STEM OPT Jobs in Maine
F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Maine are concentrated in life sciences around Portland and Bangor, advanced manufacturing, and marine technology. The state's growing biotech sector, university research partnerships, and defense-adjacent engineering firms make it a viable market for STEM OPT candidates.
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INTRODUCTION
The Research Assistant II supports scientific research with minimal supervision, applying established laboratory methods and foundational scientific knowledge to carry out a variety of research activities. Responsibilities include assisting with project planning, contributing to experimental design, performing and refining research procedures, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting the preparation of reports and publications. The role also involves communicating research progress and helping train others as needed.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Troubleshoots issues in research procedures, adjusts techniques or quality‑control measures, and identifies when methods require refinement.
- Reviews and maintains research documentation, contributing to updates in methodology and collaborating with team members as needed.
- Manages laboratory resources, including inventory, equipment, and workspace coordination.
- Shares research knowledge by demonstrating procedures and assisting in training.
- Performs assigned research tasks using established experimental methods, equipment, data collection tools, and analytical techniques.
- Organizes, analyzes, and summarizes research data using scientific and statistical tools.
- Contributes to the preparation of manuscripts, reports, presentations, and grant materials.
- Conducts multiple experiments and maintains associated equipment, ensuring clear and timely communication of results.
- Demonstrates comprehensive mouse handling and husbandry skills to support research operations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Comprehensive mouse handling and husbandry skills required
- Demonstrated ability in development of research protocols
- Demonstrated success in coordinating and/or conducting multiple, concurrent assignments or a multi-faceted project
- Ability to interact with all individuals in a productive, professional and positive manner to enhance the outcome of the goals of the research program
- Established understanding of good lab safety practices and a demonstrated history of lab safe conduct
- Self-motivated with the ability to organize time effectively, demonstrated ability to manage details
- Advanced computer skills, ability to develop technical documents and presentations
- Demonstrated team player with professional, positive attitude and willingness to be flexible
- Ability to work flexible shifts (evening/week-end/holiday)
- Regular, reliable and consistent attendance
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's required/ Bachelor's preferred
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
2 years required; 4 years preferred
SUPERVISORY
None
PAY RANGE
$42,751 - $71,575, pay is determined by years of 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, New York, Florida), 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.
Tips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs in Maine
Confirm your degree's STEM designation first
Before applying, verify your program's CIP code is on USCIS's STEM Designated Degree Program List. Employers in Maine's biotech and engineering sectors will ask for this upfront, and mismatches can stall an otherwise strong application.
Target E-Verify enrolled employers in Maine
STEM OPT extensions are only available with E-Verify enrolled employers. When researching Maine companies in life sciences, marine technology, or advanced manufacturing, filter your search to confirmed E-Verify participants before investing time in outreach.
Use Migrate Mate to find Maine employers with F-1 STEM OPT filing history
Search Migrate Mate to surface Maine employers who have previously sponsored STEM OPT candidates. DOL Labor Condition Application data shows which companies in Portland, Bangor, and Augusta have active sponsorship patterns, saving you weeks of manual research.
Build connections through University of Maine's industry partnerships
The University of Maine System has active research and commercialization ties to marine technology, forestry tech, and biomedical firms. Attending university-industry networking events in Orono and Portland puts you in front of sponsors who already understand STEM OPT requirements.
See all 107+ F-1 STEM OPT jobs in Maine
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Get Access To All JobsF-1 STEM OPT Jobs in Maine: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Maine sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Life sciences and biomedical research, advanced manufacturing, marine technology, and defense-related engineering are Maine's strongest sectors for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship. Companies in these industries regularly file Labor Condition Applications and maintain E-Verify enrollment, which is a prerequisite for STEM OPT authorization. Forestry technology and environmental engineering firms around Orono also show consistent sponsorship activity.
Which cities in Maine have the most F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Portland is Maine's densest market for F-1 STEM OPT roles, with the highest concentration of biotech, healthcare technology, and engineering employers. Bangor and Orono offer opportunities tied to University of Maine research partnerships and regional manufacturing. Augusta and Brunswick have smaller but active markets, particularly in defense contracting and environmental science roles.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Maine?
Roles must require application of STEM knowledge directly related to your degree's CIP code. In Maine, qualifying positions commonly include software engineers, biomedical researchers, environmental scientists, marine systems engineers, and data analysts. The role's duties must connect clearly to your degree field, and your employer must document this relationship in a formal training plan submitted to USCIS.
How do I find F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Maine?
Migrate Mate filters Maine employers by DOL Labor Condition Application filing history, so you can identify companies that have actively sponsored F-1 STEM OPT candidates rather than cold-applying to employers unfamiliar with the process. Targeting E-Verify enrolled companies in Portland and Bangor's life sciences and engineering sectors significantly improves your chances of reaching a compliant offer stage.
Are there any Maine-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Maine's employer base skews toward mid-size regional companies rather than large multinationals, meaning many sponsors may have sponsored STEM OPT candidates before but don't have a dedicated immigration team. You'll likely need to walk your employer through the E-Verify enrollment check and I-983 training plan requirements yourself. DSO support at institutions like the University of Maine in Orono can help you prepare documentation that smaller employers aren't familiar with handling independently.