PFAS Analytical Laboratory Professional

University-of-Main; Orono (ME); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is seeking a detail-oriented PFAS Analytical Laboratory Research Professional to establish and support one of Maine's leading analytical laboratories focused on PFAS and other environmental contaminants.

This role offers collaboration with state-of-the-art instrumentation and engagement with university researchers, government agencies, and partners to benefit Maine's agricultural communities and public health.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a relevant field by date of hire.
• 3–5 years of experience in an analytical laboratory and preparing solid and aqueous samples.
• Demonstrates analytical experience with data analysis and interpretation.
• Ability to solve problems and troubleshoot.
• Experience supervising student workers and training graduate students.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and manage multiple tasks.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to follow protocols precisely and maintain compliance with biosafety, contamination control, and regulatory standards.
• Demonstrated computer skills.
• Ability to work both independently and effectively with others in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Establish and support PFAS analytical laboratory operations.
• Collaborate with university researchers, government agencies, and partners to address environmental challenges.
• Produce high-quality analytical data and maintain laboratory operations.
• Assist in data management and interpretation to support research.
• Support training and supervision of student workers and graduate students.

Skills

Analytical lab experience

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Supervising students

Communication skills

Project management

Attention to detail

Biosafety compliance

Computer skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

PFAS analysis

Instrumentation experience

Job description

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative PFAS Analytical Laboratory Research Professional to help establish and support one of Maine's leading analytical laboratories focused on PFAS and other environmental contaminants. This position offers the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art instrumentation while supporting research that directly benefits Maine's agricultural communities, natural resources, and public health. Working alongside the PFAS Lab Director, the successful candidate will play an essential role in producing high-quality analytical data, maintaining laboratory operations, and collaborating with university researchers, government agencies, and other partners to address a significant environmental challenge.

Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $55,000 to $60,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Who We Are:

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has been a vital resource for over 100 years, connecting communities with university research to improve lives across the state. Our focus areas include the Maine Food System and Positive Youth Development through 4-H programs, delivered by a network of experts based in county offices statewide.

We pride ourselves on being an equitable, sustainable, and enjoyable workplace, and we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences. We also believe in work and life balance and offer benefits to support you. Learn more about our mission and work at extension.umaine.edu.

About the University of Maine:

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 System provides a highly competitive benefits package that includes: holidays, vacation and sick time; health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short and long term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employee and eligible dependents; a 403(b) retirement plan; and more.

Knowledge and Skill Qualifications We Are Looking For

Required:

These are required knowledge and skills so be sure that you demonstrate how you meet each one in your resume or cover letter.

• Bachelor’s degree in the area of chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a relevant field, by date of hire.
• 3-5 years of experience working in an analytical laboratory and experience preparing solid and aqueous samples for chemical analysis.
• Demonstrates analytical experience with data analysis and interpretation.
• Ability to solve problems and troubleshoot.
• Experience supervising student workers and training graduate students.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate clearly.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and manage multiple tasks.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to follow protocols precisely and maintain compliance with biosafety, contamination control, and regulatory standards.
• Demonstrated computer skills.
• Ability to work both independently and effectively with others in a team environment.

Preferred:

These are preferred knowledge and skills we are looking for but do not exclude you from the job if you don’t have this experience.

• Master’s degree in the area of chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a relevant field, by date of hire.
• Experience with PFAS analysis, pesticide residue analysis, or similar.
• Proficiency with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word, as well as Google Drive, One-Drive, Salesforce, or other document management software.

Benefits:

Benefits are an important part of your total compensation. The University of Maine System (UMS) strives to provide high-quality, affordable, family-friendly benefit options to meet the needs of our diverse workforce. We offer an excellent benefits package that includes paid time off (holidays, vacation and sick), health, dental, vision and life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, a tuition waiver program for eligible employees and dependents, a 403(b) retirement plan and more.

Other Information:

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 pm on October 2, 2026. For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair: Lindsey Pollard, [e-mail]. 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 non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.