OPT Sales Agent Jobs
Sales Agent jobs on OPT are more available than many F-1 students expect. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations when tied to a business development or marketing degree. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if eligible) gives employers a real runway to assess fit before committing to H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Tasked with safeguarding the intangible assets of JAX, Patent Agent – Research will identify, capture, maintain, and protect intellectual property rights. This is a unique opportunity to substantially leverage client and strategic portfolio management skills while building and streamlining IP processes to drive efficiencies. The role is crucial to helping researchers navigate complex intellectual property landscapes and develop strategies to secure and enforce IP rights of JAX Research that align with organizational goals and maximize value.
A strong candidate can demonstrate the ability to apply scientific expertise together with commercial and legal considerations to support short- and long-term objectives. Outgoing, proactive, and approachable with JAX faculty. Excellent communicator, who is comfortable conducting oral presentations and has experience with academic investigators is required. Ability to work independently. Exhibits intellectual curiosity.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Registered to practice before the USPTO with at least 5 years of experience in patent drafting and prosecution (in-house and/or IP law firm).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
PhD in genetics, molecular or cell biology, immunology, cell physiology/biophysics, biochemistry or a comparable life science field with any applicable prior research and/or product development experience.
-
MS in genetics, molecular or cell biology, immunology, cell physiology/biophysics, biochemistry, or a comparable life science field with at least 4 years applicable prior research and/or product development experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
-
Strong client interface, collaboration, and strategic portfolio consulting skills. Partner closely with research teams and cross-functionally (e.g., research, business development) to provide strategic, proactive, and practical guidance regarding intellectual property opportunities, strategies, and risk. Present and engaged in research reviews and retreats.
-
Support day-to-day IP needs of JAX Researchers across a variety of scientific disciplines. Keep a pulse on workstreams, collaborations, and publications. Strong awareness of timing (when to disclose, file, publish, engage third parties, etc.). Able to identify issues and engage stakeholders when relevant.
-
Assist in the review of invention disclosures and patent landscape searches. Able to weigh pros/cons of the various forms of IP protection with organizational goals in light of the overarching landscape. Influence and engage inventors on their support and collaboration in pursuit of the recommended IP protection strategy/approach.
-
Collaborate with inventors to gather and provide appropriate guidance on technical details, drawings, and experimental data to deliver optimal patent protection.
-
Demonstrated ability in setting IP portfolio strategy and implementing through effective patent drafting and prosecution. Advise and actively manage strategy, drafting, prosecution, and maintenance of patent matters (both directly and with outside counsel). Support regular portfolio review sessions and occasionally prune the portfolio to align with organizational initiatives.
-
Conduct patent searches for prior art, patentability, clearance, and freedom-to-operate analyses, both directly and through management of outside counsel.
-
Provide Sponsored Research Administration with patent filing data for annual progress reports, renewal applications, award closeouts, and final invention statements reported in iEdison under the Bayh-Dole Act. Report inventions and patents that have resulted from federally funded research grants/contracts to the funding agency via iEdison.
-
Strong attention to detail, organizational, writing, and project management skills.
-
Provide educational presentations and other training on IP matters to JAX employees to build an IP savvy culture.
-
Reports to the Chief IP Counsel.
-
Occasional domestic travel may be required.
LOCATION
This is a hybrid position (2-3 days/week), based in New York City, Bar Harbor, ME or Farmington, CT.
COMPENSATION
- Pay Range: $106,020 - $153,729 based on total years of related experience.
ABOUT JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.
Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community.
EEO STATEMENT:
The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.
INTRODUCTION
Tasked with safeguarding the intangible assets of JAX, Patent Agent – Research will identify, capture, maintain, and protect intellectual property rights. This is a unique opportunity to substantially leverage client and strategic portfolio management skills while building and streamlining IP processes to drive efficiencies. The role is crucial to helping researchers navigate complex intellectual property landscapes and develop strategies to secure and enforce IP rights of JAX Research that align with organizational goals and maximize value.
A strong candidate can demonstrate the ability to apply scientific expertise together with commercial and legal considerations to support short- and long-term objectives. Outgoing, proactive, and approachable with JAX faculty. Excellent communicator, who is comfortable conducting oral presentations and has experience with academic investigators is required. Ability to work independently. Exhibits intellectual curiosity.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Registered to practice before the USPTO with at least 5 years of experience in patent drafting and prosecution (in-house and/or IP law firm).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
PhD in genetics, molecular or cell biology, immunology, cell physiology/biophysics, biochemistry or a comparable life science field with any applicable prior research and/or product development experience.
-
MS in genetics, molecular or cell biology, immunology, cell physiology/biophysics, biochemistry, or a comparable life science field with at least 4 years applicable prior research and/or product development experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
-
Strong client interface, collaboration, and strategic portfolio consulting skills. Partner closely with research teams and cross-functionally (e.g., research, business development) to provide strategic, proactive, and practical guidance regarding intellectual property opportunities, strategies, and risk. Present and engaged in research reviews and retreats.
