Scientific Research Assistant - Two Positions

 

Position is available to employees of the Associated C.O.L.T. Staff of the University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias from 07/31/2025 through 08/06/2025 and open to additional internal applicants thereafter.

 

 

To support the forest entomology monitoring and management programs by predominantly serving as a processing assistant in the Spruce Budworm Processing Lab. Funding is currently available for 9 months for this soft-money funded, seasonal position with a 9-month work year (mid-August through mid-May), with extension potential contingent on funding and successful performance. Full-time, 9-month work year (August 15th - May 15th), soft-money funded position, 40 hours per week, 5 days per week. Normal daily work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position pays $17.41/hour, or applicable transfer rate in accordance with the ACSUM collective bargaining agreement. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs chemical process associated with branch/larval sampling 
• Collects or picks up field samples from other areas in the state and region 
• Follows proper chemical lab safety procedures
• Data entry
• Cleans and organizes lab facilities, equipment, and supplies
• Occasional oversight of undergraduate workers
• Performs other related duties as required
• Assists with field and lab experiments associated with the spruce budworm lab and the Forest Entomology research lab

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 high school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. and one year related experience. 
• Prior chemical lab experience
• The position requires a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• The successful applicant must be able to work under field conditions with sometimes adverse weather conditions and biting insects, and sometimes alone
• The applicant will need to lift weights up to 30 lbs
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks

Preferred:

• A B.S. or B.A. degree in a related area of science
• Entomology coursework or training, particularly regarding insect identification
   

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 August 15, 2025.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Angela Mech at angela.mech@maine.edu or 207-581-2984.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening. 

In complying with the letter and spirit o