The Postdoctoral Research Associate position is designed to support an early-career researcher who has recently completed a doctoral degree and is pursuing a long-term career in research. The postdoctoral associate will conduct independent and collaborative research within the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) and affiliated University of Maine academic departments, contributing to interdisciplinary projects focused on advanced biobased materials and sustainable composite technologies.
The position emphasizes advanced research training, professional development, and scholarly productivity. The postdoctoral associate is expected to design and execute original research, analyze and interpret experimental data, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to the development of competitive research proposals. The role also includes active collaboration with faculty, research staff, and graduate and undergraduate students, as well as mentoring students in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication.
Under the guidance of a designated UMaine faculty mentor, the postdoctoral associate will further develop expertise in research leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and grant writing while supporting the research mission of ASCC. This position is a fixed-term appointment with an educational and training focus, intended to prepare the individual for independent research roles in academia, national laboratories, or industry. Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $60,000 to $70,000 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:
- PhD in Wood Science & Engineering, Paper Science & Engineering, Forest Resources, Materials Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline completed within the last 3 years.
- Prior graduate coursework or research in a related discipline.
- Proven publication record, including at least one first-author article published in a high-impact (IF > 10) peer-reviewed journal.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Preferred:
- Ability to work with and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
- Ability to set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines.
- Currently residing in the U.S. with the ability to relocate to Maine
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 April 24, 2026.
For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Dr. Xuefeng Zhang, 662-617-1010 or Kimberly Scribner, 207-581-2117.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
Skills Required
- PhD in Wood Science & Engineering, Paper Science & Engineering, Forest Resources, Materials Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline completed within the last 3 years.
- Prior graduate coursework or research in a related discipline.
- Proven publication record, including at least one first-author article published in a high-impact (IF > 10) peer-reviewed journal.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work with and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
- Ability to set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines.
- Currently residing in the U.S. with the ability to relocate to Maine.
What We Do
UMS Group is an international utility management consulting firm that helps utilities enhance operational performance management practices, processes, tools, and technology. Specializing in technical and commercial asset management, the company serves clients across power generation, industry, gas and electricity transmission, water, rail, and public transport sectors to ensure they achieve the best possible value from their assets.
