University of Maine Cooperative Extension · Maine · full-time · posted 15 days ago
Position: Assistant or Associate Extension Professor, PFAS and Environmental Contaminants Analytical Specialist, and PFAS Lab Director Salary: $85,000 to $90,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience Application deadline: 4:30 pm on October 11th, 2026 Anticipated start date: January 2027 JOB DESCRIPTION: 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. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Designs, implements, evaluates, and communicates to clients a Plan-of-Work that aligns with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension mission and addresses PFAS contamination in Maine agriculture and food systems, with emphasis on analytical testing capacity, applied research, community education, risk communication, and science-based decision support for affected farms and communities. Areas of potential focus include soil-to-plant transfer; mitigation and management strategies; data interpretation; and community and agriculture-facing Extension education. Oversees daily operations of UMaine's PFAS and Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory. Services will include PFAS analysis in water, soil, biosolids, plant tissue, animal tissue, forage, and other agricultural/environmental matrices. See full description for more. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL QUALIFICATIONS: 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. See full job description for more. Read full job description here: https://fa-ewca-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/3089/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share
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