What would the best way for a UK citizen with a PhD in organic chemistry to get a job in the USA?

Answer 1

You didn't mention whether you are a new PhD or whether you have been in the field for awhile. If the former is the case, I agree with Sharia - get a postdoc position at a U.S. university and start networking.

If you've had your degree and have been working for a number years, however, that's not really an option. What I would do instead is seek a position at a company in the UK that also has research facilities in the US. GSK and Tate & Lyle are companies that come to mind, but I'm sure there are others. Most companies with research facilities in multiple countries send researchers back and forth as needed. The guy in the lab across the hall from me is being sent to the Netherlands for a year, for example. Moreover, after a year or two, most large companies will allow you to seek other positions within the company. You could request a transfer at that point.

Of course, if you're very experienced and an expert in a particular kind of chemistry, you might be able to get away with marketing yourself to companies in the US who need your skill set, either directly or via a headhunter. If you're a valuable enough scientist, they'll find a way to get you here.

Answer 2

You might want to read the Americal Chemical Society's publications. Its Chemical & Engineering News (weekly) has at the back both academic and non-academic positions. For example in this week's issue there are advertisements for three organic chemist non-academic positions. Typically you are expected to be a member of the ACS, which is not difficult to join.

You can contact ACS at http://www.chemistry.org

Scroll down to the bottom to join.

Answer 3

look for a postdoc position in any major university. if you're good enough you'll get a visa. other than that start looking on moster and jobs.com, but be warned some companies are too small to have visa giving power