Postdoctoral Research Associate - PFAS Predictive Modeling
- University of Maine
- Orono, Maine
- Full Time
The Postdoctoral Extension Associate in PFAS Predictive Modeling with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension will establish and sustain a dynamic research and educational outreach program to address data and modeling needs for spatiotemporal dynamics of PFAS contamination. Specific research projects will focus on the quantification of PFAS contamination sources and impacts, as well as devising PFAS abatement strategies for seafood safety in order to inform management decisions. The selected candidate will coordinate experimental, field, and remotely sensed data collection and analysis and write technical reports, scientific journal articles, and Extension publications. For EPA PFAS and the USDA NACA PFAS Center of Excellence, the selected candidate will co-lead, along with a faculty member, a research project modeling and monitoring PFAS contamination in the environment, including from the spill in Brunswick. They will collaborate closely with other faculty and staff at UMaine, state agencies, and stakeholder groups to help build state and national capacity in addressing PFAS contamination in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Typical hiring salary for this part-time, 20 hours per week, soft-money funded position is $33,150 commensurate with qualifications and experience. Funding for this position is currently available for 31 months and is contingent upon continued external funding. This role may transition to full-time (40 hrs/week) if supplemental grant funding is secured.
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.
About Cooperative Extension:
Cooperative Extension is the doorway to UMaine expertise. For over 100 years, Extension has been putting university research to work in homes, businesses, farms, and communities - in every corner of Maine. These educational efforts focus on the Maine Food System and Positive Youth Development through 4-H programs. In addition to state offices in Orono, there is a network of county-based offices staffed by experts who provide practical, locally-based solutions for farmers, small business owners, kids, parents, consumers, and many others. Cooperative Extension strives to be an equitable, sustainable, purposeful and enjoyable place to work. We are interested in candidates who can contribute diverse experiences and perspectives to the department and campus.
The University of Maine System provides a highly competitive benefits package that includes: holidays, vacation and sick time; health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short and long term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employee and eligible dependents; a 403(b) retirement plan; and more.
Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing UMaine is quality of life. From harbors overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to Baxter Peak, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Maine offers a myriad of natural beauty and landscapes perfect for outdoor adventures. About 90% of the state is forested with 3,500 miles of shoreline. Residents living in Maine experience all four seasons; including cold and snowy winters, short and beautiful summers, and incredible foliage changes in the fall. Forestry, agriculture, tourism and, of course, lobsters play a large role in Maine's economy. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic and a reasonable cost of living make Maine a wonderful place to live.
Qualifications:
Required:
- A completed Ph.D. degree in environmental science or related field, by date of hire.
- Relevant research experience and/or strong interest in the project.
- Strong research profile in the applications of machine learning, artificial intelligence, multi-objective optimization, spatiotemporal modeling, and processing of satellite and high-frequency flux tower (eddy covariance) data as demonstrated by publication in top peer-reviewed journals.
Strong data-driven and process-based modeling and data analysis skills and proficiency with JMP, ArcGIS, and STELLA.
- Effective interpersonal, technical writing, and oral communication skills.
- Experience in a variety of delivery methods to disseminate research-based information.
- Proven ability to achieve goals and manage multiple tasks.
- Ability to work both independently and effectively with others in a team environment.
- Valid driver's license.
Preferred:
- Research specialization in simulations of biogeochemical cycles under climate change.
- Experience in grant/proposal writing, managing, and administering research projects.
- Experience in teaching, supervising, and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Experience working with interdisciplinary project teams.
Other Information:
To be considered for this position you will need to "Apply" and upload the documentation listed below:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.
Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on August 8, 2025.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
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 non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, ..., TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. You may view the University's Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call ....