Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the role

The Postdoctoral Research Associate position supports an early-career researcher who has recently completed a doctoral degree and is pursuing a long-term career in research. The postdoctoral associate will conduct independent and collaborative research within the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) and affiliated University of Maine academic departments, contributing to interdisciplinary projects focused on advanced biobased materials and sustainable composite technologies. The position emphasizes advanced research training, professional development, and scholarly productivity.

The role is a fixed-term appointment with an educational and training focus, intended to prepare the individual for independent research roles in academia, national laboratories, or industry.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute original research.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to the development of competitive research proposals.
• Collaborate with faculty, research staff, and graduate and undergraduate students.
• Mentor students in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication.
• Develop expertise in research leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and grant writing while supporting the research mission of ASCC.

Qualifications

Required

• PhD in Wood Science & Engineering, Paper Science & Engineering, Forest Resources, Materials Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline completed within the last 3 years.
• Prior graduate coursework or research in a related discipline.
• Proven publication record, including at least one first-author article published in a high-impact (IF > 10) peer-reviewed journal.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred

• Ability to work with and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Ability to set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines.
• Currently residing in the U.S. with the ability to relocate to Maine.

Pay

Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $60,000 to $70,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• Tuition benefits (employee and dependent).
• Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability.
• Retirement plan options.

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.

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. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.