Biotech & Pharma Jobs in Massachusetts with H-1B1 Sponsorship
Massachusetts is one of the most active states for H-1B1 visa sponsorship in biotech and pharma, anchored by the Greater Boston corridor where companies like Biogen, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Takeda maintain major operations. Cambridge and Boston alone host hundreds of life sciences employers actively hiring international talent across research, clinical, and regulatory functions.
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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 Discovery Research mRNA-tLNP department is seeking a driven and collaborative Research Scientist to join our dynamic mRNA group. Our team partners with multidisciplinary groups across AbbVie to develop therapeutic solutions for diverse disease areas, including immunology, oncology, and neurology.
As a key member of the mRNA team, you will independently lead mRNA production efforts with the support of other team members, contribute to RNA platform innovation, and deliver high-quality mRNA drug substances for various therapeutic applications. You will collaborate closely with scientists from multiple functional areas and therapeutic teams, manage both internal and external partnerships, and actively contribute to the advancement of AbbVie’s mRNA capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and optimize mRNA purification processes using a variety of chromatography techniques on ÄKTA systems.
- Perform in vitro transcription (IVT), purification, and characterization of mRNA to produce therapeutic-grade materials for in vitro and in vivo studies.
- Establish high-throughput IVT and purification methods using liquid handling systems.
- Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies to enhance the RNA platform in support of cross-functional research initiatives.
- Communicate research progress through presentations and written reports to both scientific and non-scientific audiences, internally and externally.
- Supervise, mentor, and share expertise with colleagues across functions and project teams.
- Contribute to the preparation of publications, reports, and external presentations.
Qualifications
- BS with 7+ years, or MS with 5+ years, in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field, preferably with 1-3 years of direct mRNA therapy experience.
- Proficient in RNA in vitro transcription and chromatography-based RNA purification (ÄKTA systems experience preferred).
- Strong knowledge of other RNA formats (e.g., circular RNA, self-amplifying RNA) and their purification/characterization challenges.
- Familiar with implementation of liquid handling automation in laboratory workflows.
- Excellent documentation, organizational, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with strong problem-solving skills and a resilient mindset.
Additional Information
Key Competencies:
- Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners to enable higher performance.
- Learns fast, grasps the "essence" and can change course quickly where indicated.
- Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo.
- Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
- Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages innovation to reality.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to work within a team environment.
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 Discovery Research mRNA-tLNP department is seeking a driven and collaborative Research Scientist to join our dynamic mRNA group. Our team partners with multidisciplinary groups across AbbVie to develop therapeutic solutions for diverse disease areas, including immunology, oncology, and neurology.
As a key member of the mRNA team, you will independently lead mRNA production efforts with the support of other team members, contribute to RNA platform innovation, and deliver high-quality mRNA drug substances for various therapeutic applications. You will collaborate closely with scientists from multiple functional areas and therapeutic teams, manage both internal and external partnerships, and actively contribute to the advancement of AbbVie’s mRNA capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and optimize mRNA purification processes using a variety of chromatography techniques on ÄKTA systems.
- Perform in vitro transcription (IVT), purification, and characterization of mRNA to produce therapeutic-grade materials for in vitro and in vivo studies.
- Establish high-throughput IVT and purification methods using liquid handling systems.
- Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies to enhance the RNA platform in support of cross-functional research initiatives.
- Communicate research progress through presentations and written reports to both scientific and non-scientific audiences, internally and externally.
- Supervise, mentor, and share expertise with colleagues across functions and project teams.
- Contribute to the preparation of publications, reports, and external presentations.
Qualifications
- BS with 7+ years, or MS with 5+ years, in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field, preferably with 1-3 years of direct mRNA therapy experience.
- Proficient in RNA in vitro transcription and chromatography-based RNA purification (ÄKTA systems experience preferred).
- Strong knowledge of other RNA formats (e.g., circular RNA, self-amplifying RNA) and their purification/characterization challenges.
- Familiar with implementation of liquid handling automation in laboratory workflows.
- Excellent documentation, organizational, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with strong problem-solving skills and a resilient mindset.
Additional Information
Key Competencies:
- Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners to enable higher performance.
- Learns fast, grasps the "essence" and can change course quickly where indicated.
- Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo.
- Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
- Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages innovation to reality.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to work within a team environment.
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
Job Roles in Biotech & Pharma in Massachusetts
See all 114+ Biotech & Pharma Massachusetts jobs
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Which biotech and pharma companies sponsor H-1B1 visas in Massachusetts?
Several large employers in Massachusetts have a documented history of sponsoring specialty occupation visas for biotech and pharma roles, including Biogen, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Takeda, Sanofi Genzyme, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Numerous clinical-stage biotechs in the Cambridge and Waltham clusters also file sponsorship petitions regularly. Sponsorship decisions are made on a role-by-role basis, so confirming willingness during the hiring process is essential.
Which cities in Massachusetts have the most biotech and pharma H-1B1 sponsorship jobs?
Cambridge and Boston together form the densest concentration of biotech and pharma employers in the state, anchored by Kendall Square and the Longwood Medical Area. Waltham, Lexington, and Bedford also host significant life sciences campuses. Worcester has a growing cluster tied to UMass Medical School, and Framingham is home to several established pharma and biopharma operations.
What types of biotech and pharma roles typically qualify for H-1B1 sponsorship?
Roles that typically meet the specialty occupation standard for H-1B1 sponsorship include computational biology, bioinformatics, medicinal chemistry, clinical data science, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, process development engineering, and research scientist positions requiring at minimum a bachelor's degree in a directly related scientific discipline. Roles with a generalized degree requirement, or where the position does not theoretically require a specific field of study, present qualification challenges.
How do I find biotech and pharma H-1B1 sponsorship jobs in Massachusetts?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers and filters biotech and pharma roles in Massachusetts that are open to H-1B1 sponsorship, saving you the time of screening hundreds of listings manually. Because H-1B1 eligibility is limited to Chilean and Singaporean nationals, searching with that filter on Migrate Mate helps surface employers already familiar with the category rather than those expecting standard H-1B filings.
Are there any state-specific or industry-specific considerations for H-1B1 sponsorship in Massachusetts biotech and pharma?
Massachusetts does not impose additional state-level requirements on top of federal H-1B1 rules, but the state's life sciences sector is highly competitive, and many employers use specialized immigration counsel given the volume of petitions they file. The H-1B1 is a separate nonimmigrant category available only to Chilean and Singaporean nationals, does not require lottery selection, and must be renewed annually, which differs meaningfully from the standard H-1B and is a factor some Massachusetts employers weigh when evaluating sponsorship.
What is the prevailing wage for H-1B1 biotech & pharma jobs in Massachusetts?
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.
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