Research Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Research visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, Evanston, and the broader university corridor along Lake Michigan. Major employers include Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, and Abbott Laboratories. Illinois's deep academic and life sciences infrastructure makes it one of the more active states for internationally sponsored research positions.
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Get Access To All JobsBrand Insights - Global Market Research & Forecasting AI Lead
About Astellas
Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at Astellas.com.
Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients?
We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.
Purpose & Scope
Establish an AI-enabled market research capability that accelerates insight generation, improves decision quality, and maximizes ROI—while maintaining methodological rigor, compliance, and human judgment.
Objectives:
- Enable AI-augmented, always-on insight generation that complements (not replaces) primary market research
- Embed AI across the end-to-end MR lifecycle, improving speed to insight, learning velocity, and decision confidence
- Expand the breadth and depth of message/concept testing and creative optimization, with appropriate validation through PMR as needed
- Leverage historical research via an Insights Site to reduce duplication and improve insight reuse
- Improve forecasting decision enablement through stronger linkage between demand/segmentation insights and forecast assumptions (e.g., demand assessment as a forecast input)
- Implement a dedicated AI-enabled forecasting capability/tool to enhance brand and portfolio forecasting by improving scenario planning and sensitivity analysis, strengthening documentation and communication of assumptions and forecast risks/uncertainties, and enabling rapid alignment of forecast assumptions across stakeholders
- Developing team capabilities through coaching, mentoring, and onboarding new talent
- Managing resource allocation and supporting professional growth within the Chapter
- Representing the Insights Practice as a subject matter expert and contributing to Pods and Value Teams as needed
- Demonstrating a Growth Mindset that seeks feedback, adapts quickly, and models continuous improvement
- Collaborative and Outcomes Focused proactively seeking the questions to bring the right answers and solutions across brands
- Focused on team goal achievement and impact Driving continuous improvement, best practice sharing, and innovation in methodologies and ways of working
- Work globally to provide also services locally
- Overseeing vendor projects and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives
The Global Market research and forecasting Chapter lead is responsible for developing the capabilities and skillsets of their teams, providing coaching and mentoring, managing team resource capacity, supporting the learning and career development of their Chapter team, managing the teams’ compliance with standards and leading practices, continuous improvement and shared learning.
Role and Responsibilities
1) Enterprise AI Market Research Strategy & Value Delivery
- Define and drive the enterprise strategy for AI-enabled market research (MR), aligned to business priorities and commercial decision needs
- Translate strategy into an execution roadmap with clear milestones, KPIs, and value realization tracking (e.g., adoption, cycle-time reduction, cost efficiency, and quality/alignment to primary research)
- Establish operating cadence and stakeholder alignment with an executive sponsor and cross-functional leadership to secure funding, remove barriers, and ensure enterprise alignment
2) AI-Enabled MR Transformation Across the Lifecycle (“Always-on insights”)
- Embed AI across MR steps including rapid synthesis/summarization/analysis, hypothesis formation and questionnaire design, AI moderators, AI-simulated responses, creative audits, and variant generation/optimization
- Expand breadth and depth of message and creative testing, enabling faster iteration and increased learning velocity without increasing risk
- Build scalable approaches to leverage historical research and reduce duplication by using tools such as an Insights Vault and AI-assisted retrieval/synthesis
3) Forecasting Partnership & Decision Enablement
- Partner with Forecasting, Finance, and Brand/TA leaders to ensure AI-augmented insights are translated into clearer forecasting assumptions, scenarios, sensitivities, and documented uncertainty
- Improve governance and consistency of how insights are used in forecast inputs, including traceability of assumptions and decision-quality standards (quality gates, validation, and review)
4) Governance, Compliance, and Quality Standards
- Set standards for methodological rigor, validation, and quality assurance for AI-enabled MR, including concordance with primary research outcomes
- Implement governance processes to ensure responsible use of AI, with defined human-review checkpoints and risk management embedded in workflows
5) Capability Building, Change Leadership, and Ways of Working
- Build an enterprise capability through playbooks, training, and stakeholder enablement to drive consistent adoption across brands and regions
- Foster an agile, collaborative culture that enables flexibility, responsiveness to change, and continuous improvement in methodologies and ways of working
6) Vendor and Ecosystem Leadership
- Oversee vendor-supported AI and MR initiatives to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with organizational objectives
- Influence supplier strategy and ensure effective partnerships that expand capability and deliver measurable value
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in science, engineering, mathematics, decision science, or analytics
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in forecasting, market research, competitive intelligence, and/or decision sciences role at a pharmaceutical company, or a consultancy focused on the biopharmaceutical industry
- Demonstrated experience building, managing, training teams around a specific area of SME expertise such as marketing research, forecasting, analytics, or decision sciences
- Understanding of the role of Insights function within broader enterprise strategy
- Demonstrated ability to develop talent and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement
- Previous experience working with Global cross-functional teams across multiple brands/TAs
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at the executive level
- Exceptional people leadership, mentorship, and coaching skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Statistics or Economics
- Pharmaceutical Industry Experience in global mid-cap/large-cap company
Location and Working Environment
This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Remote work from anywhere in the US is available.
