Associate Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Associate scientist roles are commonly sponsored through H-1B visas, especially in pharma, biotech, and chemical companies. Employers like Pfizer, Merck, Genentech, and smaller biotech startups regularly file H-1B visa petitions for these positions. A bachelor's or master's in a relevant science field is usually sufficient, and the specialty occupation argument is straightforward. Many associate scientists also transition to green cards through EB-2 or EB-3 employer sponsorship relatively smoothly. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
Find Associate Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 987+ Associate Scientist jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 987+ Associate Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Associate Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsCompany Overview
Immunome is a clinical-stage targeted oncology company committed to developing first-in-class and best-in-class targeted cancer therapies. We are advancing an innovative portfolio of therapeutics, supported by a leadership team with deep experience in the design, development, and commercialization of cutting-edge therapies, including antibody-drug conjugates. Our pipeline includes varegacestat, an investigational gamma secretase inhibitor for which an NDA has been submitted to the U.S. FDA; IM-1021, a clinical-stage ROR1 ADC; IM-3050, an IND-cleared FAP-targeted radiotherapy; and IM-1617, an IND-cleared solid tumor ADC. We are also advancing a broad portfolio of early-stage ADCs pursuing undisclosed solid tumor targets.
Position Overview
Immunome is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Associate Scientist, Antibody Sciences to drive our in-house high-throughput (HTP) recombinant protein production efforts, spanning protein expression, purification, and characterization through basic screening in support of rapid, data-driven protein engineering and discovery workflows. This position will leverage analytical methods including SEC-UPLC, HIC-UPLC, DLS, reduced mass spectrometry, and biolayer interferometry (BLI) to characterize key properties of generated molecules and inform iterative protein engineering. A key function of this role will be overseeing the integrity and management of Immunome’s recombinant antibody and protein inventory, from intake through material distribution across the organization, enabling efficient iteration and seamless execution across the R&D team.
Responsibilities
Research Design and Execution:
- Recombinant protein production, including high-throughput transient expression and purification.
- Execute analytical assays including SEC-UPLC, HIC-UPLC, DLS, and reduced mass spectrometry.
- Perform mammalian tissue culture in support of recombinant protein production.
- Perform BLI-based assays, including single-point (yes/no) binding and full kinetic binding.
- Maintain strong attention to detail and record keeping for inventory management of recombinant proteins.
- Apply understanding of molecular biology and protein structure, including principles relevant to antibodies.
Data Analysis and Interpretation:
- Analyze and summarize experimental data from protein production, characterization, and binding assays.
- Interpret results and communicate implications to support iterative protein engineering and discovery workflows.
Project Collaboration:
- Collaborate with colleagues across biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and translational medicine to achieve project goals.
- Organize and share data to enable efficient collaboration with other research teams.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain detailed and accurate electronic laboratory notebooks documenting experimental procedures, results, and conclusions.
- Prepare and present research findings to internal teams and contribute to project updates and strategic discussions.
Continuous Learning and Development:
- Stay informed about the latest advancements in techniques for producing and characterizing protein therapeutics.
- Proactively seek opportunities for professional development and contribute to the scientific growth of the research team.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, immunology, or related fields.
- 3 years of lab experience in preclinical drug development in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, or equivalent.
- Strong understanding of molecular biology and protein sciences.
- Experience with mammalian tissue culture.
- Experience with Octet or similar instrument is a plus.
- Experience with antibody discovery workflows is a plus.
- Familiarity with Benchling is a plus.
Knowledge And Skills
- Hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression and purification in high-throughput workflows.
- Experience applying biophysical and analytical characterization methods (SEC-UPLC, HIC-UPLC, DLS, reduced mass spectrometry).
- Working knowledge of BLI/Octet assay setup, execution, and data interpretation.
- Strong laboratory skills in mammalian cell culture and sample handling for protein production.
- Ability to analyze data, summarize results, and communicate findings to cross-functional teams.
- Excellent documentation practices, including electronic laboratory notebooks and organized data management.
- High attention to detail and strong organizational skills, including inventory management and sample tracking.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Washington State Pay Range
$87,143 - $102,002 USD
E/E/O
Immunome, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
E-Verify
Immunome, Inc. is a participant in E-Verify. Please review the following notices: E-Verify Participation Poster | Right to Work Poster (English) | Right to Work Poster (Spanish).
Company Overview
Immunome is a clinical-stage targeted oncology company committed to developing first-in-class and best-in-class targeted cancer therapies. We are advancing an innovative portfolio of therapeutics, supported by a leadership team with deep experience in the design, development, and commercialization of cutting-edge therapies, including antibody-drug conjugates. Our pipeline includes varegacestat, an investigational gamma secretase inhibitor for which an NDA has been submitted to the U.S. FDA; IM-1021, a clinical-stage ROR1 ADC; IM-3050, an IND-cleared FAP-targeted radiotherapy; and IM-1617, an IND-cleared solid tumor ADC. We are also advancing a broad portfolio of early-stage ADCs pursuing undisclosed solid tumor targets.
Position Overview
Immunome is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Associate Scientist, Antibody Sciences to drive our in-house high-throughput (HTP) recombinant protein production efforts, spanning protein expression, purification, and characterization through basic screening in support of rapid, data-driven protein engineering and discovery workflows. This position will leverage analytical methods including SEC-UPLC, HIC-UPLC, DLS, reduced mass spectrometry, and biolayer interferometry (BLI) to characterize key properties of generated molecules and inform iterative protein engineering. A key function of this role will be overseeing the integrity and management of Immunome’s recombinant antibody and protein inventory, from intake through material distribution across the organization, enabling efficient iteration and seamless execution across the R&D team.
