Assistant or Associate Extension Professor PFAS and Environmental Contaminants Analytical Specialist and PFAS Lab Director in University of Maine – Orono ME United States

Summary

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is seeking an Assistant or Associate Extension Professor to establish and grow its PFAS analytical and Extension program. This full-time, regular position involves directing a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory and working with agricultural producers, researchers, and policymakers on PFAS contamination. The role requires a doctorate in a relevant scientific field and approximately five years of experience in PFAS or similar trace organic contaminant analysis. The successful candidate will conduct applied research and Extension education to provide practical solutions for Maine's agricultural and food systems. The typical hiring range is $85,000 to $90,000. Applications, including a cover letter and resume/CV, must be submitted by October 11, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	UM Cooperative Extension
Position Type	Assistant or Associate Extension Professor
Discipline	Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Soil Science, Environmental Science
Research Area	PFAS and Environmental Contaminants Analytical Specialist
Degree Required	Doctorate degree
Experience	Approximately 5 years of experience in PFAS analysis, pesticide residue analysis or similar work
Salary	$85000 to $90000
Contract Duration	Regular
Deadline	2026-10-11
Employer Address	College Avenue Orono ME 04469 US
Employer Contact	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

About the Project

The successful candidate will establish and grow the University PFAS analytical and Extension program. This involves building research capacity, directing a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory, and collaborating with agricultural producers, researchers, and policymakers to address PFAS contamination in Maine. The role focuses on applied research and Extension education to translate complex environmental science into practical solutions that strengthen Maine's agricultural and food systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and grow the University PFAS analytical and Extension program
• Build research capacity
• Direct a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory
• Work alongside agricultural producers, researchers, and policymakers to address PFAS contamination
• Combine scientific excellence with a commitment to public engagement
• Use applied research and Extension education to translate complex environmental science into practical solutions
• Manage annual laboratory budgets, fiscal-year planning, recharge service-center operations, procurement, service contracts, cost recovery, and financial reporting
• Conduct high-quality applied scientific research
• Supervise, train, and evaluate technical staff, research staff, students, postdoctoral researchers, and/or laboratory analysts
• Write and maintain standard operating procedures
• Analyze PFAS or trace organic contaminants in environmental and/or agricultural matrices
• Manage the financial aspects of a fee-for-service lab and create a sustainable annual budget
• Conduct applied research and community needs assessments

Required Skills

• Doctorate degree in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Soil Science, Environmental Science or a closely related field
• 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
• 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
• Experience working in an accredited, regulated service-center or compliance-driven analytical laboratory (preferred)
• Experience with laboratory information management systems, sample tracking software, electronic data deliverables or analytical data management platforms (preferred)
• Experience with automated SPE systems, automated extraction systems, LC-MS/MS troubleshooting, instrument maintenance, and vendor service coordination (preferred)
• Experience communicating PFAS analytical results to non-specialist audiences (preferred)
• Experience building partnerships with state agencies, federal agencies, agricultural organizations, commodity groups or affected communities (preferred)
• Experience with Cooperative Extension educational program development, delivery, and evaluation (preferred)
• Experience in grant writing and the financial management of grant funds (preferred)
• Experience working with diverse audiences, knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and understanding of equal opportunity, affirmative action, and civil rights policies (preferred)
• Successful supervisory experience (preferred)
• Proficiency with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, as well as Google Drive and document management software (preferred)

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for an accomplished scientist and collaborative leader with a doctorate in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field. Candidates should have approximately five years of experience in PFAS or pesticide residue analysis, strong skills in LC-MS/MS analysis, laboratory budget management, and a documented record of high-quality applied scientific research. Experience in supervising technical staff, writing SOPs, and communicating scientific results to diverse audiences is also important. Individuals committed to public engagement and translating complex environmental science into practical solutions for agricultural and food systems are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Holidays
• Vacation time
• Sick time
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Tuition waiver program for employee and eligible dependents
• 403b retirement plan

About the Employer

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, focusing on the Maine Food System and Positive Youth Development through 4-H programs. The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students and 2,500 employees. It is a land, sea, and space grant university, the University of Maine System flagship institution, and a Carnegie R1 top-tier public research university dedicated to teaching, research, and service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this position?

The primary focus of this position is to establish and grow the University PFAS analytical and Extension program, addressing PFAS contamination in Maine through research and education.

What degree is required for this position?

A doctorate degree in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field is required.

What is the typical salary range for this position?

The typical hiring range for this position is $85,000 to $90,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants need to submit a cover letter and a resume/curriculum vitae. Candidates selected for later stages will be asked for references.

What is the application deadline?

For full consideration, application materials must be submitted by 4:30 pm on October 11th, 2026.

What kind of institution is the University of Maine?

The University of Maine is a land, sea, and space grant university, the flagship institution of the University of Maine System, and a Carnegie R1 top-tier public research university.