Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
Iowa's scientist job market spans agricultural biotechnology in the Des Moines corridor, federal research at Ames Laboratory, and life sciences work at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. Major employers including Pioneer (Corteva), Iowa State University Research Park tenants, and regional biotech firms have consistent histories of H-1B visa sponsorship for qualified scientists.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Senior Scientist III will provide technical support for multiple project teams. This individual will evaluate and interpret analytical results, develop, validate and transfer analytical methods for APIs, API intermediates and raw materials. Strict compliance with cGMP guidelines is required to perform most job tasks.
Responsibilities:
- Safely and effectively develop, establish, and validate analytical testing methodologies used to control raw materials, production intermediates, and final products
- Actively participate in teams assembled to investigate and solve analytical technical issues within Analytical Development, Chemical Development, Process Support Group and Quality Control
- Perform analytical chemistry assays based on new and existing methodologies
- Operate analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, GC/MS, FTIR, Titrator, Particle Size Analyzer
- Write technical reports to document analytical methods
- Maintain laboratory notebooks documenting work
- Maintain compliance with GMP SOPs and DEA regulations
- Transfer documented analytical methods to the QC and Process Support Group departments
- Set up new or existing analytical methods for compound identification, purity and potency testing
- Coordinate off-site testing as necessary
- Conduct testing of analytical samples for the Chemical Development Department as needed
- Qualify reference materials
- May also perform other duties as required
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Analytical Chemistry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry
- Cross Discipline Knowledge: Good understanding of the principles of cross-functional departments, including organic chemistry and engineering
- GMP/Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of industrial GMP and practical application to Cambrex programs; Ability to help identify risks for regulatory compliance of violation of site SOP
- Instrumentation: Demonstrated ability to use, train, investigate root cause issues with HPLC, GC, good understanding of MS
- Communication: Good written and oral communication skills, ability to communicate with clients without manager supervision
- Problem Solving: Strong demonstration of problem solving, ability to lead investigations
- Time Management: Able to maintain timeline of key activities and use time efficiently; ability to handle projects without supervision though requires regular check in with manager
- Leadership: Regularly seeks to share ideas and learning across the group/site; pushes new initiatives from the ground up
- Technical Documentation and Review: Ability to author and review key technical documents with minimal RFT errors. Can write new SOP with manager assistance
- External Influence: Ability to lead local project teams and steer clients to desired outcomes; ability to work with management to develop key local laboratory-based initiatives
- Industry Credibility and Rapport: Recognized scientific leader within the Cambrex organization, locally and possibly beginning to extend to other sites
- Operational Excellence: Actively participates in key operational excellence initiatives
- Change Orientation: Active participation and support for implementation of Cambrex system level changes/initiatives
QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with minimum 4 years of experience or M.S. in Chemistry or related field with minimum 8 years of experience or B.S. degree in Chemistry or related field with 12 years of experience in lab environment, pharmaceutical experience preferred.
Excellent verbal and written communication/interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a diverse team environment are essential.
INTRODUCTION
The Senior Scientist III will provide technical support for multiple project teams. This individual will evaluate and interpret analytical results, develop, validate and transfer analytical methods for APIs, API intermediates and raw materials. Strict compliance with cGMP guidelines is required to perform most job tasks.