At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.
What awaits you at Astellas?
- Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide
- Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day
- Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare
- A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions
Our Organizational Values and Behaviors
Values: Innovation, Integrity and Impact sit at the heart of what we do.
Behaviors: We come together as ‘One Astellas’, working with courage and a sense of urgency. We are outcome focused and consistently take accountability for our personal contribution.
Salary Range
$197,000 - $282,000 (Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations)
Flexible grade level based on candidate background and skillset.
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
- 401(k) match and annual company contribution
- Company paid life insurance
- Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
- Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
- Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
- Referral bonus program
Brand Insights - Global Market Research & Forecasting AI Lead
About Astellas
Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at Astellas.com.
Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients?
We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.
Purpose & Scope
Establish an AI-enabled market research capability that accelerates insight generation, improves decision quality, and maximizes ROI—while maintaining methodological rigor, compliance, and human judgment.
Objectives:
- Enable AI-augmented, always-on insight generation that complements (not replaces) primary market research
- Embed AI across the end-to-end MR lifecycle, improving speed to insight, learning velocity, and decision confidence
- Expand the breadth and depth of message/concept testing and creative optimization, with appropriate validation through PMR as needed
- Leverage historical research via an Insights Site to reduce duplication and improve insight reuse
- Improve forecasting decision enablement through stronger linkage between demand/segmentation insights and forecast assumptions (e.g., demand assessment as a forecast input)
- Implement a dedicated AI-enabled forecasting capability/tool to enhance brand and portfolio forecasting by improving scenario planning and sensitivity analysis, strengthening documentation and communication of assumptions and forecast risks/uncertainties, and enabling rapid alignment of forecast assumptions across stakeholders
- Developing team capabilities through coaching, mentoring, and onboarding new talent
- Managing resource allocation and supporting professional growth within the Chapter
- Representing the Insights Practice as a subject matter expert and contributing to Pods and Value Teams as needed
- Demonstrating a Growth Mindset that seeks feedback, adapts quickly, and models continuous improvement
- Collaborative and Outcomes Focused proactively seeking the questions to bring the right answers and solutions across brands
- Focused on team goal achievement and impact Driving continuous improvement, best practice sharing, and innovation in methodologies and ways of working
- Work globally to provide also services locally
- Overseeing vendor projects and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives
The Global Market research and forecasting Chapter lead is responsible for developing the capabilities and skillsets of their teams, providing coaching and mentoring, managing team resource capacity, supporting the learning and career development of their Chapter team, managing the teams’ compliance with standards and leading practices, continuous improvement and shared learning.
