What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Associate position at University of Maine?

This position will support innovation in cellulose nanofiber (CNF) production, rheology, and advanced manufacturing, as part of the Maine-FOREST initiative to develop processing-structure-property relationships for CNF-based products. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the development of scalable CNF technologies and biobased materials with applications in sustainable packaging, bio-composites, and 3D printing. This role involves conducting cutting-edge research at the intersection of materials science, AI-informed modeling, and sustainable product development, helping position Maine as a global leader in CNF-based innovation. Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $50,000 to $60,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Complete Job Description

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 Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Forest Products, or a closely related field.
Research experience in establishing processing-structure-property relationships for composites.
Strong background in experimental methods and/or computational modeling, particularly in materials testing and/or process simulation.
Strong background in microscopy and imaging.
Demonstrated ability to prepare scientific manuscripts and presentations.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across disciplines.

Preferred:

Research experience with lignocellulosic materials, nanocellulose, or biocomposite materials.
Experience with AI/ML tools applied to materials science or manufacturing.
Familiarity with CNF/LCNF production, rheology, or their integration into biobased products.
Experience in additive manufacturing or sustainable product design.
Experience in laser-based imaging.
Ability to work in a dynamic research environment with academic and industry partners.

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 7, 2025.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Colleen Walker at colleen.walker@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.

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000

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