-
Support day-to-day IP needs of JAX Researchers across a variety of scientific disciplines. Keep a pulse on workstreams, collaborations, and publications. Strong awareness of timing (when to disclose, file, publish, engage third parties, etc.). Able to identify issues and engage stakeholders when relevant.
-
Assist in the review of invention disclosures and patent landscape searches. Able to weigh pros/cons of the various forms of IP protection with organizational goals in light of the overarching landscape. Influence and engage inventors on their support and collaboration in pursuit of the recommended IP protection strategy/approach.
-
Collaborate with inventors to gather and provide appropriate guidance on technical details, drawings, and experimental data to deliver optimal patent protection.
-
Demonstrated ability in setting IP portfolio strategy and implementing through effective patent drafting and prosecution. Advise and actively manage strategy, drafting, prosecution, and maintenance of patent matters (both directly and with outside counsel). Support regular portfolio review sessions and occasionally prune the portfolio to align with organizational initiatives.
-
Conduct patent searches for prior art, patentability, clearance, and freedom-to-operate analyses, both directly and through management of outside counsel.
-
Provide Sponsored Research Administration with patent filing data for annual progress reports, renewal applications, award closeouts, and final invention statements reported in iEdison under the Bayh-Dole Act. Report inventions and patents that have resulted from federally funded research grants/contracts to the funding agency via iEdison.
-
Strong attention to detail, organizational, writing, and project management skills.
-
Provide educational presentations and other training on IP matters to JAX employees to build an IP savvy culture.
-
Reports to the Chief IP Counsel.
-
Occasional domestic travel may be required.
LOCATION
This is a hybrid position (2-3 days/week), based in New York City, Bar Harbor, ME or Farmington, CT.
COMPENSATION
- Pay Range: $106,020 - $153,729 based on total years of related experience.
ABOUT JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.
Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community.
EEO STATEMENT:
The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.
See all 384+ OPT Sales Agent Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Sales Agent
Target B2B sales roles over pure commission positions
B2B sales roles at mid-size and enterprise companies are more likely to qualify as specialty occupations under OPT rules. Pure commission or door-to-door sales positions rarely meet the degree-requirement threshold that supports work authorization.
Lead with your OPT authorization window upfront
Tell recruiters early that you have 12 months of OPT authorization and, if STEM-eligible, a potential 24-month extension. This reframes the conversation from 'visa risk' to 'time to evaluate fit before any sponsorship decision is required.'
Connect your degree field directly to the sales role
OPT authorization ties to your field of study. A business, marketing, or communications degree maps cleanly to sales roles. Be specific in applications about how your coursework relates to client acquisition, account management, or revenue strategy.
Prioritize companies with an active H-1B sponsorship history
Some employers have sponsored H-1B visas for sales and business development roles before. Targeting those companies significantly improves your odds of sponsorship after OPT. Past sponsorship behavior is the strongest signal of future willingness.
Quantify your sales results from internships or prior roles
Hiring managers in sales respond to numbers. Include specific metrics from internships or campus roles such as leads generated, pipeline value, or conversion rates. Concrete results reduce perceived risk and make you a stronger candidate despite visa requirements.
Raise the STEM OPT extension early with STEM-eligible degrees
If your degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, mention it in interviews. Business analytics, information systems, and marketing analytics degrees often qualify. Three years of authorized work authorization substantially improves your sponsorship case.
Sales Agent OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Sales Agent on OPT?
Yes, Sales Agent roles can qualify under OPT as long as the position relates to your field of study and requires at least a bachelor's degree. Roles in B2B sales, account management, or business development with a business or marketing degree are the strongest fit. Purely commission-based or general retail sales positions are harder to justify as specialty occupations.
Do Sales Agent employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Sponsorship varies significantly by employer type. Enterprise software companies, financial services firms, and large staffing organizations have sponsored H-1B visas for sales and business development roles. Smaller companies or those in retail sales rarely do. Migrate Mate filters jobs by sponsorship history, which makes it easier to focus your search on employers who have sponsored before.
Does my degree field affect whether my Sales Agent job qualifies for OPT?
Yes. OPT requires that your job be directly related to your major. Business administration, marketing, finance, communications, and business analytics degrees all map well to sales roles. If your degree is in an unrelated field, you'll need to document how the role connects to your coursework, which can be harder to justify to your Designated School Official.
Can I work on a commission-only basis as a Sales Agent on OPT?
Commission-only arrangements are risky on OPT. USCIS requires that OPT employment be directly related to your degree field and constitute qualifying work authorization. Commission-only roles can raise questions about whether the position meets the specialty occupation standard. Salaried or base-plus-commission structures with a formal employer relationship are far safer for maintaining valid OPT status.
How do I find Sales Agent jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Most general job boards don't filter by visa sponsorship willingness, which wastes time on applications that go nowhere. Migrate Mate is built specifically for OPT and visa-sponsored roles, so you can browse Sales Agent positions from employers who have demonstrated willingness to hire international candidates and support work authorization throughout your OPT period and beyond.