Clinical Research Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
Iowa's clinical research activity centers on academic medical institutions like the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, along with contract research organizations and pharmaceutical manufacturers in the Des Moines metro. Employers in these sectors regularly sponsor H-1B visa and other work visas for qualified clinical research coordinators, associates, and managers.
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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: Clinical Laboratory Research Scientist
As a Research Scientist on our Clinical Development Sciences team, you will play a crucial role in advancing Elanco’s pipeline. You will be at the forefront of supporting our ongoing clinical studies by planning, conducting, and meticulously documenting pivotal laboratory experiments. This position offers a unique opportunity to not only contribute to the statistical analysis of clinical trials but also to drive innovation by identifying and applying new technologies to enhance our clinical laboratory capabilities.
Your Responsibilities:
- Experimental Design & Execution: Work with Sponsors and Study Managers to define project requirements; develop and review protocols, validation methods, and sample analysis plans to support clinical studies (GRP).
- Methodology & Innovation: Identify, develop, and implement new viral/bacterial culture methodologies, analytical methods, and laboratory technologies to continuously update and improve the clinical laboratory's capabilities.
- Data Integrity & Analysis: Independently review, approve, and prepare raw data and laboratory data packages for statistical analysis, ensuring scientific accuracy, completeness, and compliance with all quality systems and standards (e.g., GxP, SOPs).
- Technical Leadership & Support: Lead troubleshooting efforts to resolve scientific issues, manage complex project workloads, and provide technical support to ensure the successful and timely completion of studies.
- Laboratory Operations: Maintain the laboratory infrastructure, including equipment and a clean, safe, and organized working environment, while preparing and updating SOPs and working procedures.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Animal Science, or a related scientific discipline with equivalent experience.
- Experience: A minimum of 5-8 years of hands-on experience in a laboratory setting.
- Top Skills: Demonstrated experience in laboratory techniques (such as cell culture, assay design, and molecular biology) and a strong understanding of experimental design and data analysis.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
- Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a relevant scientific discipline.
- In-depth knowledge of clinical laboratory study design, execution, and operational workflow in a GxP-regulated environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting and present complex scientific data.
- Experience in leading troubleshooting efforts, managing complex projects, or mentoring junior scientists.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Travel: Less than 10%
- Location: Fort Dodge, IA – On-Site 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!
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: Clinical Laboratory Research Scientist
As a Research Scientist on our Clinical Development Sciences team, you will play a crucial role in advancing Elanco’s pipeline. You will be at the forefront of supporting our ongoing clinical studies by planning, conducting, and meticulously documenting pivotal laboratory experiments. This position offers a unique opportunity to not only contribute to the statistical analysis of clinical trials but also to drive innovation by identifying and applying new technologies to enhance our clinical laboratory capabilities.
Your Responsibilities:
- Experimental Design & Execution: Work with Sponsors and Study Managers to define project requirements; develop and review protocols, validation methods, and sample analysis plans to support clinical studies (GRP).
- Methodology & Innovation: Identify, develop, and implement new viral/bacterial culture methodologies, analytical methods, and laboratory technologies to continuously update and improve the clinical laboratory's capabilities.
- Data Integrity & Analysis: Independently review, approve, and prepare raw data and laboratory data packages for statistical analysis, ensuring scientific accuracy, completeness, and compliance with all quality systems and standards (e.g., GxP, SOPs).
- Technical Leadership & Support: Lead troubleshooting efforts to resolve scientific issues, manage complex project workloads, and provide technical support to ensure the successful and timely completion of studies.
- Laboratory Operations: Maintain the laboratory infrastructure, including equipment and a clean, safe, and organized working environment, while preparing and updating SOPs and working procedures.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Animal Science, or a related scientific discipline with equivalent experience.
- Experience: A minimum of 5-8 years of hands-on experience in a laboratory setting.
- Top Skills: Demonstrated experience in laboratory techniques (such as cell culture, assay design, and molecular biology) and a strong understanding of experimental design and data analysis.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
- Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a relevant scientific discipline.
- In-depth knowledge of clinical laboratory study design, execution, and operational workflow in a GxP-regulated environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting and present complex scientific data.
- Experience in leading troubleshooting efforts, managing complex projects, or mentoring junior scientists.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Travel: Less than 10%
- Location: Fort Dodge, IA – On-Site 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!
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.
Clinical Research Job Roles in Iowa
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Search Clinical Research Jobs in IowaClinical Research Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for clinical research roles in Iowa?
The University of Iowa and its affiliated health system are among the most consistent sponsors of work visas for clinical research professionals in the state. Contract research organizations with Midwest operations, as well as medical device and pharmaceutical companies in the Des Moines and Iowa City areas, also have documented histories of H-1B sponsorship for research coordinators and clinical study managers.
Which visa types are most common for clinical research roles in Iowa?
The H-1B is the most common visa category for clinical research roles in Iowa, as positions like clinical research coordinator, clinical research associate, and regulatory affairs specialist generally qualify as specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as life sciences, nursing, or public health. Candidates already holding OPT or STEM OPT authorization are also commonly hired before transitioning to H-1B sponsorship.
Which cities in Iowa have the most clinical research sponsorship jobs?
Iowa City is the leading hub for clinical research employment in Iowa, driven by the University of Iowa's academic medical center and its extensive portfolio of federally funded clinical trials. Des Moines has a growing presence through regional hospitals, research-active health systems like UnityPoint Health, and a small but active contract research organization presence. Ames is worth watching given Iowa State University's research infrastructure.
How to find clinical research visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for roles where employers have indicated visa sponsorship availability, making it easier to identify clinical research positions in Iowa without sorting through employers who don't sponsor. You can search by role type and state to surface openings at Iowa-based academic medical centers, CROs, and healthcare systems that have active sponsorship histories for clinical research coordinators and associates.
Are there any Iowa-specific considerations for clinical research visa sponsorship?
Iowa's clinical research market is heavily anchored to academic and nonprofit medical institutions, which tend to be cap-exempt employers for H-1B purposes, meaning they can file petitions outside the annual H-1B lottery. This matters for candidates who missed a lottery cycle or need to start quickly. The University of Iowa, as a qualifying higher education institution, falls into this cap-exempt category, which can meaningfully affect hiring timelines for international candidates.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored clinical research jobs in Iowa?
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.