Biotech & Pharma Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia
Virginia's biotech and pharmaceutical sector centers around the Northern Virginia corridor and Richmond area, with major employers like Pfizer, Merck, and Novartis maintaining significant operations. The state's proximity to NIH, FDA headquarters, and leading research universities creates strong demand for international talent in drug development, clinical research, and regulatory affairs roles.
Find Biotech & Pharma JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 111+ Biotech & Pharma Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia
See all 111+ Biotech & Pharma Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Biotech & Pharma Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
For more than 100 years, Novo Nordisk has been tackling the unmet medical needs of people living with serious chronic diseases, such as diabetes & obesity. Being part of Novo Nordisk allows our employees to embark on the opportunity to help improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world.
Our new Petersburg, Virginia site marks a strategic move to advance our capabilities in Emerging Technologies (ET) within Chemical API development and production. The highly experienced site is designed to strengthen and accelerate our Small Molecule (SMOL) strategy while amplifying our operational capacity. This is to safeguard and support ET´s SMOL projects in the coming years, aligning with our vision and strengthening our potential for growth and innovation.
LOCATION
Location: Petersburg, VA, US
WHAT WE OFFER YOU:
- Leading pay and annual performance bonus for all positions
- All employees enjoy generous paid time off including 14 paid holidays
- Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance – effective day one
- Guaranteed 8% 401K contribution plus individual company match option
- Family Focused Benefits including 14 weeks paid parental & 6 weeks paid family medical leave
- Free access to Novo Nordisk-marketed pharmaceutical products
- Tuition Assistance
- Life & Disability Insurance
- Employee Referral Awards
At Novo Nordisk, you will find opportunities, resources, and mentorship to help grow and build your career. Are you ready to realize your potential? Join Team Novo Nordisk and help us make what matters.
THE POSITION
Contribute to the development of Health & Safety (EHS) processes/systems for the site. Write & review specifications, participate in process hazard evaluations, SOP development, safety programs development & training. Provide leadership & support in attaining a safe working environment, provide direct support for the site, technical direction for Safety Professionals & maintain & report safety data. Ensure positive working relationship with internal & external stakeholders & alignment/collaboration with Corporate Health & Safety groups. Drive the safety processes for the site.
RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to Sr Manager.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Provide technical direction to site personnel as it relates to management of safety processes, working in high hazard environments, & ensuring safety compliance
- Coordinate industrial hygiene programs to ensure compliance to applicable exposure limits
- Champion all safety requirements in the performance of duties across the site
- Creation & implementation of safety programs, objectives, and targets
- Support Project execution & compliance through risk assessments, development of corrective actions & coordination of improvements
- Provide safety expertise & solutions for resolving known or potential issues
- Provide safety training & tools for core processes to improve safety performance
- Communicate safety performance statistics on a monthly/weekly basis
- Review all recordable accidents & coach root cause analyses, corrective & preventive actions for assigned departments
- Provide back up for emergency management/fire systems
- Increase the awareness of safety through various communication tools
- Support development of Health & Safety Professionals I and II and EHS Representatives
- Responsible for the site’s ISO45001 Health & Safety Management System and internal and external-related audits
- Follow all safety & environmental requirements in the performance of duties
- Other duties as assigned
Physical Requirements
Moves equipment &/or supplies weighing up to 33 pounds within the facility using various body positions. Routinely operates & inspects manufacturing equipment using hands. Strap & unstrap pallets using hands. Must be able to be on your feet for up to a 12-hour shift. May require corrected vision to 20/20 or 20/25 based on role. May require color vision based on role. Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder. May be required to work at elevated heights. Occasionally works around odorous &/or hazardous materials. May be required to wear latex gloves. May perform critical job functions in extremely cold work environments depending on site. May position oneself within confined spaces for inspection if required of the role. Ability to work in loud noise environments with hearing protection. May be required to secure a motorized vehicle license & operate a motorized vehicle based on the role.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Safety Management, or a relevant field of study from an accredited university required
- May consider an Associate’s Degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Safety Management, or a relevant field of study from an accredited university with a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in safety required, preferably in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment
- May consider a High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of nine (9) years of experience in safety required, preferably in a pharmaceutical Manufacturing environment
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in safety required, preferably in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment
- Working knowledge of ISO45001 required
- Knowledge in Industrial Hygiene and Worker’s Compensation Management required
- Knowledge & experience in emergency management / planning required
- Able to develop & manage action plans to achieve targets required
- Strong skills in root cause analysis for analyzing accidents & process incidents preferred
- Knowledge in classified electrical environments preferred
- Pharmaceutical experience a plus
- Good verbal & written communication skills required
- Working knowledge of fire detection/suppression/prevention systems a plus
We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.
At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.
Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.
If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
INTRODUCTION
For more than 100 years, Novo Nordisk has been tackling the unmet medical needs of people living with serious chronic diseases, such as diabetes & obesity. Being part of Novo Nordisk allows our employees to embark on the opportunity to help improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world.
Our new Petersburg, Virginia site marks a strategic move to advance our capabilities in Emerging Technologies (ET) within Chemical API development and production. The highly experienced site is designed to strengthen and accelerate our Small Molecule (SMOL) strategy while amplifying our operational capacity. This is to safeguard and support ET´s SMOL projects in the coming years, aligning with our vision and strengthening our potential for growth and innovation.
