The Postdoctoral Extension Associate in PFAS Research and Outreach with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension will develop and lead research and educational outreach to address short- and long-term needs of farmers and other agricultural stakeholders impacted by PFAS contamination. Specific research projects will focus on soil to plant transfer of PFAS in forage crops and possible management and mitigation strategies. The selected candidate will coordinate research and field work, collect and analyze data, write technical reports, scientific journal articles, and Extension publications, and facilitate a farmer network. They will be mentored by Dr. Ellen Mallory (Extension Sustainable Agriculture Specialist and Professor) and collaborate closely with other faculty and staff at UMaine, state agencies, USDA Agricultural Research Service, and stakeholder groups to help build state and national capacity in addressing PFAS contamination in agriculture. Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $60,000 to $66,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. Complete Job Description (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qc6zSvT59X00oKNdHVIABx45ekR7fBXZ/view?usp=sharing) 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 (https://www.maine.edu/human-resources/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. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples. 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. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here (https://www.visitbangormaine.com/about-the-region/the-region-at-a-glance/) . UMaine Cooperative Extension (https://extension.umaine.edu/) is the doorway to UMaine expertise. For over 100 years, Extension has been putting university research to work in homes, businesses, farms, and communities — in every corner of Maine. In addition to state offices in Orono, there is a network of county-based offices staffed by experts who provide practical, locally based solutions for farmers, small business owners, kids, parents, consumers, and many others. Cooperative Extension strives to be an equitable, sustainable, purposeful and enjoyable place to work. We are interested in candidates who can contribute diverse experiences and perspectives to the department and campus. Qualifications: Required: + Ph.D. in plant science, soil science, environmental chemistry, or a related field by date of hire. + Relevant research experience and/or strong interest in the project. + Documented record of conducting high-quality, applied scientific research, demonstrated by publication in peer-reviewed journals, Extension-type fact sheets, and/or popular press. + Strong data analysis skills and proficiency with R or JMP. + Excellent interpersonal, technical writing, and public communication skills. + Experience in a variety of delivery methods to disseminate research-based information. + Proven ability to achieve goals and manage multiple tasks. + Ability to work both independently and effectively with others in a team environment. + Ability to collect research samples in the field under sometimes adverse environmental conditions. + Valid driver’s license (for at least 2 years). + Ability to lift 30 pounds frequently. Preferred: + Working knowledge of agriculture and crop/soil interactions. + 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. How to apply: To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below: 1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position 2.) a resume/curriculum vitae Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to 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 p.m. EST on February 17, 2025. For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Dr. Ellen Mallory, ellen.mallory@maine.edu. 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, 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.