Responsibilities
Research Design and Execution:
- Recombinant protein production, including high-throughput transient expression and purification.
- Execute analytical assays including SEC-UPLC, HIC-UPLC, DLS, and reduced mass spectrometry.
- Perform mammalian tissue culture in support of recombinant protein production.
- Perform BLI-based assays, including single-point (yes/no) binding and full kinetic binding.
- Maintain strong attention to detail and record keeping for inventory management of recombinant proteins.
- Apply understanding of molecular biology and protein structure, including principles relevant to antibodies.
Data Analysis and Interpretation:
- Analyze and summarize experimental data from protein production, characterization, and binding assays.
- Interpret results and communicate implications to support iterative protein engineering and discovery workflows.
Project Collaboration:
- Collaborate with colleagues across biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and translational medicine to achieve project goals.
- Organize and share data to enable efficient collaboration with other research teams.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain detailed and accurate electronic laboratory notebooks documenting experimental procedures, results, and conclusions.
- Prepare and present research findings to internal teams and contribute to project updates and strategic discussions.
Continuous Learning and Development:
- Stay informed about the latest advancements in techniques for producing and characterizing protein therapeutics.
- Proactively seek opportunities for professional development and contribute to the scientific growth of the research team.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, immunology, or related fields.
- 3 years of lab experience in preclinical drug development in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, or equivalent.
- Strong understanding of molecular biology and protein sciences.
- Experience with mammalian tissue culture.
- Experience with Octet or similar instrument is a plus.
- Experience with antibody discovery workflows is a plus.
- Familiarity with Benchling is a plus.
Knowledge And Skills
- Hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression and purification in high-throughput workflows.
- Experience applying biophysical and analytical characterization methods (SEC-UPLC, HIC-UPLC, DLS, reduced mass spectrometry).
- Working knowledge of BLI/Octet assay setup, execution, and data interpretation.
- Strong laboratory skills in mammalian cell culture and sample handling for protein production.
- Ability to analyze data, summarize results, and communicate findings to cross-functional teams.
- Excellent documentation practices, including electronic laboratory notebooks and organized data management.
- High attention to detail and strong organizational skills, including inventory management and sample tracking.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Washington State Pay Range
$87,143 - $102,002 USD
E/E/O
Immunome, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
E-Verify
Immunome, Inc. is a participant in E-Verify. Please review the following notices: E-Verify Participation Poster | Right to Work Poster (English) | Right to Work Poster (Spanish).
See all 987+ Associate Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Associate Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Associate Scientist
Target large pharma companies with structured sponsorship programs
Companies like Pfizer, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Eli Lilly have established immigration processes for associate scientist hires. Their legal teams handle hundreds of H-1B petitions annually, which means fewer surprises and a more reliable process.
Gain GMP and regulated environment experience
Pharmaceutical companies need associate scientists who understand Good Manufacturing Practice and FDA compliance. Documenting your experience with SOPs, batch records, and quality systems makes you significantly more attractive to employers in regulated settings.
Relocate to major pharma hubs for concentrated opportunities
The highest concentration of associate scientist positions is in the Boston-Cambridge area, New Jersey, the San Francisco Bay Area, and the Philadelphia-Delaware Valley corridor. Being in these regions gives you access to the densest cluster of pharmaceutical and biotech employers.
Use STEM OPT to transition from academic to industry science
If you completed a STEM degree at a U.S. university, your 36 months of OPT authorization give you time to gain the industry lab experience that pharma companies value. Employers are more confident sponsoring someone who has already adapted to their workflows and regulatory standards.
Develop expertise in a high-demand therapeutic area
Specializing in areas like immuno-oncology, gene therapy, or antibody engineering makes you more competitive because these fields face acute talent shortages. Associate scientists with niche expertise are harder to replace, which strengthens the employer's rationale for sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an associate scientist role and which companies use this title?
Associate scientist is an entry-to-mid-level laboratory position common in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Companies like Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, AbbVie, and Takeda use this title for scientists performing bench research, assay development, and analytical testing. The role typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a life science discipline.
Do pharmaceutical companies sponsor associate scientists for H-1B visas?
Yes, large pharmaceutical companies regularly sponsor H-1B visas for associate scientist positions. The role clearly meets specialty occupation criteria because it requires specialized knowledge in areas like cell biology, biochemistry, or analytical chemistry. Having a master's degree or relevant industry experience strengthens the petition.
How to find Associate Scientist jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Associate Scientist positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical firms, and research institutions that commonly hire Associate Scientists on H-1B, O-1 visa, or EB-2 visas. These organizations frequently sponsor international talent for roles in drug development, clinical research, and laboratory sciences.
Can I advance from associate scientist to senior scientist on the same visa?
Internal promotions at the same employer generally do not require a new H-1B petition if the job duties remain substantially similar. However, a significant change in duties or a move to a materially different role may require an amended petition. Most pharma companies handle these transitions through their immigration legal teams.
What lab skills make associate scientist candidates more competitive for sponsorship?
Proficiency in techniques directly relevant to drug development - such as HPLC, mass spectrometry, cell culture, ELISA, PCR, and flow cytometry - makes you harder to replace and strengthens the employer's business case for sponsorship. Experience with GMP or GLP documentation is also highly valued in regulated pharmaceutical environments.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Associate Scientist jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a associate scientist in California will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.