LOCATION
Location: Petersburg, VA, US
WHAT WE OFFER YOU:
- Leading pay and annual performance bonus for all positions
- All employees enjoy generous paid time off including 14 paid holidays
- Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance – effective day one
- Guaranteed 8% 401K contribution plus individual company match option
- Family Focused Benefits including 14 weeks paid parental & 6 weeks paid family medical leave
- Free access to Novo Nordisk-marketed pharmaceutical products
- Tuition Assistance
- Life & Disability Insurance
- Employee Referral Awards
At Novo Nordisk, you will find opportunities, resources, and mentorship to help grow and build your career. Are you ready to realize your potential? Join Team Novo Nordisk and help us make what matters.
THE POSITION
Contribute to the development of Health & Safety (EHS) processes/systems for the site. Write & review specifications, participate in process hazard evaluations, SOP development, safety programs development & training. Provide leadership & support in attaining a safe working environment, provide direct support for the site, technical direction for Safety Professionals & maintain & report safety data. Ensure positive working relationship with internal & external stakeholders & alignment/collaboration with Corporate Health & Safety groups. Drive the safety processes for the site.
RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to Sr Manager.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Provide technical direction to site personnel as it relates to management of safety processes, working in high hazard environments, & ensuring safety compliance
- Coordinate industrial hygiene programs to ensure compliance to applicable exposure limits
- Champion all safety requirements in the performance of duties across the site
- Creation & implementation of safety programs, objectives, and targets
- Support Project execution & compliance through risk assessments, development of corrective actions & coordination of improvements
- Provide safety expertise & solutions for resolving known or potential issues
- Provide safety training & tools for core processes to improve safety performance
- Communicate safety performance statistics on a monthly/weekly basis
- Review all recordable accidents & coach root cause analyses, corrective & preventive actions for assigned departments
- Provide back up for emergency management/fire systems
- Increase the awareness of safety through various communication tools
- Support development of Health & Safety Professionals I and II and EHS Representatives
- Responsible for the site’s ISO45001 Health & Safety Management System and internal and external-related audits
- Follow all safety & environmental requirements in the performance of duties
- Other duties as assigned
Physical Requirements
Moves equipment &/or supplies weighing up to 33 pounds within the facility using various body positions. Routinely operates & inspects manufacturing equipment using hands. Strap & unstrap pallets using hands. Must be able to be on your feet for up to a 12-hour shift. May require corrected vision to 20/20 or 20/25 based on role. May require color vision based on role. Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder. May be required to work at elevated heights. Occasionally works around odorous &/or hazardous materials. May be required to wear latex gloves. May perform critical job functions in extremely cold work environments depending on site. May position oneself within confined spaces for inspection if required of the role. Ability to work in loud noise environments with hearing protection. May be required to secure a motorized vehicle license & operate a motorized vehicle based on the role.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Safety Management, or a relevant field of study from an accredited university required
- May consider an Associate’s Degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Safety Management, or a relevant field of study from an accredited university with a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in safety required, preferably in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment
- May consider a High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of nine (9) years of experience in safety required, preferably in a pharmaceutical Manufacturing environment
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in safety required, preferably in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment
- Working knowledge of ISO45001 required
- Knowledge in Industrial Hygiene and Worker’s Compensation Management required
- Knowledge & experience in emergency management / planning required
- Able to develop & manage action plans to achieve targets required
- Strong skills in root cause analysis for analyzing accidents & process incidents preferred
- Knowledge in classified electrical environments preferred
- Pharmaceutical experience a plus
- Good verbal & written communication skills required
- Working knowledge of fire detection/suppression/prevention systems a plus
We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.
At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.
Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.
If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in Virginia
See all 111+ Biotech & Pharma Jobs in Virginia
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in VirginiaBiotech & Pharma Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech & pharma companies sponsor visas in Virginia?
Major visa sponsors include Pfizer (Richmond manufacturing), Merck (Elkton facility), Novartis (multiple locations), and AstraZeneca (Gaithersburg). Virginia also hosts numerous contract research organizations like ICON and Syneos Health that frequently sponsor H-1B visas for clinical data management, biostatistics, and regulatory affairs positions. Many smaller biotech startups in the Northern Virginia region also provide sponsorship opportunities.
What are the most common visa types for biotech & pharma jobs in Virginia?
H-1B visas dominate for research scientist, biostatistician, and regulatory affairs roles requiring specialized knowledge. O-1 visas are used for distinguished researchers and principal investigators, particularly those with publications or patents. TN visas serve Canadian and Mexican scientists, while E-3 visas are available for Australian nationals. Many companies also sponsor green cards through the EB-2 NIW pathway for exceptional researchers.
How to find biotech & pharma visa sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate specializes in connecting international candidates with Virginia biotech and pharmaceutical companies that sponsor work visas. Focus your search on the Northern Virginia biotech corridor, Richmond's pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, and research institutions near Washington D.C. Target roles in clinical research, drug development, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing where companies regularly hire international talent and understand visa sponsorship requirements.
Which Virginia cities have the most biotech & pharma sponsorship opportunities?
Richmond leads with major pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities from Pfizer, Altria, and others. The Northern Virginia region (Reston, Herndon, Gaithersburg area) concentrates biotech companies and contract research organizations. Virginia Beach hosts clinical research operations, while Charlottesville benefits from University of Virginia research collaborations. The I-95 corridor between Richmond and D.C. offers the highest concentration of sponsorship-friendly employers.
Are there specific considerations for biotech visa sponsorship in Virginia?
Virginia's proximity to federal agencies creates unique opportunities but also compliance requirements. Companies near FDA headquarters often prefer candidates with regulatory experience and may fast-track visa processing for critical roles. The state's strong university research network (UVA, VCU, George Mason) creates pathways from F-1 to H-1B status. Prevailing wages tend to be competitive due to proximity to the D.C. market.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored biotech & pharma jobs in Virginia?
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.