Principal Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Principal Scientist positions commonly qualify for H-1B visa, O-1 visa, 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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LI-Hybrid
Internal Title: Principal Scientist II or Senior Principal Scientist
Location: Cambridge, MA
Novartis is a leader in neuroscience and cardiovascular disease areas with a robust and diverse pipeline of innovative therapies. We are seeking a translational modeler eager to accelerate oligonucleotide therapeutics (“xRNA”), including antibody-xRNA conjugates, from discovery through clinical translation. In this role, you will partner with multi-disciplinary discovery and preclinical teams to develop and apply model-informed approaches that shape program strategies. As part of a truly translational modeling team, you will also work closely with clinical pharmacology and pharmacometrics groups to support clinical programs, applying quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) and mechanistic PBPK/PD approaches to inform key decisions from early dose optimization through life-cycle management.
This role reports to a Modeling and Simulation (M&S) team lead within the Pharmacokinetic Sciences (PKS) M&S team.
About the Role
Key responsibilities:
- Act as the M&S representative on several programs. Develop and execute modeling strategies, contribute to project team discussions, and guide model-informed decisions from therapeutic design to first-in-human dose selection and beyond.
- Build and apply mechanistic models (PK/PD, QSP, and PBPK/PD) that link drug pharmacology, tissue biodistribution, mechanism(s) of action, and downstream effects.
- Integrate modeling into the design and interpretation of preclinical in vivo and in vitro studies to support candidate selection, optimization, and advancement towards the clinic.
- Collaboratively develop platform disease (QSP) and PBPK/PD models that extend across multiple projects and phases of discovery & development.
- Engage in strategic initiatives within M&S, such as creating platform-level translational modeling strategies to impact across projects and developing modeling workflows (e.g., agentic AI).
- Proactively seek opportunities to increase the understanding and adoption of translational modeling among internal partners and expand the impact and visibility of modeling through external collaborations.
Essential requirements
- Ph.D. in biology, bioengineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biophysics, or a related field and 3+ years of industry experience with progressively increasing levels of responsibility. Master’s degree with 5+ years of industry experience and demonstrated impact will be considered.
- General Modeling Skills: Expert level proficiency in core modeling fundamentals is required, including scripting languages (e.g., MATLAB, R), construction of ordinary differential equation (ODE) models, parameter estimation, and data visualization.
- Industry Modeling Skills: Proficiency in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP), and/or mechanistic physiologically based PK/PD (PBPK/PD) is required. Proficiency in pharmacometrics concepts (Population PK, exposure-response modeling) is preferred.
- Domain Expertise: Prior experience with the integration of computational modeling and biological concepts is required. Experience modeling in the neuroscience and/or cardiovascular disease areas is preferred but not strictly required. Experience with oligonucleotide therapeutics (siRNA, ASO, PMO, etc.) and/or related experience with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) is strongly preferred.
- Collaboration and Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate modeling results to a multidisciplinary audience for collaborative work and/or to facilitate strategy and decision-making. Fluent in English (oral and written).
This is a hybrid role that requires a balance of in-person and virtual working, with an average of 12 days a month on site in Cambridge, MA.
Candidates with demonstrated impact as a modeler, preferably in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, and with commensurate experience and proficiency may be considered for the Principal Scientist II (3+ years) or Senior Principal Scientist (5+ years) role.
This is a dual posting. The final level & title of the offer role would be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience & capabilities required to perform the role at the level the role has been offered.
The salary for this position is expected to range between:
Principal Scientist II: $126,000 and $234,000 per year.
Senior Principal Scientist: $152,000 and $261,000 per year.
The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves. To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?
Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
EEO Statement:
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations
The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Division
Biomedical Research
Business Unit
Research
Location
USA
State
Massachusetts
Site
Cambridge (USA)
Company / Legal Entity
U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.
