Principal Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Principal Scientist positions commonly qualify for H-1B, O-1, and EB-2 visa sponsorship due to their advanced degree requirements and specialized research expertise. Companies like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Genentech regularly sponsor these roles. The position typically requires a PhD in life sciences, chemistry, or related fields, making visa approval rates favorable given the clear specialty occupation criteria.
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About the Department
Our Research & Development organization brings together the best minds in life science innovation. The teams located in facilities in Lexington, Watertown, Cambridge and Seattle reflect the full R&D continuum, from early research through late-stage clinical development. Here, we are building for the future, creating a distinct R&D community based on collaboration, partnerships, and cutting-edge research across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas. We recognize that improving human health starts here and that patients rely on us. Our R&D hub merges biotech speed and agility with large pharmaceutical company quality, resources, and stability, uniting the best of both worlds to develop new medicines for patients.
The Position
The Principal Scientist, DMPK will provide scientific leadership in the discovery of small molecule drug candidates by integrating DMPK strategy across multiple therapeutic areas. You will define and drive internal and external research initiatives that support program milestones, proposing experimental and modeling approaches to de-risk projects and advance molecules with drug-like properties. Working cross-functionally with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and other discovery teams, you will lead DMPK efforts to optimize candidates using in vitro, in vivo and in silico methods where pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling and/or physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) hands-on capabilities is highly desirable. You will manage CRO relationships with specialized ADME capabilities in collaboration with outsourcing managers, and engage with global Novo Nordisk ADME experts to harmonize strategy and leverage best practices. The successful candidate will be recognized internally and externally as a subject matter expert in small molecule ADME/DDI/PK.
Relationships
Reports to the Director of GDDS-Boston DMPK department at Novo Nordisk. Internal relationships include working closely with technical staff & other members of the scientific leadership team; regular collaborations with members of other research departments at NNRCSI; & frequent interaction with project managers & other colleagues across global R&D. Individual may direct the work of other staff members. Individual will interact with external research collaborators both academia- & industry-based.
Essential Functions
- Lead small molecule DMPK strategy for discovery programs across multiple therapeutic areas, aligning ADME objectives with project milestones.
- Design and interpret in vitro and in vivo ADME studies to inform lead optimization and candidate selection.
- Develop and apply in silico models (e.g., PK/PD, PBPK, exposure–response, and other simulation tools) to predict human pharmacokinetics, support dose selection, and de-risk programs.
- Integrate DMPK data with medicinal chemistry and pharmacology to guide chemical design and prioritize novel chemical matter with favorable drug-like properties.
- Propose and oversee internal and external research initiatives, including study design, data analysis, and documentation to meet project goals.
- Collaborate with outsourcing managers to identify, qualify and manage CRO partners with specialized ADME capabilities; ensure quality, timelines and cost effectiveness.
- Engage and collaborate with global Novo Nordisk ADME experts to harmonize methodologies, share best practices and leverage cross site expertise.
- Provide scientific mentorship and technical leadership to DMPK team members and cross-functional colleagues.
- Communicate DMPK strategy, findings and risk assessments clearly to project teams and senior management; contribute to go/no go decisions.
- Represent the company externally as needed (publications, conferences, scientific consortia) to build visibility for DMPK methods and capabilities.
- Maintain awareness of emerging DMPK methodologies, regulatory expectations and modeling technologies; implement applicable innovations to improve discovery throughput and predictivity.
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree with 18+ years’ relevant experience required, or a master’s degree with 12+ years’ relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree with 6+ years’ post-doctoral and/or industry relevant experience can be considered.
- Relevant required experience includes: Excellent understanding of small molecule ADME principals with hands-on experience with PK and PK/PD modeling or biotransformation highly desirable
- Preferred experience includes: DMPK or PK/PD modeling project representation for small molecule projects
- Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.
The base compensation range for this position is $148,290 to $259,510. Base compensation is determined based on a number of factors. This position is also eligible for a company bonus based on individual and company performance. Novo Nordisk offers long-term incentive compensation and or company vehicles depending on the position's level or other company factors. Employees are also eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs including medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement program; and voluntary benefits such as group legal, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance and auto/home insurance. The Company also offers time off pursuant to its sick time policy, flexible vacation policy, and parental leave policy.
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.
About
About the Department
Our Research & Development organization brings together the best minds in life science innovation. The teams located in facilities in Lexington, Watertown, Cambridge and Seattle reflect the full R&D continuum, from early research through late-stage clinical development. Here, we are building for the future, creating a distinct R&D community based on collaboration, partnerships, and cutting-edge research across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas. We recognize that improving human health starts here and that patients rely on us. Our R&D hub merges biotech speed and agility with large pharmaceutical company quality, resources, and stability, uniting the best of both worlds to develop new medicines for patients.
The Position
The Principal Scientist, DMPK will provide scientific leadership in the discovery of small molecule drug candidates by integrating DMPK strategy across multiple therapeutic areas. You will define and drive internal and external research initiatives that support program milestones, proposing experimental and modeling approaches to de-risk projects and advance molecules with drug-like properties. Working cross-functionally with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and other discovery teams, you will lead DMPK efforts to optimize candidates using in vitro, in vivo and in silico methods where pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling and/or physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) hands-on capabilities is highly desirable. You will manage CRO relationships with specialized ADME capabilities in collaboration with outsourcing managers, and engage with global Novo Nordisk ADME experts to harmonize strategy and leverage best practices. The successful candidate will be recognized internally and externally as a subject matter expert in small molecule ADME/DDI/PK.
