Postdoctoral Research Associate (id:83579)
Orono
School of Forest Resources - OFORM
UMPSA
N/A
Orono ME
The University of Maine seeks a post-doctoral researcher to join the BioEnergy Lab, led by Dr. Ling Li, for projects related to developing nanocellulose based membrane materials for moisture management and energy saving in wood drying and wood building systems. Our work on nanocellulose based composite materials is executed in partnership with the Laboratory of Renewable Nanomaterials (led by Dr. Mehdi Tajvidi) in the School of Forest Resource (SFR), the USDA Forest Products Laboratory (Dr. Jinwu Wang), and a local industrial partner. Together, our group's studies cover both basic science (e.g., the fundamentals of nanocellulose structure and their effects on vapor and gas diffusion and transfer in nanocellulose films and nanocellulose modified polymer composites) and applied science on the manufacturing processing of the lab-scale composite membrane module and testing its performance. The nature of our work is grounded in participatory action research (PAR), meaning that we work closely with forest and bioproduct communities to develop and execute research projects that are meaningful and usable. Typical hiring salary for this soft-money funded, fixed-length position is $50,000.
Complete Job Description
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. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.
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. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here .
Required:
- A recent Ph.D. degree, granted no later than 2021, in bioproducts engineering, wood science, polymer science, chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field
- Basic working knowledge of wood drying process and moisture transfer in film materials
- Practical experience with the synthesis of PDMS-based membranes modified by cellulose nanomaterials
- Experience with mass transfer and simulation using finite element analysis software, such as COMSOL
- Experience with nanocellulose modification and characterization of nanocellulose materials and polymers using advanced analytical techniques, such as SEM, TMA, DMA, DSC, FT-IR, XRD
- Prior history and success with publishing peer-reviewed journal articles and/or securing external funding
Preferred:
- Demonstrated ability to organize data and project metadata
- Advanced oral and written communication skills
- An interest in science communication and working with stakeholders
Materials must be submitted via "Apply For Position" below. You will need to create a profile and application; upload:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
3.) contact information for three professional references
You will also need to submit the affirmative action survey, the self-identification of disability form, and the self-identification of veteran status forms. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
Search Timeline is as follows:
Review of applications to begin: December 19, 2023
Interviews to begin no earlier than: December 20, 2023
Tentative start date: January 2, 2024
For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Dr. Mehdi Tajvidi at [email protected] or 207-581-2852.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds 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, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
Fiscal Year (12 Months)
Cover Letter, References, Resume/CV