Research And Development Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Research and Development roles are among the most consistently sponsored positions in the U.S., with employers regularly filing H-1B visa, O-1 visa, and EB-1 petitions for scientists, engineers, and technical researchers. Strong degree alignment and specialized expertise are the two factors that drive approval rates in this field.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Head of Vaccine Research and Development Project Management
Location: Swiftwater, PA / Waltham, MA
About the Job
Join the team protecting half a billion lives every year with next-gen science, mRNA innovation, and AI-driven breakthroughs. In Vaccines, you’ll help advance prevention on a global scale - and shape the future of immunization.
The Head of Vaccine Global Project Management leads New Vaccines R&D project management function, translating corporate strategy into executable project plans while ensuring strategic alignment, operational excellence, and delivery of complex vaccine development programs.
You will be responsible for establishing best-in-class project management standards, governance frameworks, and AI/Digital-enabled practices across the portfolio — with the ultimate goal of delivering vaccines at optimal time-to-market, within budget, and in full alignment with Sanofi's strategic objectives.
You will lead a team of 20+, with 4 direct reports:
- Head of France Project Management
- Head of North America & International Project Management
- Risk & Compliance Manager
-
- Administrative Support
About Sanofi
We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.
Main responsibilities:
- Set the strategic direction for Vaccines R&D project management by establishing best-in-class standards, governance frameworks, and AI/Digital-enabled practices across the portfolio
- Drive portfolio execution by overseeing end-to-end delivery against scope, schedule, cost, and quality baselines — monitoring pipeline health and ensuring timely escalation and corrective action
- Lead risk management and compliance across all New Vaccine projects, ensuring proactive risk identification, robust lessons learned processes, and readiness for internal audits
- Enable effective governance through transparent Stage Gate processes, acting as TARC Secretary and key liaison between Vaccine R&D and Corporate Portfolio Management
- Inspire and develop talent by leading a global team of 15+ project managers, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and digital innovation
- Oversee financial and resource planning, providing strategic input to resources and cost forecasts as well as ensuring alignment across R&D, Franchise, and Manufacturing & Supply
Dimensions / Scope:
- Strategic Visibility: Direct interface with Vaccines R&D Leadership Team Corporate Portfolio Management, and external funding entities (BARDA and others)
- Global Impact: Lead an international team across multiple R&D sites (4 direct reports, total of 15+ Project Managers, Functional lead for Project planning Managers in Budapest)
- Innovation at the Forefront: Drive the integration of AI and digital tools into the future of project management for Vaccine RD project Management
- Leadership Platform: Build and develop the next generation of project management talent within Sanofi's Vaccines organization
About You
Education:
- MS and 12+ years of leadership experience in pharmaceutical R&D project/program management OR PhD and 8+ years of leadership experience in pharmaceutical R&D project/program management
- Advanced degree in Project Management
- Professional certification: PMP, Agile, or equivalent
- Previous experience of pharmaceutical R&D project and/or portfolio management, including management responsibilities and cross functional governance contributions
- MBA preferred but not required.
Knowledge & Technical Expertise:
- Deep knowledge of the end-to-end vaccine/pharma development value chain (Research Clinical Industrialization Registration Launch)
- Proven leadership in complex, global, matrixed environments
- Expertise in PM methodologies: PMBOK, Hybrid, Agile
- Proven expertise in R&D Risk Management
- Business acumen and financial management in high-investment pharmaceutical contexts
- Experience in digital planning tool or AI/digital solution rollout
Key Skills & Abilities:
- Strategic & Tactical Thinking — Translates strategy into execution frameworks
- People Leadership — Mobilizes global teams and inspires action
- Influence & Stakeholder Management — Communicates effectively at operational and executive levels
- Change Management — Guides teams through transformation with confidence
- Decision-Making & Prioritization — Acts with clarity under pressure
- Coaching & Development — Builds capability through structured support
- Cross-Functional Agility — Operates effectively in multicultural, worldwide matrix environments
- Digital/AI Mindset — Anticipates and drives innovation in project management
- Languages: English fluent (required); French fluent (preferred)
Why Choose Us?
- Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.
- Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.
- Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.
- Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.
Sanofi US Services and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers committed to a culturally inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.
GD-SP
LI-SP
vhd
LI-Onsite
All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.
Job Title: Head of Vaccine Research and Development Project Management
Location: Swiftwater, PA / Waltham, MA
About the Job
Join the team protecting half a billion lives every year with next-gen science, mRNA innovation, and AI-driven breakthroughs. In Vaccines, you’ll help advance prevention on a global scale - and shape the future of immunization.
The Head of Vaccine Global Project Management leads New Vaccines R&D project management function, translating corporate strategy into executable project plans while ensuring strategic alignment, operational excellence, and delivery of complex vaccine development programs.
You will be responsible for establishing best-in-class project management standards, governance frameworks, and AI/Digital-enabled practices across the portfolio — with the ultimate goal of delivering vaccines at optimal time-to-market, within budget, and in full alignment with Sanofi's strategic objectives.
You will lead a team of 20+, with 4 direct reports:
- Head of France Project Management
- Head of North America & International Project Management
- Risk & Compliance Manager
-
- Administrative Support
About Sanofi
We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.