Role and Responsibilities
1) Enterprise AI Market Research Strategy & Value Delivery
- Define and drive the enterprise strategy for AI-enabled market research (MR), aligned to business priorities and commercial decision needs
- Translate strategy into an execution roadmap with clear milestones, KPIs, and value realization tracking (e.g., adoption, cycle-time reduction, cost efficiency, and quality/alignment to primary research)
- Establish operating cadence and stakeholder alignment with an executive sponsor and cross-functional leadership to secure funding, remove barriers, and ensure enterprise alignment
2) AI-Enabled MR Transformation Across the Lifecycle (“Always-on insights”)
- Embed AI across MR steps including rapid synthesis/summarization/analysis, hypothesis formation and questionnaire design, AI moderators, AI-simulated responses, creative audits, and variant generation/optimization
- Expand breadth and depth of message and creative testing, enabling faster iteration and increased learning velocity without increasing risk
- Build scalable approaches to leverage historical research and reduce duplication by using tools such as an Insights Vault and AI-assisted retrieval/synthesis
3) Forecasting Partnership & Decision Enablement
- Partner with Forecasting, Finance, and Brand/TA leaders to ensure AI-augmented insights are translated into clearer forecasting assumptions, scenarios, sensitivities, and documented uncertainty
- Improve governance and consistency of how insights are used in forecast inputs, including traceability of assumptions and decision-quality standards (quality gates, validation, and review)
4) Governance, Compliance, and Quality Standards
- Set standards for methodological rigor, validation, and quality assurance for AI-enabled MR, including concordance with primary research outcomes
- Implement governance processes to ensure responsible use of AI, with defined human-review checkpoints and risk management embedded in workflows
5) Capability Building, Change Leadership, and Ways of Working
- Build an enterprise capability through playbooks, training, and stakeholder enablement to drive consistent adoption across brands and regions
- Foster an agile, collaborative culture that enables flexibility, responsiveness to change, and continuous improvement in methodologies and ways of working
6) Vendor and Ecosystem Leadership
- Oversee vendor-supported AI and MR initiatives to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with organizational objectives
- Influence supplier strategy and ensure effective partnerships that expand capability and deliver measurable value
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in science, engineering, mathematics, decision science, or analytics
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in forecasting, market research, competitive intelligence, and/or decision sciences role at a pharmaceutical company, or a consultancy focused on the biopharmaceutical industry
- Demonstrated experience building, managing, training teams around a specific area of SME expertise such as marketing research, forecasting, analytics, or decision sciences
- Understanding of the role of Insights function within broader enterprise strategy
- Demonstrated ability to develop talent and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement
- Previous experience working with Global cross-functional teams across multiple brands/TAs
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at the executive level
- Exceptional people leadership, mentorship, and coaching skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Statistics or Economics
- Pharmaceutical Industry Experience in global mid-cap/large-cap company
Location and Working Environment
This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Remote work from anywhere in the US is available.
At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.
What awaits you at Astellas?
- Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide
- Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day
- Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare
- A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions
Our Organizational Values and Behaviors
Values: Innovation, Integrity and Impact sit at the heart of what we do.
Behaviors: We come together as ‘One Astellas’, working with courage and a sense of urgency. We are outcome focused and consistently take accountability for our personal contribution.
Salary Range
$197,000 - $282,000 (Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations)
Flexible grade level based on candidate background and skillset.
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
- 401(k) match and annual company contribution
- Company paid life insurance
- Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
- Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
- Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
- Referral bonus program
Research Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Research Jobs in IllinoisResearch Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and institutions sponsor visas for research roles in Illinois?
The most active research visa sponsors in Illinois include Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie, and Baxter International. Academic medical centers such as Rush University Medical Center and Northwestern Medicine also regularly sponsor international researchers. Federal research facilities like Argonne and Fermilab sponsor researchers through specialized visa categories, including J-1 visa and H-1B visa.
Which visa types are most common for research roles in Illinois?
The H-1B is the most common work visa for research scientists and analysts at private employers like AbbVie and Abbott. J-1 is widely used at universities and national laboratories for postdoctoral researchers and exchange scholars. O-1A is an option for researchers with demonstrated recognition in their field. Academic institutions also frequently use TN visa status for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying research occupations.
How to find research visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it straightforward to browse research roles in Illinois without sifting through positions that won't support international candidates. You can filter by role type and state to surface openings at Illinois universities, national laboratories, and life sciences companies that have an active sponsorship history. Creating an account lets you track new postings as they appear.
Which cities in Illinois have the most research visa sponsorship jobs?
Chicago accounts for the largest share, driven by its academic medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, and research universities. Evanston is notable for Northwestern University's research enterprise. The Chicagoland suburbs, particularly around Deerfield and North Chicago, are home to AbbVie and Baxter headquarters. Batavia and Lemont host Fermilab and Argonne National Laboratory respectively, both consistent sponsors of international scientific staff.
Are there state-specific considerations for research visa sponsorship in Illinois?
Illinois has a dense university-to-industry pipeline, particularly in life sciences and physical sciences, which means many sponsored research positions expect candidates with postgraduate credentials tied to specific technical disciplines. Prevailing wage requirements apply statewide under DOL rules, and salaries are benchmarked to the Chicago metropolitan statistical area for most positions. Postdoctoral researchers should confirm whether a prospective employer sponsors H-1B or relies primarily on J-1, as the two carry different long-term implications for status and green card eligibility.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research jobs in Illinois?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.