Postdoctoral Research Associate

The NSF Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledge and Science (NSF CBIKS) is dedicated to developing methodologies that integrate Indigenous knowledge (IK) systems with Western scientific research, focusing on environmental variability, food systems, and cultural places. Knowledge transfer and exchange are key components of the NSF CBIKS mission to disseminate intellectual products broadly.

This Postdoctoral position is foundational to the NSF CBIKS knowledge transfer/exchange (KT/E) objectives, supporting efforts focused on strategic planning, relationship building, training, and needs assessment. The primary goal for this position to support and help facilitate knowledge exchange activities by developing and customizing trainings for Federal U.S. Government Agencies and Tribal entities. This position will emphasize ethical engagement practices, cross-knowledge communication, and the identification of gaps and opportunities that will inform future NSF CBIKS programming related to braided IK and Western science methodologies. Typical hiring salary for this soft-money funded position is up to $54,000 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. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field (e.g., Indigenous Studies, Environmental Studies, Historic Preservation, Science Communication or a related field focusing on Indigenous Knowledge systems) completed within the last five years.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum design, training module creation, and/or developing programmatic educational resources.
• Strong knowledge of, or experience with, Indigenous Knowledge systems, climate change, food systems, or cultural places.
• Demonstrated experience working with, or understanding of, U.S. Federal Agencies and government structures/policymaking processes as they relate to Tribal relationships/consultation/engagement.
• Excellent communication, organizational, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills necessary for professional relationship building with diverse partners (Federal/State agencies, Tribal governments, academic partners, community members).

Preferred:

• Experience specifically conducting or managing needs assessments or large-scale survey research related to policy, science, or community engagement.
• Familiarity with ethical research protocols concerning Indigenous communities, including concepts of Tribal sovereignty and data sovereignty.
• Experience using innovative knowledge transfer/exchange methods, such as workshop development and facilitation, storywork, comics, theater, art, or language.
• Familiarity with the mission and objectives of the National Science Foundation (NSF).
   

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 March 31, 2026.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Bonnie Newsom.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.