What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Associate position at Maine's Public Universities?
The University of Maine seeks a post-doctoral researcher to join the Laboratory of Renewable Nanomaterials led by Dr. Mehdi Tajvidi, for projects related to scaling up hybrid molded fiber technology. The research will be executed in partnership with UMaine Process Development Center (led by Dr. Colleen Walker) and a local industrial partner. Together, our group's studies will cover both basic science (e.g., the fundamentals of hybrid molded fiber formation and properties) and applied science on the manufacturing processing from lab-scale to industrial scale. Typical hiring range for this position is $52,000 to $54,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Please review the Postdoctoral Research Associate 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 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:
- A recent Ph.D. degree, in bioproducts engineering, pulp and paper, wood science, polymer science, chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field by date of hire.
- Deep knowledge in thermoformed molded fiber processing, pulp refining, laboratory sample preparation, standard paper/cardboard testing, barrier chemistry, etc.
- Practical experience with cellulose nanomaterials (CNMs) used as barrier and binder
- Experience with CNM modification and characterization of CNM materials and polymers using advanced analytical techniques, such as SEM, TMA, DMA, DSC, FT-IR, XRD.
- Prior history and success with publishing peer-reviewed journal articles in the area of focus of the position and/or securing external funding.
- Advanced oral and written communication skills
- Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of hire.
- Valid driver's license and be eligible to be authorized and approved as a university driver based on the Driver Administration Policy.
Preferred:
- Demonstrated ability to organize large data sets and project metadata
- An interest in science communication and working with stakeholders
- Prior experience with industrial trials
- Experience with grant writing or raising external funds for scientific projects
Other Information:
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 November 16, 2026.
For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Dr. Mehdi Tajvidi, mehdi.tajvidi@maine.edu.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening and post offer physical.
Salary : $52,000 - $54,000