Position is available to employees of the Associated C.O.L.T. Staff of the University of Maine from 05/25/2023 through 05/31/2023 and open to external applicants thereafter.

The Scientific Research Specialist CL2 with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension will be responsible for coordinating field and laboratory work associated with UMaine Tick Lab. The position is expected to work collaboratively with faculty, professional and classified staff to aid in the research of ticks and tick-borne pathogens including both field surveillance and molecular diagnostic testing as needed. Full-time, regular position, 40 hours per week, 5 days per week. Daily work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position pays $19.02/hr.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the fieldwork efforts of the UMaine Tick Lab
• Oversee the collection of field specimens and the use of proper documentation for all collected samples, as well as the organization of samples at the DRL
• Maintain inventory of equipment and supplies needed for fieldwork to ensure that field crews are adequately supplied to complete their assigned duties
• Assign and oversee the daily fieldwork activities of undergraduate and graduate students as well as temporary employees
• Write work instructions for fieldwork and conduct fieldwork trainings
• Conduct safety checks with all field crews to ensure they safely reach and leave their assigned destinations
• Inspect vehicles before being sent out for fieldwork to ensure they are adequately supplied and safe to use
• Contact landowners to obtain permission to conduct fieldwork activities on private property and state owned property
• Work with the Tick Lab Coordinator to ensure all needed permits are in place for current and upcoming projects
• Provide support to the DNA/PCR laboratory and other laboratories within the DRL as required
• Follow all Standard Operating Procedures and safety protocols for conducting molecular testing including any required trainings and certifications 
• Assist the Tick Lab staff with receiving, identifying, and testing tick specimens collected from fieldwork as well as submissions from the general public
• Complete DNA and RNA extractions as well as PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR assays on a variety of biological materials
• Prepare samples for and complete DNA sequencing using Sanger and next-generation methodologies
• Monitor and maintain inventory of supplies, equipment, and reagents
• Organize and maintain sample and specimen inventories

General Duties:

• Assist with project method development and trouble-shooting
• Compile reports as requested
• Coordinate and assist with diverse project teams
• Develop and maintain professional relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and respect
• Commit to organizational improvement by identifying opportunities to improve and recommending possible alternatives for a situation
• Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned

This position will be based in the Diagnostic and Research Laboratory (DRL) in Orono, Maine. Activities include those listed above, in a laboratory/indoor setting as well as in-the-field/outdoor setting. 

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.

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in biology, ecology or closely related discipline
• Experience conducting research fieldwork, particularly related to ticks and small mammals
• Minimum of 1.5 years experience working with molecular diagnostic technologies including DNA/RNA extraction/purification and quantitative real-time PCR
• Familiarity with Cooperative Extension and its diagnostic services
• Demonstrated management and organizational skills
• Experience conducting laboratory safety training
• Demonstrated experience in prioritizing and managing a workload of testing procedures and samples 
• Collaborative work skills with colleagues 
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in an autonomous work environment as well work effectively as part of a team, and able to achieve and document measurable results
• Work schedule flexibility depending upon the needs of clients

Preferred:

• Knowledge of University of Maine Cooperative Extension and its educational programs
• Experience with Cooperative Extension’s diagnostic services
• Experience with GPS and GIS
• Experience with the analysis of DNA sequence data
• Experience working with diverse audiences; knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion; and understanding of equal opportunity, affirmative action and civil rights policies.

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: June 5, 2023
Interviews to begin no earlier than: June 8, 2023
Tentative start date: June 19, 2023

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair: Tom Rounsville (thomas.rounsville@maine.edu)

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).