The Postdoctoral Extension Associate in PFAS Research and Outreach with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension will join a collaborative PFAS team that includes UMaine Cooperative Extension and the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station focused on PFAS and Maine agriculture. The postdoctoral extension associate in this position will develop and lead research and educational outreach that directly addresses the short- and long-term needs of farmers and other agricultural stakeholders impacted by PFAS contamination including PFAS transport through agricultural systems and possible mitigation options. They will do so in collaboration with other faculty and staff in both Cooperative Extension and in the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station, state agencies, and stakeholder groups to help build statewide capacity in addressing PFAS contamination in agriculture. The position is soft-money funded for two years. Typical hiring range is $55,000 to $60,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Complete Job Description

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.

Employees in the University of Maine System are required to comply with UMS COVID protocols which currently include, but are not limited to, being vaccinated, obtaining a qualified vaccination exemption, and/or participating in regular COVID testing. Further information can be found on our Together for Maine website.

Required:  

• Ph.D as appropriate in plant, soil or environmental science by date of hire.
• Knowledge of current and emerging issues, practices, and trends in the relevant field.
• Proven ability to achieve goals and manage multiple tasks.
• Documented record of conducting high-quality, applied scientific research, demonstrated by publication in peer-reviewed journals, Extension-type fact sheets, and popular press.
• Excellent interpersonal, technical writing, and public communication skills.
• Experience in a variety of delivery methods to disseminate research-based information.
• Proficiency with word processing, data management, and statistical computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, as well as Google Drive and document management software. 
• Ability to work both independently and effectively with others in a team environment.
• Valid driver’s license (at least 2 years).
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.

Preferred:

• Experience with Cooperative Extension educational program development, delivery and evaluation. 
• Demonstrated experience with community needs assessments.
• Experience in grant writing and the financial management of grant funds. 
• Experience working with diverse audiences; knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion; and understanding of equal opportunity, affirmative action and civil rights policies.
• Successful supervisory experience.

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: April 17, 2023
Screening interviews to begin no earlier than: May 1, 2023
On-site interviews to begin no earlier than: May 15, 2023
Tentative start date: July 1, 2023

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 nondiscrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5748 Boudreau Hall, Room 101, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207-581-1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).