Main responsibilities:
- Set the strategic direction for Vaccines R&D project management by establishing best-in-class standards, governance frameworks, and AI/Digital-enabled practices across the portfolio
- Drive portfolio execution by overseeing end-to-end delivery against scope, schedule, cost, and quality baselines — monitoring pipeline health and ensuring timely escalation and corrective action
- Lead risk management and compliance across all New Vaccine projects, ensuring proactive risk identification, robust lessons learned processes, and readiness for internal audits
- Enable effective governance through transparent Stage Gate processes, acting as TARC Secretary and key liaison between Vaccine R&D and Corporate Portfolio Management
- Inspire and develop talent by leading a global team of 15+ project managers, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and digital innovation
- Oversee financial and resource planning, providing strategic input to resources and cost forecasts as well as ensuring alignment across R&D, Franchise, and Manufacturing & Supply
Dimensions / Scope:
- Strategic Visibility: Direct interface with Vaccines R&D Leadership Team Corporate Portfolio Management, and external funding entities (BARDA and others)
- Global Impact: Lead an international team across multiple R&D sites (4 direct reports, total of 15+ Project Managers, Functional lead for Project planning Managers in Budapest)
- Innovation at the Forefront: Drive the integration of AI and digital tools into the future of project management for Vaccine RD project Management
- Leadership Platform: Build and develop the next generation of project management talent within Sanofi's Vaccines organization
About You
Education:
- MS and 12+ years of leadership experience in pharmaceutical R&D project/program management OR PhD and 8+ years of leadership experience in pharmaceutical R&D project/program management
- Advanced degree in Project Management
- Professional certification: PMP, Agile, or equivalent
- Previous experience of pharmaceutical R&D project and/or portfolio management, including management responsibilities and cross functional governance contributions
- MBA preferred but not required.
Knowledge & Technical Expertise:
- Deep knowledge of the end-to-end vaccine/pharma development value chain (Research Clinical Industrialization Registration Launch)
- Proven leadership in complex, global, matrixed environments
- Expertise in PM methodologies: PMBOK, Hybrid, Agile
- Proven expertise in R&D Risk Management
- Business acumen and financial management in high-investment pharmaceutical contexts
- Experience in digital planning tool or AI/digital solution rollout
Key Skills & Abilities:
- Strategic & Tactical Thinking — Translates strategy into execution frameworks
- People Leadership — Mobilizes global teams and inspires action
- Influence & Stakeholder Management — Communicates effectively at operational and executive levels
- Change Management — Guides teams through transformation with confidence
- Decision-Making & Prioritization — Acts with clarity under pressure
- Coaching & Development — Builds capability through structured support
- Cross-Functional Agility — Operates effectively in multicultural, worldwide matrix environments
- Digital/AI Mindset — Anticipates and drives innovation in project management
- Languages: English fluent (required); French fluent (preferred)
Why Choose Us?
- Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.
- Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.
- Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.
- Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.
Sanofi US Services and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers committed to a culturally inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.
GD-SP
LI-SP
vhd
LI-Onsite
All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.
See all 172+ Research And Development Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research And Development roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research And Development Jobs
Lead with your degree field, not just your title
H-1B approval for R&D roles hinges on degree-to-job alignment. A materials science degree supporting a materials research role is a stronger petition than a general engineering degree. Make the connection explicit in every application you submit.
Target employers with a track record of R&D sponsorship
Pharmaceutical companies, national laboratories, semiconductor firms, and university research centers file the most R&D petitions annually. Focusing your search on these employer categories significantly improves your odds of finding genuine sponsorship willingness.
Publications and patents carry real weight
USCIS evaluates specialty occupation through the lens of complexity. Peer-reviewed publications, patents, or conference presentations signal that your work operates at a level requiring the advanced degree the H-1B demands. Include these in your resume and cover letter.
Consider O-1A if your record is strong
R&D professionals with significant published research, awards, or demonstrated industry impact may qualify for the O-1A extraordinary ability visa. It has no annual cap, no lottery, and can be filed year-round, making it a reliable alternative to H-1B.
Understand the difference between research and development roles
Pure research positions at universities or national labs often qualify as cap-exempt, meaning employers can file H-1B petitions outside the annual lottery. Confirm whether your prospective employer qualifies before assuming you must enter the cap season.
Use Migrate Mate to find sponsors who have filed before
Migrate Mate surfaces R&D job listings from employers with verified sponsorship histories. Applying to companies that have already navigated the process reduces friction and signals the employer understands the commitment involved in sponsoring technical researchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa is most commonly used to sponsor Research and Development professionals?
The H-1B visa is the most common path, but R&D roles are also well-represented in O-1A petitions for researchers with strong publication records, and EB-1A or EB-2 NIW green card filings for those with demonstrated national importance. Employers at universities and federally funded research centers may qualify as cap-exempt, allowing H-1B visa filings outside the annual lottery entirely.
Does my degree field need to match the specific R&D role I'm applying for?
Yes, and this is one of the most common reasons R&D H-1B petitions face scrutiny. USCIS requires a direct relationship between the degree field and the position's duties. A biochemistry researcher with a biochemistry degree is straightforward. A broad engineering degree supporting a highly specialized research role may require additional documentation, such as expert opinion letters explaining the connection.
Are R&D jobs more likely to get H-1B approval than other roles?
Research and development positions generally have strong approval rates because the specialty occupation requirement is easier to satisfy. The roles typically require specific advanced degrees, involve complex methodologies, and command compensation consistent with degreed professionals. USCIS data consistently shows science and engineering occupations among the highest-volume and highest-approval H-1B categories.
Can I get sponsored for an R&D role without a PhD?
Yes. Most R&D sponsorship happens at the master's or bachelor's level, particularly in industry settings. A bachelor's degree in a directly related field is the minimum for H-1B eligibility. That said, PhD holders tend to face fewer questions about specialty occupation, and some research-focused roles, particularly at national labs or pharmaceutical companies, do expect advanced degrees.
Where can I find R&D jobs that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is the best starting point if you need sponsorship. It filters specifically for employers willing to sponsor, so you're not wasting time on listings that exclude international candidates. R&D roles in biotech, semiconductors, defense contractors, and university research programs appear regularly, and many of those employers have established processes for filing H-1B and O-1 petitions.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Research And Development 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.