Research Assistant

This is a research assistant position in the School of Biology and Ecology at the University of Maine with the Tan lab. Responsibilities focus primarily on activities of plant genetics and potato breeding projects at the University of Maine and as part of diploid potato breeding project, although the research assistant will perform duties pertaining to other grant funded projects. The research assistant conducts laboratory- and field-based scientific research following established protocols, organizes and manages data, gives presentations for scientific and lay audiences, and assists in preparing scientific publications. Much of these tasks are completed in coordination with other members of the lab, including a Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Associate and faculty supervisors. Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $35,000 to $37,000 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: 

• Typically has the education associated with a bachelor’s degree in biology, plant sciences, biological sciences, botany, or other related field, and at least one year of molecular biology, plant care, and greenhouse experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience conducting laboratory and field work.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in teams with students, research associates, and the faculty supervisor.

Preferred:

• Previous experience in microscopy, histology and cytology in preparation of chromosome spreads from roots, and meiotic spreads from plant germlines.
• Previous experience in molecular biology such as nucleic acid extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, data analysis and microscopy techniques.
• Previous experience conducting research involving potato breeding, including plant tissue culture, greenhouse maintenance, perform inter-crossing to generate true potato seed and associated field work.
   

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 22, 2026.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair E. Han Tan.
 
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.