Postdoctoral Research Associate
About the role
The Postdoctoral Research Associate position is designed to support 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 postdoctoral associate is expected to design and execute original research, analyze and interpret experimental data, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to the development of competitive research proposals.
The role also includes active collaboration with faculty, research staff, and graduate and undergraduate students, as well as mentoring students in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication. Under the guidance of a designated UMaine faculty mentor, the postdoctoral associate will further develop expertise in research leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and grant writing while supporting the research mission of ASCC.
Responsibilities
- Conduct independent and collaborative research within the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) and affiliated University of Maine academic departments
- Design and execute original research
- Analyze and interpret experimental data
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals
- Contribute to the development of competitive research proposals
- Mentor students in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication
- Collaborate with faculty, research staff, and graduate and undergraduate students
Requirements
- 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
Qualifications
- 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
Benefits
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.
Pay
Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $60,000 to $70,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.