Science & Research OPT Jobs in Maine
Science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Maine are concentrated around Orono, Portland, and the Midcoast region, where employers such as the University of Maine, Jackson Laboratory, and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences have established hiring patterns for international researchers, lab scientists, and data analysts completing degree programs in STEM fields.
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INTRODUCTION
A Postdoctoral Associate position is available in Dr. Bennett’s laboratory at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, ME.
The Bennett Lab is dedicated to uncovering the fundamental mechanisms that govern the developmental emergence of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and translating these insights toward improved stem cell engineering for regenerative medicine.
The laboratory focuses on understanding HSC specification and maturation in embryonic development by:
1) defining how TGF-β/BMP signaling regulate the transition from pre-HSCs to transplantable HSCs, including the role of SMAD7 and related downstream effectors.
2) the identification of novel regulators to this process and defining how rare pre-hematopoietic stem cell intermediates arise from hemogenic endothelium and mature into fully functional, multi-lineage engraftable HSCs.
Our long-term goal is to identify the precise molecular signals that enable robust HSC formation and use this knowledge to improve the efficiency of producing transplantable HSCs for therapeutic purposes.
The Bennett lab uses a multidisciplinary approach integrating mouse genetics, embryo models, transplantation assays, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, clonal barcoding, and single-cell genomics. The lab offers a highly collaborative environment with opportunities to work across programs at The Jackson Laboratory as well as with external collaborators in the field. Trainees will be supported in fellowship applications, publications, conference presentations, and career development toward academic or industry paths.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be able to plan, develop, execute, and analyze an independent research project within the lab’s main focus areas. Potential projects may include mechanistic studies into how TGFb/BMP signaling pathways regulates pre-HSC maturation or mapping transcriptional states of developmental HSC emergence using single-cell and clonal barcoding approaches.
Additional responsibilities include preparing manuscripts, fellowship applications, and conference presentations, as well as mentoring junior lab members and contributing to a collaborative team environment.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in biological sciences or related discipline
- Minimum of one first-author publication from graduate studies or prior postdoctoral work
- Strong foundational training in molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, or stem cell biology
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as collaboratively
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience or training in any of the following areas:
- Hematopoiesis, stem cell biology, developmental biology, or vascular biology
- Mouse models, transplantation assays, or in vivo lineage tracing
- Flow cytometry, cell sorting, and primary cell culture
- Single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, spatial genomics, or related genomic technologies
- Lentiviral systems or clonal barcoding
- Computational biology, bioinformatics, or quantitative data analysis
HOW TO APPLY
A complete application must include a cover letter describing past research accomplishments, current research interests, and career aspirations; a current CV; and the names and contact information of three references.
JAX SALARY
Year 0 - 1: $65,589
Year 1 - 2: $67,318
Year 2 - 3: $69,095
Year 3 - 4: $70,521
Year 4 - 5: $72,877
Year 5 - 6: $75,569
Based on years of experience as Postdoc.
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.
OPT Science & Research Job Roles in Maine
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Search Science & Research Jobs in MaineScience & Research OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Maine: Frequently Asked Questions
Which science and research companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Maine?
Maine's most active science and research OPT sponsors include the University of Maine System, Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Portland. Federal facilities such as the USDA Forest Service's Northern Research Station and NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center also hire OPT students for research positions across ecology, marine biology, genomics, and computational science.
Which cities in Maine have the most science and research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Orono anchors Maine's research hiring through the University of Maine and its affiliated research centers. Portland is a growing hub for marine science, environmental research, and biotech startups. Bar Harbor hosts Jackson Laboratory, one of the country's leading mammalian genetics research institutions. Augusta and Bangor also have state agency and clinical research positions, though at lower volume than Orono and Portland.
What types of science and research roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Maine?
Roles that commonly qualify include research associate, laboratory technician, data scientist, bioinformatics analyst, environmental scientist, marine biologist, computational researcher, and clinical research coordinator. Positions tied to a STEM Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code are eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, which is particularly relevant for roles in biological sciences, computer science, and environmental studies at Maine institutions.
How do I find science & research F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Maine?
Migrate Mate filters science and research jobs in Maine specifically by OPT-eligible employers, using DOL Labor Condition Application filing data to surface companies with verified sponsorship history. You can search by institution type, research field, or city to narrow results to roles at organizations like Jackson Laboratory or the University of Maine system that have actively supported international researchers on OPT.
Are there any state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in science and research roles in Maine?
Maine's science sector is heavily grant-funded, meaning OPT timelines must align with project cycles and funding periods. Federal grant recipients such as NOAA-affiliated labs and USDA research stations are subject to E-Verify requirements, so OPT students must ensure their Employment Authorization Document is in order before starting. Maine's smaller employer pool also means competition for sponsored research positions can be concentrated among a limited number of institutions, making early outreach to university hiring coordinators worthwhile.