Jobs / United States / Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Research Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation · 🇺🇸 Cambridge (USA)
Sponsorship verdict
Sponsorship possible
One solid signal, not two — worth applying, and worth asking about sponsorship early.
- Employer is on a government sponsor recordThe US Department of Labor certified 75 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 31 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
- The posting doesn’t mention sponsorshipSilence isn’t a refusal — ask the recruiter before investing much time.
- No salary bar for this routeH-1B has no fixed salary bar: the employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the role and area. Cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level. Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/29/2025-23853/weighted-selection-process-for-registrants-and-petitioners-seeking-to-file-cap-subject-h-1b, rules effective 2026-02-27.
- What Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation paid sponsored hires in similar roles3 certified filings for “Director, AI Use Case Lead” (Computer and Information Research Scientists) in NJ: $186k–$186k, median $186k. Most were filed at wage level III (100%) — 3 lottery entries, ≈46% projected selection odds for cap-subject employers. The pay stated here (66,800.00 - 124,000.00 USD) is below what this employer usually pays sponsored hires for this role. Source: US Department of Labor LCA disclosure data (Oct 2025 – Jun 2026).
- Confirmed live todayWhen a source last listed this job as open.
US H-1B: cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level — Level I gets 1 entry, Level IV gets 4 (DHS projected selection odds ≈15% at Level I to ≈61% at Level IV). Universities and non-profit research employers are cap-exempt. The $100,000 fee for new petitions from abroad is currently blocked by a court order (appeal pending).
A verdict summarises public evidence; it is not legal advice and never a guarantee — the employer and the immigration authority decide. Sign in to factor in where you can already work.
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Sponsor Radar — Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
The US Department of Labor certified 75 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 31 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
Past sponsorship or register membership never guarantees sponsorship for this vacancy or for you. Full Sponsor Radar for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation →
About the role
Job Description Summary Job Title: Research Scientist I or II, Oligonucleotide Chemistry #LI-Onsite Location: Cambridge, USA Relocation Support: This role is based in Cambridge, USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible. Imagine helping shape the future of RNA-based medicines through hands-on scientific innovation. At Novartis, we're pushing the boundaries of xRNA therapeutics to address some of the world's most challenging diseases, and we're looking for a talented scientist to join us on that journey. As a Research Scientist in Oligonucleotide Chemistry, you'll play a key role in synthesizing, optimizing, and characterizing therapeutic oligonucleotides while collaborating with a diverse team of experts across discovery and development. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your scientific expertise, grow your technical skills, and contribute directly to groundbreaking therapies that have the potential to transform patients' lives. Job Description Key Responsibilities • Execute solid-phase synthesis of research-scale oligonucleotides using advanced automated DNA and RNA synthesizers. • Purify, desalt, and characterize oligonucleotides using chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques. • Develop and optimize synthesis, purification, and analytical methods to improve performance and reproducibility. • Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation supporting oligonucleotide production and analysis. • Prepare and maintain standard operating procedures to support high-quality and consistent laboratory practices. • Organize, analyze, and document experimental results using electronic laboratory notebook systems. • Contribute effectively within a collaborative, fast-paced research environment focused on therapeutic innovation. Essential Requirements • Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline. • One to three years of laboratory experience in academic or industrial research environments. • Hands-on experience with automated solid-phase synthesizers and therapeutic oligonucleotide synthesis workflows. • Proficiency in oligonucleotide purification, characterization, and analysis using chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. • Understanding of RNA therapeutics and their application in biological systems. • Strong collaboration, adaptability, and self-motivation in a fast-paced scientific environment. Desirable Requirements • Experience supporting oligonucleotide process development, optimization, or technology innovation initiatives. • Excellent scientific communication skills with the ability to present findings to multidisciplinary teams. Rewards At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave. Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: • US:66,800.00 - 124,000.00 USD Annual The salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Further details will be provided during the application process. Pay equity is a fundame