Principal Research Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Massachusetts
Principal research scientist jobs in Massachusetts are concentrated at biotech and pharmaceutical employers in the Greater Boston area, including firms along the Route 128 corridor, Cambridge's Kendall Square, and research institutions affiliated with Harvard, MIT, and Dana-Farber. Employers such as Biogen, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Broad Institute regularly sponsor international researchers for these senior scientific roles.
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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 Principal Scientist I will be an integral part of the Process Analytics team in the Operations – Product Development Science and Technology – Biologics division. The role involves leading analytical activities within a high-throughput testing group supporting biologics products with a focus on advancing AbbVie’s late-stage clinical programs. This position calls for an individual with a strong technical analytical background, demonstrated leadership and organizational skills and the ability to effectively communicate and work cross-functionally.
Responsibilities:
- Lead analytical activities within a high-throughput testing group supporting biologics process development for late-stage programs.
- Serve as the subject matter expert for separation-based methods, including HPLC and capillary electrophoresis.
- Evaluate and select effective fit for purpose analytical technologies and methods to meet process development needs.
- Provide expertise and support for method development, execution, and troubleshooting. Provide direct technical guidance and oversight to scientists executing sample testing with hands on lab support when needed.
- Partner with process development SMEs for interpretation and understanding of analytical data.
- Oversee sample testing schedule and prioritization; drive timely delivery of high-quality testing results.
- Support implementation of automation and high-throughput experimentation workflows.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance lab efficiency and capability.
- Mentor, train and supervise junior scientists.
Qualifications
- PhD in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or related technical discipline with 6+ years of relevant professional experience working in analytical development or process analytics; MS degree with minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience.
- Proven experience leading analytical development activities for biologics development, including mAbs, multi-specifics, antibody-drug conjugates, and fusion proteins.
- Hands on method development experience in protein and impurity analysis techniques such as HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, and other relevant methods for biologics required. Experience with mass spectrometry and ELISA is a plus.
- Previous experience with automation is a plus.
- Highly organized with ability to multitask and drive efficient workflows.
- Ability to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Strong people leadership skills and demonstrated ability to foster an engaging, inclusive and collaborative team environment. Direct people management experience required.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively across functions, anticipating and addressing overall program development needs.
- An independent, self-motivated, proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced team environment.
Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
- The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
- We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
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 Principal Scientist I will be an integral part of the Process Analytics team in the Operations – Product Development Science and Technology – Biologics division. The role involves leading analytical activities within a high-throughput testing group supporting biologics products with a focus on advancing AbbVie’s late-stage clinical programs. This position calls for an individual with a strong technical analytical background, demonstrated leadership and organizational skills and the ability to effectively communicate and work cross-functionally.
Responsibilities:
- Lead analytical activities within a high-throughput testing group supporting biologics process development for late-stage programs.
- Serve as the subject matter expert for separation-based methods, including HPLC and capillary electrophoresis.
- Evaluate and select effective fit for purpose analytical technologies and methods to meet process development needs.
- Provide expertise and support for method development, execution, and troubleshooting. Provide direct technical guidance and oversight to scientists executing sample testing with hands on lab support when needed.
- Partner with process development SMEs for interpretation and understanding of analytical data.
- Oversee sample testing schedule and prioritization; drive timely delivery of high-quality testing results.
- Support implementation of automation and high-throughput experimentation workflows.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance lab efficiency and capability.
- Mentor, train and supervise junior scientists.
Qualifications
- PhD in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or related technical discipline with 6+ years of relevant professional experience working in analytical development or process analytics; MS degree with minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience.
- Proven experience leading analytical development activities for biologics development, including mAbs, multi-specifics, antibody-drug conjugates, and fusion proteins.
- Hands on method development experience in protein and impurity analysis techniques such as HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, and other relevant methods for biologics required. Experience with mass spectrometry and ELISA is a plus.
- Previous experience with automation is a plus.
- Highly organized with ability to multitask and drive efficient workflows.
- Ability to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Strong people leadership skills and demonstrated ability to foster an engaging, inclusive and collaborative team environment. Direct people management experience required.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively across functions, anticipating and addressing overall program development needs.
- An independent, self-motivated, proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced team environment.
Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
- The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
- We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
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
Principal Research Scientist Job Roles in Massachusetts
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Search Principal Research Scientist Jobs in MassachusettsPrincipal Research Scientist Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies in Massachusetts sponsor visas for principal research scientists?
Established biotech and pharmaceutical companies in Massachusetts with active visa sponsorship histories for senior research scientists include Biogen, Moderna, Pfizer's Cambridge operations, AstraZeneca, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and the Broad Institute. Large academic medical centers such as Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute also sponsor international researchers at the principal scientist level. Sponsorship activity varies by research program and hiring cycle, so verifying each employer's filing history is advisable before applying.
Which visa types realistically apply to principal research scientist roles in Massachusetts?
Principal research scientist positions typically qualify as specialty occupations requiring a directly related advanced degree, making the H-1B visa the most common path. Candidates with an advanced degree from a U.S. institution may also qualify for the H-1B advanced degree exemption. EB-2 and EB-3 green card categories are common longer-term pathways, with EB-2 NIW available for researchers whose work serves the national interest. F-1 OPT and STEM OPT can bridge candidates while an employer-sponsored petition is filed. TN visa does not cover this role.
Which cities in Massachusetts have the most principal research scientist sponsorship jobs?
Cambridge is the single most concentrated location, anchored by Kendall Square's dense cluster of biotech firms and research institutes. Boston proper, including the Longwood Medical Area, adds significant volume through teaching hospitals and pharmaceutical offices. Waltham and Lexington along the Route 128 corridor host major research campuses for companies such as Biogen and Takeda. Worcester is a secondary hub through UMass Medical School affiliates and regional biotech companies.
How to find principal research scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Massachusetts?
Migrate Mate lists principal research scientist roles in Massachusetts filtered to employers with verified visa sponsorship history, so you can focus applications on companies that have already demonstrated willingness to sponsor. Because sponsorship for senior research roles depends heavily on the specific research program and available headcount, browsing Migrate Mate by employer and city helps identify active opportunities without sorting through postings from companies with no sponsorship track record.
What state-specific factors should international principal research scientists consider about the Massachusetts job market?
Massachusetts has one of the highest concentrations of life sciences employers in the country, and many conduct research requiring niche doctoral-level expertise, which supports a strong sponsorship culture. Proximity to Harvard, MIT, and other research universities creates a pipeline that employers actively tap for international talent. STEM OPT candidates completing doctoral or postdoctoral work at Massachusetts institutions are well-positioned to transition directly into sponsored roles, as local employers are familiar with the authorization timeline and training plan requirements.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored principal research 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.