Functional Area
Research & Development
Job Type
Full time
Employment Type
Regular
Shift Work
No
Summary
LI-Hybrid
Internal Title: Principal Scientist II or Senior Principal Scientist
Location: Cambridge, MA
Novartis is a leader in neuroscience and cardiovascular disease areas with a robust and diverse pipeline of innovative therapies. We are seeking a translational modeler eager to accelerate oligonucleotide therapeutics (“xRNA”), including antibody-xRNA conjugates, from discovery through clinical translation. In this role, you will partner with multi-disciplinary discovery and preclinical teams to develop and apply model-informed approaches that shape program strategies. As part of a truly translational modeling team, you will also work closely with clinical pharmacology and pharmacometrics groups to support clinical programs, applying quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) and mechanistic PBPK/PD approaches to inform key decisions from early dose optimization through life-cycle management.
This role reports to a Modeling and Simulation (M&S) team lead within the Pharmacokinetic Sciences (PKS) M&S team.
About the Role
Key responsibilities:
- Act as the M&S representative on several programs. Develop and execute modeling strategies, contribute to project team discussions, and guide model-informed decisions from therapeutic design to first-in-human dose selection and beyond.
- Build and apply mechanistic models (PK/PD, QSP, and PBPK/PD) that link drug pharmacology, tissue biodistribution, mechanism(s) of action, and downstream effects.
- Integrate modeling into the design and interpretation of preclinical in vivo and in vitro studies to support candidate selection, optimization, and advancement towards the clinic.
- Collaboratively develop platform disease (QSP) and PBPK/PD models that extend across multiple projects and phases of discovery & development.
- Engage in strategic initiatives within M&S, such as creating platform-level translational modeling strategies to impact across projects and developing modeling workflows (e.g., agentic AI).
- Proactively seek opportunities to increase the understanding and adoption of translational modeling among internal partners and expand the impact and visibility of modeling through external collaborations.
Essential requirements
- Ph.D. in biology, bioengineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biophysics, or a related field and 3+ years of industry experience with progressively increasing levels of responsibility. Master’s degree with 5+ years of industry experience and demonstrated impact will be considered.
- General Modeling Skills: Expert level proficiency in core modeling fundamentals is required, including scripting languages (e.g., MATLAB, R), construction of ordinary differential equation (ODE) models, parameter estimation, and data visualization.
- Industry Modeling Skills: Proficiency in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP), and/or mechanistic physiologically based PK/PD (PBPK/PD) is required. Proficiency in pharmacometrics concepts (Population PK, exposure-response modeling) is preferred.
- Domain Expertise: Prior experience with the integration of computational modeling and biological concepts is required. Experience modeling in the neuroscience and/or cardiovascular disease areas is preferred but not strictly required. Experience with oligonucleotide therapeutics (siRNA, ASO, PMO, etc.) and/or related experience with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) is strongly preferred.
- Collaboration and Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate modeling results to a multidisciplinary audience for collaborative work and/or to facilitate strategy and decision-making. Fluent in English (oral and written).
This is a hybrid role that requires a balance of in-person and virtual working, with an average of 12 days a month on site in Cambridge, MA.
Candidates with demonstrated impact as a modeler, preferably in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, and with commensurate experience and proficiency may be considered for the Principal Scientist II (3+ years) or Senior Principal Scientist (5+ years) role.
This is a dual posting. The final level & title of the offer role would be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience & capabilities required to perform the role at the level the role has been offered.
The salary for this position is expected to range between:
Principal Scientist II: $126,000 and $234,000 per year.
Senior Principal Scientist: $152,000 and $261,000 per year.
The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves. To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?
Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
EEO Statement:
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations
The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Division
Biomedical Research
Business Unit
Research
Location
USA
State
Massachusetts
Site
Cambridge (USA)
Company / Legal Entity
U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.
Functional Area
Research & Development
Job Type
Full time
Employment Type
Regular
Shift Work
No
See all 428+ Principal Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Principal Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Principal Scientist positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, Principal Scientist roles consistently qualify for H-1B visa 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 to find Principal Scientist jobs with visa sponsorship?
Use Migrate Mate to find Principal Scientist positions with visa sponsorship at biotech companies, pharmaceutical firms, and research institutions. These roles typically qualify for H-1B, O-1, or EB-2 visas given their specialized nature. Focus your search on companies with established R&D departments that regularly sponsor international talent for senior scientific positions requiring advanced degrees and extensive research experience.
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.