Postdoctoral Research Associate

A postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Dr. Sampath Gunukula at the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI), University of Maine. The Gunukula lab conducts interdisciplinary research on sustainable biomass utilization, spanning feedstock preprocessing, biomass conversion, cellulose nanofibril (CNF) production, lignin fractionation and upgrading, and systems-level analysis through techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA).

This position focuses on evaluating integrated biorefinery pathways that convert low-value biomass into high-value products, combining process modeling, economic analysis, and environmental sustainability assessment. The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative environment with access to pilot-scale facilities and expertise in advanced materials and bioprocessing. Typical hiring salary for this soft-money funded position is up to $60,000 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. in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience in process simulation (e.g., Aspen Plus)
• Experience in TEA and/or LCA
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred: 

• Familiarity with biomass conversion
• Understanding of biorefinery systems and supply chains
• Exposure to macroeconomic or market analysis
• Interest or experience in teaching systems analysis
• Experience applying artificial intelligence or machine learning methods in techno-economic analysis (TEA) and/or life cycle assessment (LCA)
• Prior teaching or instructional experience, including mentoring or training undergraduate or graduate students
   

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.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening. 

 

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis 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, p