Responsibilities:
- Safely and effectively develop, establish, and validate analytical testing methodologies used to control raw materials, production intermediates, and final products
- Actively participate in teams assembled to investigate and solve analytical technical issues within Analytical Development, Chemical Development, Process Support Group and Quality Control
- Perform analytical chemistry assays based on new and existing methodologies
- Operate analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, GC/MS, FTIR, Titrator, Particle Size Analyzer
- Write technical reports to document analytical methods
- Maintain laboratory notebooks documenting work
- Maintain compliance with GMP SOPs and DEA regulations
- Transfer documented analytical methods to the QC and Process Support Group departments
- Set up new or existing analytical methods for compound identification, purity and potency testing
- Coordinate off-site testing as necessary
- Conduct testing of analytical samples for the Chemical Development Department as needed
- Qualify reference materials
- May also perform other duties as required
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Analytical Chemistry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry
- Cross Discipline Knowledge: Good understanding of the principles of cross-functional departments, including organic chemistry and engineering
- GMP/Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of industrial GMP and practical application to Cambrex programs; Ability to help identify risks for regulatory compliance of violation of site SOP
- Instrumentation: Demonstrated ability to use, train, investigate root cause issues with HPLC, GC, good understanding of MS
- Communication: Good written and oral communication skills, ability to communicate with clients without manager supervision
- Problem Solving: Strong demonstration of problem solving, ability to lead investigations
- Time Management: Able to maintain timeline of key activities and use time efficiently; ability to handle projects without supervision though requires regular check in with manager
- Leadership: Regularly seeks to share ideas and learning across the group/site; pushes new initiatives from the ground up
- Technical Documentation and Review: Ability to author and review key technical documents with minimal RFT errors. Can write new SOP with manager assistance
- External Influence: Ability to lead local project teams and steer clients to desired outcomes; ability to work with management to develop key local laboratory-based initiatives
- Industry Credibility and Rapport: Recognized scientific leader within the Cambrex organization, locally and possibly beginning to extend to other sites
- Operational Excellence: Actively participates in key operational excellence initiatives
- Change Orientation: Active participation and support for implementation of Cambrex system level changes/initiatives
QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with minimum 4 years of experience or M.S. in Chemistry or related field with minimum 8 years of experience or B.S. degree in Chemistry or related field with 12 years of experience in lab environment, pharmaceutical experience preferred.
Excellent verbal and written communication/interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a diverse team environment are essential.
Scientist Job Roles in Iowa
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Search Scientist Jobs in IowaScientist Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for scientists in Iowa?
Corteva Agriscience (formerly Pioneer Hi-Bred) is one of Iowa's most active H-1B sponsors for research scientist roles, particularly in Johnston. Iowa State University and the University of Iowa regularly sponsor scientists in academic and research positions. The Ames Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy facility, also employs sponsored researchers. Smaller biotech and agricultural science firms in the Des Moines metro and Iowa City areas also have sponsorship histories.
Which visa types are most common for scientist roles in Iowa?
The H-1B is the most common visa for scientist positions in Iowa, covering roles in agricultural research, life sciences, and materials science that require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. University and federal lab positions sometimes use J-1 visa exchange visitor status for postdoctoral researchers. Scientists with extraordinary ability may qualify for the O-1A. Permanent residency pathways like EB-2 and EB-3 are also frequently used by Iowa research employers.
Which cities in Iowa have the most scientist sponsorship jobs?
Ames is Iowa's primary research hub, anchored by Iowa State University and Ames Laboratory, generating consistent demand for sponsored scientists in agriculture, chemistry, and physics. Des Moines and its northern suburbs, particularly Johnston, concentrate agricultural biotech roles at Corteva and related firms. Iowa City supports life sciences and clinical research positions through the University of Iowa. Cedar Rapids has a smaller but active presence in food science and industrial research.
How to find scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate filters scientist job listings in Iowa specifically to roles where employers have demonstrated sponsorship willingness, saving you from sorting through positions that won't support a visa. You can search by discipline, whether agricultural science, life sciences, or materials research, and focus on the Ames, Des Moines, and Iowa City markets where sponsorship activity is highest. Creating a profile on Migrate Mate helps match you to Iowa openings aligned with your research background.
Are there any Iowa-specific factors scientists should know about visa sponsorship?
Iowa's scientist hiring is heavily concentrated in agricultural and food sciences, reflecting the state's economy. Many sponsored roles are tied to university or federal lab affiliations, which can simplify the sponsorship process since these institutions have established immigration infrastructure. The prevailing wage for scientist positions is determined by the Department of Labor and varies by specialty and location within Iowa, so urban centers like Des Moines typically reflect higher wage determinations than rural postings.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored scientist 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.