Relationships
Reports to the Director of GDDS-Boston DMPK department at Novo Nordisk. Internal relationships include working closely with technical staff & other members of the scientific leadership team; regular collaborations with members of other research departments at NNRCSI; & frequent interaction with project managers & other colleagues across global R&D. Individual may direct the work of other staff members. Individual will interact with external research collaborators both academia- & industry-based.
Essential Functions
- Lead small molecule DMPK strategy for discovery programs across multiple therapeutic areas, aligning ADME objectives with project milestones.
- Design and interpret in vitro and in vivo ADME studies to inform lead optimization and candidate selection.
- Develop and apply in silico models (e.g., PK/PD, PBPK, exposure–response, and other simulation tools) to predict human pharmacokinetics, support dose selection, and de-risk programs.
- Integrate DMPK data with medicinal chemistry and pharmacology to guide chemical design and prioritize novel chemical matter with favorable drug-like properties.
- Propose and oversee internal and external research initiatives, including study design, data analysis, and documentation to meet project goals.
- Collaborate with outsourcing managers to identify, qualify and manage CRO partners with specialized ADME capabilities; ensure quality, timelines and cost effectiveness.
- Engage and collaborate with global Novo Nordisk ADME experts to harmonize methodologies, share best practices and leverage cross site expertise.
- Provide scientific mentorship and technical leadership to DMPK team members and cross-functional colleagues.
- Communicate DMPK strategy, findings and risk assessments clearly to project teams and senior management; contribute to go/no go decisions.
- Represent the company externally as needed (publications, conferences, scientific consortia) to build visibility for DMPK methods and capabilities.
- Maintain awareness of emerging DMPK methodologies, regulatory expectations and modeling technologies; implement applicable innovations to improve discovery throughput and predictivity.
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree with 18+ years’ relevant experience required, or a master’s degree with 12+ years’ relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree with 6+ years’ post-doctoral and/or industry relevant experience can be considered.
- Relevant required experience includes: Excellent understanding of small molecule ADME principals with hands-on experience with PK and PK/PD modeling or biotransformation highly desirable
- Preferred experience includes: DMPK or PK/PD modeling project representation for small molecule projects
- Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.
The base compensation range for this position is $148,290 to $259,510. Base compensation is determined based on a number of factors. This position is also eligible for a company bonus based on individual and company performance. Novo Nordisk offers long-term incentive compensation and or company vehicles depending on the position's level or other company factors. Employees are also eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs including medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement program; and voluntary benefits such as group legal, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance and auto/home insurance. The Company also offers time off pursuant to its sick time policy, flexible vacation policy, and parental leave policy.
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.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Principal Scientist
Target pharmaceutical and biotech companies with established visa programs
Large pharma companies like Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Moderna have dedicated immigration teams and regularly sponsor Principal Scientists for H-1B and other work visas.
Highlight your PhD and specialized research expertise in applications
Principal Scientist roles require advanced scientific training that clearly meets specialty occupation requirements, making visa approval more straightforward than generalist positions.
Consider O-1 if you have publications, patents, or peer review experience
Principal Scientists with significant research publications, patent filings, or peer review work may qualify for O-1 extraordinary ability visas with faster processing.
Research companies' pipeline and therapeutic areas before applying
Demonstrating knowledge of a company's specific drug development programs or therapeutic focus areas shows genuine interest and increases sponsorship likelihood.
Leverage industry conferences and professional networks for connections
Scientific conferences like AACR or BIO provide networking opportunities with hiring managers who understand visa sponsorship processes in pharmaceutical research.
Consider contract-to-hire positions as visa sponsorship pathways
Many biotech companies start Principal Scientists as contractors through agencies, then sponsor for permanent positions once they prove their research value.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Principal Scientist positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, Principal Scientist roles consistently qualify for H-1B sponsorship because they require specialized knowledge in life sciences, chemistry, or related fields that directly corresponds to advanced degree requirements. The PhD requirement makes specialty occupation criteria straightforward to demonstrate.
What degree do I need for visa sponsorship as a Principal Scientist?
Most employers require a PhD in life sciences, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or related scientific field for Principal Scientist positions. Some companies accept a Master's degree with 8+ years of relevant research experience, but PhD holders have stronger visa cases.
Can Principal Scientists get O-1 visas instead of H-1B?
Principal Scientists with significant research achievements may qualify for O-1 extraordinary ability visas. Strong indicators include first-author publications in high-impact journals, patent filings, peer review experience, or recognition through scientific awards or speaking engagements at major conferences.
Which companies commonly sponsor Principal Scientists for work visas?
Large pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Bristol Myers Squibb regularly sponsor Principal Scientists. Major biotech firms including Genentech, Gilead, Moderna, and Biogen also have established visa sponsorship programs for senior research roles.
How does research experience abroad help with visa applications?
International research experience demonstrates specialized knowledge and can strengthen visa applications, especially if it involved unique methodologies or collaborations. Postdoc positions at prestigious international institutions or experience with region-specific diseases or populations can differentiate candidates in competitive sponsorship processes.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Principal Scientist jobs?
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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