PFAS Analytical Laboratory Professional

University of Maine; 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 help establish and support one of Maine's leading analytical laboratories focused on PFAS and other environmental contaminants. This role offers exposure to state-of-the-art instrumentation and data quality in service of Maine's agricultural communities and public health.

Working alongside the PFAS Lab Director, you will produce high-quality analytical data, maintain

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 experience 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 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 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 and data production.
• Collaborate with PFAS Lab Director, researchers, and partners to address environmental challenges.
• Maintain laboratory operations and ensure high-quality data.
• Work with university researchers, government agencies, and other partners.
• Contribute to applying analytical chemistry to solve real-world problems.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Team supervision

Communication

Organizational skills

Biosafety compliance

Data interpretation

Independent/team work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry/biology/environmental science

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Google Drive

OneDrive

Salesforce

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. If you are passionate about analytical chemistry, laboratory excellence, and applying science to solve real-world problems. 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:

• Bachelor’s degreein 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:

• Master’s degreein 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:

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requestedto provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

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.