Postdoctoral Research Associate - Two Positions

University of Maine; Orono (ME); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maine in Orono, ME, invites applications for a soft-money, fixed-length research position to advance STREAM-based floodplain mapping using high-resolution elevation data and advanced modeling. You will work with a diverse team to generate defensible flood maps and support resilience planning across Maine.

Qualifications include a Ph.D. in relevant fields, strong data management and coding skills (Python/R), and GIS experience.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biological sciences, quantitative biological sciences, agroecology, hydrogeology, or related disciplines by date of hire.
• Experience with data management and coding in Python or R.
• Experience with GIS or similar spatial analysis software.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with researchers, graduate students, and partners at state and federal agencies to develop flood maps and support Maine flood resilience efforts.

Skills

Python

R

Data management

Communication

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

Ph.D. in biological sciences or related field

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Many communities across Maine lack mapped floodplains, particularly in rural or low-population areas where detailed hydrologic and hydraulic studies have not been conducted. These gaps in flood hazard data limit the ability of state and local agencies to assess flood risk, plan mitigation strategies, and support emergency management. The Simulation and Terrain-based River Elevation Advanced Mapping (STREAM) initiative proposes to use high resolution elevation data and advanced modeling techniques to calculate 100-year floodplain surfaces. This approach builds on successful applications of non-contact modeling workflows in other New England watersheds and will provide Maine with a cost-effective, scientifically defensible foundation for future floodplain management. The individuals selected for this soft-money, grant funded position, contingent on funding and successful performance, will collaborate with a team of researchers, graduate students, and partners at state and federal agencies to develop these flood maps and by doing so support state flood resilience efforts and initiatives. Current funding exists through 12/31/2027.

Typical hiring salary for this soft-money, fixed-length positions is $65,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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 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.

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 biological sciences, quantitative biological sciences, agroecology, hydrogeology, or related disciplines by date of hire
• Experience with data management and coding in Python or R
• Experience with GIS or similar spatial analysis software
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team

Preferred

• A strong publication record in topics related to this project.
• Experience with science communication and community engagement
• A high degree of organization and commitment to quality science

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, please 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.