Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate – PFAS in Agroecosystems (id:82702)
Campus:
Orono
Department:
School of Food and Agriculture - OSFA
Bargaining Unit:
UMPSA
Salary Band/Wage Band:
N/A
Location:
Orono ME
Statement of the Job:

The University of Maine seeks a post-doctoral researcher to join the Agroecology Lab, led by Dr. Rachel Schattman, for projects related to poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in agroecosystems. Our work on PFAS is executed in partnership with the Biomass Energy Laboratory (led by Dr. Ling Li) in the School of Forestry, and the UMaine Plant Physiology Lab (led by Dr. YongJiang Zhang) in the School of Biology and Ecology. Together, our groups study PFAS uptake into commercial agricultural crops, and how this uptake is mediated by plant characteristics and physiology and soil amendments including biochar. The nature of our work is grounded in participatory action research (PAR), meaning that we work closely with agricultural communities to develop and execute research projects that are meaningful and usable. Typical hiring salary for this soft-money funded, fixed-length position is $55,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

 

Complete Job Description

About the University:

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine  is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu . 

 

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits  for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.

 

UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here .

Qualifications:

Required

• A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or be all-but-dissertation (ABD) at the time of application.
• A degree from a relevant field, such as agronomy, agroecology, soil or crop sciences, plant physiology, biogeochemistry, or a related field.
• Basic working knowledge of agriculture and crop/soil interactions.
• Experience with field-based research and data curation/analysis.
• Prior history and success with publishing peer-reviewed journal articles and/or securing external funding.
• The incumbent must have the ability to travel normally, within the State of Maine, requiring a valid driver's license. Mileage is reimbursed at the current University rate.
• Can frequently lift 30 pounds.
• Has the ability to collect research samples in appropriate field conditions under sometimes adverse weather conditions.
• Has had experience with grant writing or raising external funds for scientific projects.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated ability to organize data and project metadata.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills.
• An interest in science communication and working with stakeholders.

Other Information:

Materials must be submitted via "Apply For Position" below. You will need to create a profile and application; upload:

 

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
3.) contact information for three professional references

 

You will also need to submit the affirmative action survey, the self-identification of disability form, and the self-identification of veteran status forms. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

 

Search Timeline is as follows:
Review of applications to begin: September 18, 2023
Interviews to begin no earlier than: October 2, 2023
Tentative start date: January 8, 2024

 

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Rachel Schattman at rachel.schattman@maine.edu or 207-581-2913.

 

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening and post offer physical. 

 

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 127 Alumni Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207-581-1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Length:
Fiscal Year (12 Months)
Required Documents:
Cover Letter, References, Resume/CV