strategic initiatives and issues. Proven leadership skills in a cross-functional environment. International experience is a plus.
- Ability to interact externally and internally to support global business strategy. Ability to advance RWE studies or medical affairs directed research independently with little supervision. Knowledge of statistical methodology, regulatory requirements governing RWE and experience in development strategy and the design of RWE protocols.
- Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Works mostly independently with limited guidance.
Hybrid position based in one of our locations.
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 31+ H-1B Visa Scientific Director Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Scientific Director
Align your degree to the role
USCIS evaluates whether your highest degree directly relates to the scientific discipline the director role oversees. A PhD or master's in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a parallel field strengthens the specialty occupation argument far more than a generalist science credential.
Search employers through Migrate Mate
Target companies with verified H-1B LCA filing history for scientific leadership roles. Migrate Mate surfaces employers by role and location using DOL disclosure data, so you're applying to organizations that have already navigated director-level sponsorship.
Verify prevailing wage before negotiating
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above DOL's prevailing wage for your specific SOC code and worksite location. Run the OFLC Wage Search before salary discussions so you understand the floor they're legally required to meet.
Confirm each worksite gets its own LCA
If your Scientific Director role spans multiple laboratory or office locations, each site requires a separately certified LCA. Raise this with your employer's HR or immigration counsel before accepting an offer involving multi-site responsibilities.
Prepare a publications and research portfolio
USCIS adjudicators reviewing Scientific Director petitions often scrutinize whether the role genuinely requires degree-level scientific expertise. A documented record of publications, grants, or clinical study oversight directly supports the specialty occupation case in your I-129 filing.
Understand H-1B cap selection has changed
The rules governing annual H-1B cap registration and selection have shifted in recent years. Check USCIS directly for current mechanics before planning your start date, since timing your offer around the cap cycle now works differently than it did previously.
H-1B Visa Scientific Director: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Scientific Director role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, Scientific Director positions typically qualify. The role requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and in practice nearly all employers require advanced degrees in a directly related scientific field such as biochemistry, pharmacology, or molecular biology. USCIS evaluates the degree-to-duties relationship, so the stronger the alignment between your credential and the lab or research function you oversee, the cleaner the petition.
Which employers sponsor H-1B visas for Scientific Director positions?
Pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, biotechnology firms, academic medical centers, and government-affiliated research institutions are the most active sponsors for this title. You can find employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history for scientific leadership roles on Migrate Mate, which pulls directly from DOL disclosure data so you're not guessing at sponsorship willingness.
How long does H-1B status last for a Scientific Director?
USCIS grants H-1B status for an initial period of up to three years, with one extension available for a total maximum of six years. If your employer pursues permanent residency on your behalf and files a PERM labor certification before your four-year mark, you may be eligible for extensions beyond the six-year cap under AC21 provisions.
What documents strengthen an H-1B petition for a Scientific Director role?
Your employer should include a detailed job description specifying that the role requires a degree in a specific scientific discipline, not a generalist qualification. On your side, compile your academic transcripts, any credential evaluations if your degree is from outside the U.S., a full publication record, and documentation of grants or clinical research oversight. These directly support the specialty occupation determination USCIS makes.
Can a Scientific Director change employers while on H-1B status?
Yes, through H-1B portability under AC21. If you have an approved I-140 or have been in H-1B status for at least six years, you can begin working for a new employer as soon as they file a new I-129 petition on your behalf, without waiting for USCIS approval. Outside those conditions, you must wait for the new petition to be approved before starting the new role.