Lead Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Massachusetts
Lead scientist roles in Massachusetts are concentrated in the Boston-Cambridge biotech corridor, with major employers including Moderna, Biogen, AstraZeneca, and Broad Institute sponsoring international scientists. The state's dense university ecosystem, anchored by MIT and Harvard, feeds a pipeline of research talent that many local employers actively recruit and sponsor through employment-based visas.
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Flagship Labs 111 Inc. (FL111) is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company pioneering a novel platform harnessing innovations in chemistry, computation, and data science to create new therapeutic modalities beyond traditional small molecules. FL111 is backed by Flagship Pioneering, bringing the courage, vision, and resources to guide FL111 from platform validation to patient impact. We are seeking collaborative, creative and relentless problem solvers that share our passion for impact to join us!
THE ROLE
FL111 is seeking an independent and motivated lab scientist with deep understanding of biochemical and biophysical assay design to join the Biochemistry team. This role will lead assay development, target engagement studies, and binding characterization for small molecules, heterobifunctionals, and related modalities, working closely with chemistry and biology to inform hit-to-lead optimization and mechanism-of-action questions. This role also contributes to team leadership, cross-functional collaborations, and broader scientific discussions that support organizational growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and execute biochemical assay development to monitor protein/ligand and protein/protein interactions
- Apply readout technologies such as FP, FRET, NanoBRET, or NanoBiT across active programs
- Drive protein purification and QC processes to support ongoing discovery efforts
- Set up and run high-throughput assays, troubleshooting independently to keep programs moving
- Partner with contract research organizations as needed to extend internal capacity
- Collaborate cross-functionally and contribute scientific input across multiple concurrent projects
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- MS or PhD in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Enzymology, or a related field
- MS and at least 8 years of relevant academic or industry experience
- PhD and 0-2 years of relevant academic or industry experience
- Deep understanding of protein chemistry and biophysics, with hands-on experience working with small-molecule compounds
- Demonstrated ability to develop and troubleshoot biochemical assays independently
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally
- A high degree of scientific independence, motivation, and solutions-oriented thinking
- Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
- Experience working with CROs is a plus
Location: Cambridge, MA
About Flagship Pioneering
Flagship Pioneering is a bioplatform innovation company that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. Many of the companies Flagship has founded have addressed humanity's most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture. Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE's "Change the World" list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies, and has been twice named to Fast Company's annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.
Flagship Pioneering is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background.
Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, "FSP") do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering's internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.
Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Flagship Pioneering or one of its portfolio companies, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact privacy@flagshippioneering.com.
The salary range for this role is $100,000 - $126,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. FL111 currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on FL111's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.
Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Flagship Pioneering or one of its portfolio companies, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact privacy@flagshippioneering.com.
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Flagship Labs 111 Inc. (FL111) is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company pioneering a novel platform harnessing innovations in chemistry, computation, and data science to create new therapeutic modalities beyond traditional small molecules. FL111 is backed by Flagship Pioneering, bringing the courage, vision, and resources to guide FL111 from platform validation to patient impact. We are seeking collaborative, creative and relentless problem solvers that share our passion for impact to join us!
THE ROLE
FL111 is seeking an independent and motivated lab scientist with deep understanding of biochemical and biophysical assay design to join the Biochemistry team. This role will lead assay development, target engagement studies, and binding characterization for small molecules, heterobifunctionals, and related modalities, working closely with chemistry and biology to inform hit-to-lead optimization and mechanism-of-action questions. This role also contributes to team leadership, cross-functional collaborations, and broader scientific discussions that support organizational growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and execute biochemical assay development to monitor protein/ligand and protein/protein interactions
- Apply readout technologies such as FP, FRET, NanoBRET, or NanoBiT across active programs
- Drive protein purification and QC processes to support ongoing discovery efforts
- Set up and run high-throughput assays, troubleshooting independently to keep programs moving
- Partner with contract research organizations as needed to extend internal capacity
- Collaborate cross-functionally and contribute scientific input across multiple concurrent projects
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- MS or PhD in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Enzymology, or a related field
- MS and at least 8 years of relevant academic or industry experience
- PhD and 0-2 years of relevant academic or industry experience
- Deep understanding of protein chemistry and biophysics, with hands-on experience working with small-molecule compounds
- Demonstrated ability to develop and troubleshoot biochemical assays independently
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally
- A high degree of scientific independence, motivation, and solutions-oriented thinking
- Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
- Experience working with CROs is a plus
Location: Cambridge, MA
About Flagship Pioneering
Flagship Pioneering is a bioplatform innovation company that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. Many of the companies Flagship has founded have addressed humanity's most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture. Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE's "Change the World" list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies, and has been twice named to Fast Company's annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.
Flagship Pioneering is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background.
Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, "FSP") do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering's internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.
Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Flagship Pioneering or one of its portfolio companies, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact privacy@flagshippioneering.com.
The salary range for this role is $100,000 - $126,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. FL111 currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on FL111's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.
Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Flagship Pioneering or one of its portfolio companies, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact privacy@flagshippioneering.com.
Lead Scientist Job Roles in Massachusetts
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Search Lead Scientist Jobs in MassachusettsLead Scientist Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies in Massachusetts sponsor visas for lead scientists?
Massachusetts has a high concentration of employers with active visa sponsorship histories for research scientists. Companies such as Moderna, Biogen, Pfizer's Cambridge site, AstraZeneca, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and the Broad Institute have all filed Labor Condition Applications for senior scientific roles. Medical device firms like Boston Scientific and Hologic also sponsor lead scientist positions, particularly in R&D and advanced manufacturing functions.
Which visa types are realistic for lead scientist roles in Massachusetts?
Lead scientist roles typically require at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related scientific field, making them specialty occupations. The H-1B visa is the most common path, granting up to three years of initial status extendable to six, though it is subject to an annual cap and selection process. Australian nationals may qualify for the E-3 visa, and Chilean or Singaporean nationals for the H-1B1 visa. J-1 visa research scholar status is an option when a designated sponsor organization is involved. For longer-term plans, EB-2 or EB-3 employment-based green cards are common routes for experienced scientists.
How to find lead scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Massachusetts?
Migrate Mate lists Massachusetts employers with verified sponsorship history for scientific roles, letting you search specifically for lead scientist positions across the state's biotech and pharmaceutical hubs. Because sponsorship commitment varies by company and role level, focusing on employers with documented filings for comparable positions is more efficient than applying broadly. Migrate Mate's database is filtered to employers who have actively sponsored roles in this category, saving significant research time.
Which cities in Massachusetts have the most lead scientist sponsorship jobs?
Cambridge is the single densest location, housing dozens of biotech and pharmaceutical companies alongside Harvard and MIT. Boston proper, particularly the Seaport and Longwood Medical Area, also has strong hiring volume. Waltham and Lexington are significant suburban clusters, home to companies like Takeda and multiple contract research organizations. Worcester has a growing life sciences presence anchored by UMass Medical School, and Framingham hosts Sanofi's major North American R&D site.
What should international lead scientists know about working in Massachusetts specifically?
Massachusetts has one of the highest concentrations of PhD-level scientific employment in the country, which raises the bar for lead scientist roles. Many positions expect candidates to have postdoctoral experience or a strong publication record in addition to degree requirements. The state's universities generate a significant share of local hires, so connections through MIT, Harvard, Boston University, or Tufts can matter. Employers in the life sciences corridor are generally familiar with H-1B and EB-2 sponsorship processes, as international hiring is a consistent part of their recruiting model.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored lead scientist 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.