Biotech & Pharma STEM OPT Jobs in Maryland
Maryland's biotech and pharma sector is one of the most concentrated in the country, anchored by employers like AstraZeneca, MedImmune, and dozens of NIH-adjacent firms in the I-270 corridor from Rockville to Gaithersburg. F-1 STEM OPT authorization is widely recognized by Maryland biotech employers for roles in research, regulatory affairs, bioinformatics, and clinical operations.
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Get Access To All JobsTITLE / CLASSIFICATION: Research Technician I, Necropsy Services
REPORTING LOCATION: Rockville, MD
REPORTS TO: Supervisor, Necropsy Services
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: Support in vivo oncology research studies in mice as a member of the Necropsy Services Team.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform end of life technical procedures on mice, including gross necropsy, handling, restraint, anesthesia, euthanasia, blood collection, and tissue collection.
- Process, label, and store samples.
- Record study data within the laboratory information management system.
- Read, understand, and adhere to study protocols.
- Perform general study preparation and organizational activities, including sample tube labeling, supply organization and stocking, and laboratory organization.
- Work weekends and holidays on rotating basis.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- TEAM PLAYER. Actively and eagerly support leadership and colleagues.
- COACHABLE. Actively solicits feedback. Eager to improve.
- HONEST. Trustworthy. Demonstrates integrity.
- ADAPTABLE. Flexible and open to change. Eager early adopter.
- MOTIVATED. Driven. Proactive and takes the initiative.
- POSITIVE. Compassionate. Empathetic and understanding. Balanced.
- INNOVATIVE. Challenges the status quo. Eager problem solver.
- OPEN. Transparent and communicative. Candid.
- NICE. Kind and respectful. Sincere.
- Organized. Detail oriented.
- Process oriented. Eager to follow procedures.
- Strong computer skills.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- PREFERRED: BS degree in animal science, biology, pharmacology, or related field.
- PREFERRED: AALAS ALAT certification.
- PREFERRED: 1 year of related experience in a Contract Research Organization or similar research setting.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Requires manual dexterity, fine motor skills, and repetitive motion.
- Requires sitting, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, and lifting throughout the work shift consistent with a typical research laboratory environment and vivarium.
- Must be able to lift and move packages weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Routine exposure to odors and chemicals.
- Routine exposure to sharps.
- Routine exposure to blood, body fluids, and tissue.
This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
TITLE / CLASSIFICATION: Research Technician I, Necropsy Services
REPORTING LOCATION: Rockville, MD
REPORTS TO: Supervisor, Necropsy Services
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: Support in vivo oncology research studies in mice as a member of the Necropsy Services Team.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform end of life technical procedures on mice, including gross necropsy, handling, restraint, anesthesia, euthanasia, blood collection, and tissue collection.
- Process, label, and store samples.
- Record study data within the laboratory information management system.
- Read, understand, and adhere to study protocols.
- Perform general study preparation and organizational activities, including sample tube labeling, supply organization and stocking, and laboratory organization.
- Work weekends and holidays on rotating basis.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- TEAM PLAYER. Actively and eagerly support leadership and colleagues.
- COACHABLE. Actively solicits feedback. Eager to improve.
- HONEST. Trustworthy. Demonstrates integrity.
- ADAPTABLE. Flexible and open to change. Eager early adopter.
- MOTIVATED. Driven. Proactive and takes the initiative.
- POSITIVE. Compassionate. Empathetic and understanding. Balanced.
- INNOVATIVE. Challenges the status quo. Eager problem solver.
- OPEN. Transparent and communicative. Candid.
- NICE. Kind and respectful. Sincere.
- Organized. Detail oriented.
- Process oriented. Eager to follow procedures.
- Strong computer skills.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- PREFERRED: BS degree in animal science, biology, pharmacology, or related field.
- PREFERRED: AALAS ALAT certification.
- PREFERRED: 1 year of related experience in a Contract Research Organization or similar research setting.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Requires manual dexterity, fine motor skills, and repetitive motion.
- Requires sitting, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, and lifting throughout the work shift consistent with a typical research laboratory environment and vivarium.
- Must be able to lift and move packages weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Routine exposure to odors and chemicals.
- Routine exposure to sharps.
- Routine exposure to blood, body fluids, and tissue.
This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
STEM OPT Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in Maryland
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in MarylandBiotech & Pharma STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Maryland: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech and pharma companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Maryland?
Maryland biotech employers with documented F-1 STEM OPT hiring include AstraZeneca, MedImmune, Emergent BioSolutions, Human Genome Sciences, and numerous contract research organizations operating in the Montgomery County corridor. Many smaller biotech startups clustered around the University of Maryland BioPark and Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures also participate in STEM OPT, provided they meet E-Verify enrollment requirements that the program mandates for all sponsoring employers.
Which cities in Maryland have the most biotech and pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Rockville and Gaithersburg together form the densest concentration of biotech and pharma employers in Maryland, driven by proximity to the NIH campus in Bethesda. Baltimore is a strong secondary hub, home to Johns Hopkins-affiliated research institutions and pharma manufacturers. Frederick has a growing biotech presence through facilities like the National Cancer Institute at Frederick. Most STEM OPT sponsorship activity in the state is concentrated within Montgomery County and Baltimore City.
What types of biotech and pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that commonly qualify include research scientist, bioinformatics analyst, regulatory affairs associate, clinical data manager, quality assurance specialist, biostatistician, and process development engineer. These positions typically map to STEM-designated CIP codes under USCIS guidelines. Roles focused purely on sales, marketing, or non-technical administration generally do not qualify, even at biotech companies. The job title alone is less important than whether the position requires a STEM degree and involves substantive technical work.
How do I find biotech and pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Maryland?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters biotech and pharma job listings in Maryland by F-1 STEM OPT eligibility, so you can see which employers have a documented history of sponsoring STEM OPT workers rather than guessing from generic job boards. You can search by role type, location within Maryland, and employer, making it easier to prioritize applications to companies already familiar with the STEM OPT extension process.
Are there any Maryland-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT in biotech and pharma?
Maryland biotech employers must be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor STEM OPT workers, and many larger firms in the state already comply due to federal contracting obligations tied to NIH, FDA, or DOD work. Some positions at institutions with federal funding may have additional background check or citizenship disclosure requirements that do not affect STEM OPT eligibility itself but are worth clarifying with employers during the hiring process. Your DSO at your U.S. university must approve the STEM OPT extension before employment begins.