Postdoctoral Associate in Aquatic Plant Phytoremediation

University of Maine; Orono (ME); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maine’s School of Food and Agriculture, in collaboration with Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in Aquatic Phytoremediation and Plant Biology.

The successful candidate will help lead research on bioaccumulation of PFAS by native aquatic plants in Maine, spanning field surveys, greenhouse propagation, and analytical testing, with annual funding for one year and potential extension.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field or closely related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with plant propagation and greenhouse work.
• Knowledge of contaminant dynamics, environmental chemistry, or phytoremediation.
• Willingness to perform field sampling in diverse aquatic environments.
• Experience with PFAS or environmental contaminants.
• Experience in aquatic plant taxonomy, identification, and field collection.

Responsibilities

• Lead research evaluating native aquatic vascular plants for PFAS bioaccumulation.
• Coordinate field identification and inventory of aquatic plants.
• Oversee greenhouse propagation and analytical testing.
• Collaborate with UMaine and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens teams.

Skills

Field sampling

Data analysis

Experimental design

Greenhouse propagation

PFAS knowledge

Aquatic plant taxonomy

Education

Ph.D. in Botany

Ph.D. in Aquatic Ecology

Ph.D. in Plant Biology

Ph.D. in Environmental Science

Job description

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (CMBG) and the University of Maine’s School of Food and Agriculture (UMaine) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in Aquatic Phytoremediation and Plant Biology. The successful candidate will assist in leading research evaluating native aquatic vascular plants for their capacity to bioaccumulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from impacted surface waters within agroecosystems in Maine. This role bridges field plant identification and inventory, greenhouse propagation, agroecology, and analytical testing to evaluate the ecological restoration and phytoremediation potential of native aquatic plant species. Work will occur both at CMBG and UMaine. Funding is for one year with the expectation of continuation for 1-2 additional years and part of a continuing Cooperative Agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. Typical hiring range for this soft-money, fixed-length position is $50,000 to $55,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Please review the Postdoctoral Associate in Aquatic Plant Phytoremediation job description for more information.

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. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu.

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefitsfor 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.

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.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Ph.D. in Botany, Aquatic Ecology, Plant Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience in plant propagation and maintenance and greenhouse experimentation.
• Knowledge in contaminant dynamics, environmental chemistry, or phytoremediation.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to perform field sampling in diverse aquatic environments.
• Prior experience working with PFAS or other environmental contaminants.
• Demonstrated experience in aquatic plant taxonomy, identification, and field collection protocols.
• Strong track record of experimental design and data analysis and interpretation.

Preferred:

• Prior experience working with PFAS or other environmental contaminants.
• Demonstrated experience in aquatic plant taxonomy, identification, and field collection protocols.
• Strong track record of experimental design and data analysis and interpretation.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, you are encouraged to contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

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.