Assistant or Associate Extension Professor and PFAS Lab Director

University of Maine; Orono (ME); On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension seeks an accomplished scientist and collaborative leader to establish and grow the PFAS analytical and Extension program, building a state-of-the-art laboratory and working with producers, researchers, and policymakers to address Maine's PFAS challenges.

The successful candidate will translate environmental science into practical solutions that strengthen Maine's agricultural and food systems, combining scientific excellence with public engagement

Qualifications

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Soil Science, Environmental Science or closely related field by date of hire.
• Approximately 5 years of PFAS analysis or related work.
• Experience with LC-MS/MS analysis, data interpretation, troubleshooting, instrument maintenance, and vendor coordination.

Responsibilities

• Establish and grow the PFAS analytical and Extension program.
• Direct a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory.
• Translate environmental science into practical solutions for farmers and policymakers.
• Engage with agricultural producers, researchers, and stakeholders to address PFAS challenges.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Public engagement

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

LC-MS/MS

Budget management systems

Job description

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is seeking an accomplished scientist and collaborative leader to establish and grow the University's PFAS analytical and Extension program. This is a unique opportunity to build research capacity, direct a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory, and work alongside agricultural producers, researchers, and policymakers to address the evolving challenges of PFAS contamination in Maine. The successful candidate will combine scientific excellence with a commitment to public engagement, using applied research and Extension education to translate complex environmental science into practical solutions that strengthen Maine's agricultural and food systems. Typical hiring range for this position is $85,000 to $90,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctorate degree in the area of, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field, by date of hire.
• Approximately 5 years of experience in PFAS analysis, pesticide residue analysis, or similar work.
• Demonstrated experience with LC-MS/MS analysis, data interpretation, troubleshooting, instrument maintenance, and vendor/service coordination.
• Demonstrated experience managing annual laboratory budgets, fiscal-year planning, recharge/service-center operations, procurement, service contracts, cost recovery, and financial reporting.
• Documented record of conducting high-quality, applied scientific research, demonstrated by publication in peer-reviewed journals and/or popular press.
• Experience supervising, training, and evaluating technical staff, research staff, students, postdoctoral researchers, and/or laboratory analysts.
• Experience in writing and maintaining standard operating procedures.
• Experience analyzing PFAS or trace organic contaminants in environmental and/or agricultural matrices such as drinking water, groundwater, wastewater, soil, biosolids, sediment, plant tissue, forage, food crops, animal tissue, or related samples.
• Knowledge of current and emerging issues, practices, and trends in the PFAS analytical methods field.
  Demonstrated experience in managing the financial aspects of a fee-for-service lab and creating a sustainable annual budget.
• Demonstrated computer and educational technology skills including creating and maintaining analytical database systems.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate clear goals.
• Demonstrated experience with applied research and community needs assessments.
• Excellent interpersonal, technical writing, and public communication skills.
• Ability to creatively solve problems and manage conflicts within groups.

PREFERRED:

• Experience working in an accredited, regulated, service-center, or compliance-driven analytical laboratory.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems, sample tracking software, electronic data deliverables, or analytical data management platforms.
• Experience with automated SPE systems, automated extraction systems, LC-MS/MS troubleshooting, instrument maintenance, and vendor/service coordination.
• Experience communicating PFAS analytical results to non-specialist audiences, including farmers, agency partners, community members, and decision makers.
• Experience building partnerships with state agencies, federal agencies, agricultural organizations, commodity groups, or affected communities.
• Experience with Cooperative Extension educational program development, delivery and evaluation.
• 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.
• Proficiency with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, as well as Google Drive and document management software.

Application deadline: 4:30 pm EST on October 11th, 2026.