Assistant or Associate Extension Professor - PFAS Lab Director

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is seeking an accomplished scientist and collaborative leader to establish and grow the University's PFAS analytical and Extension program. This is a unique opportunity to build research capacity, direct a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory, and work alongside agricultural producers, researchers, and policymakers to address the evolving challenges of PFAS contamination in Maine. The successful candidate will combine scientific excellence with a commitment to public engagement, using applied research and Extension education to translate complex environmental science into practical solutions that strengthen Maine's agricultural and food systems. Typical hiring range for this position is $85,000 to $90,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Complete Job Description

Who We Are: 

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has been a vital resource for over 100 years, connecting communities with university research to improve lives across the state. Our focus areas include the Maine Food System and Positive Youth Development through 4-H programs, delivered by a network of experts based in county offices statewide.

We pride ourselves on being an equitable, sustainable, and enjoyable workplace, and we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences. We also believe in work and life balance and offer benefits to support you. Learn more about our mission and work at extension.umaine.edu.

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 System provides a highly competitive benefits package that includes: holidays, vacation and sick time; health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short and long term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employee and eligible dependents; a 403(b) retirement plan; and more. 

Knowledge and Skill Qualifications We Are Looking For:

Required:

These are required knowledge and skills so be sure that you demonstrate how you meet each one in your resume or cover letter. 

• Doctorate degree in the area of, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field, by date of hire.
• Approximately 5 years of experience in PFAS analysis, pesticide residue analysis, or similar work.
• Demonstrated experience with LC-MS/MS analysis, data interpretation, troubleshooting, instrument maintenance, and vendor/service coordination.
• Demonstrated experience managing annual laboratory budgets, fiscal-year planning, recharge/service-center operations, procurement, service contracts, cost recovery, and financial reporting.
• Documented record of conducting high-quality, applied scientific research, demonstrated by publication in peer-reviewed journals and/or popular press. 
• Experience supervising, training, and evaluating technical staff, research staff, students, postdoctoral researchers, and/or laboratory analysts.
• Experience in writing and maintaining standard operating procedures
• Experience analyzing PFAS or trace organic contaminants in environmental and/or agricultural matrices such as drinking water, groundwater, wastewater, soil, biosolids, sediment, plant tissue, forage, food crops, animal tissue, or related samples.
• Knowledge of current and emerging issues, practices, and trends in the PFAS analytical methods field.
• Demonstrated experience in managing the financial aspects of a fee-for-service lab and creating a sustainable annual budget.
• Demonstrated computer and educational technology skills including creating and maintaining analytical database systems.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate clear goals.
• Demonstrated experience with applied research and community needs assessments.
• Excellent interpersonal, technical writing, and public communication skills.
• Ability to creatively solve problems and manage conflicts within groups.

Preferred: 

These are preferred knowledge and skills we are looking for but do not exclude you from the job if you don’t have this experience.

• Experience working in an accredited, regulated, service-center, or compliance-driven analytical laboratory.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems, sample tracking software, electronic data deliverables, or analytical data management platforms.
• Experience with automated SPE systems, automated extraction systems, LC-MS/MS troubleshooting, instrument maintenance, and vendor/service coordination.
• Experience communicating PFAS analytical results to non-specialist audiences, including farmers, agency partners, community members, and decision makers.
• Experience building partnerships with state agencies, federal agencies, agricultural organizations, commodity groups, or affected communities.
• 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.
• Proficiency with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, as well as Google Drive and document management software. 

Benefits:

Benefits are an important part of your total compensation. The University of Maine System (UMS) strives to provide high-quality, affordable, family-friendly benefit options to meet the needs of our diverse workforce. We offer an excellent benefits package that includes paid time off (holidays, vacation and sick), health, dental, vision and life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, a tuition waiver program for eligible employees and dependents, a 403(b) retirement plan and more. 

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 pm on October 11th, 2026. 

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 and Title IX Services, 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.