About this role

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (CMBG) and the University of Maine’s School of Food and Agriculture (UMaine) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in Aquatic Phytoremediation and Plant Biology. The successful candidate will assist in leading research evaluating native aquatic vascular plants for their capacity to bioaccumulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from impacted surface waters within agroecosystems in Maine. This role bridges field plant identification and inventory, greenhouse propagation, agroecology, and analytical testing to evaluate the ecological restoration and phytoremediation potential of native aquatic plant species. Work will occur both at CMBG and UMaine. Funding is for one year with the expectation of continuation for 1-2 additional years and part of a continuing Cooperative Agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. Typical hiring range for this soft-money, fixed-length position is $50,000 to $55,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Key Requirements

Required:
Ph.D. in Botany, Aquatic Ecology, Plant Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
Hands-on experience in plant propagation and maintenance and greenhouse experimentation.
Knowledge in contaminant dynamics, environmental chemistry, or phytoremediation.
Valid driver's license and willingness to perform field sampling in diverse aquatic environments.
Prior experience working with PFAS or other environmental contaminants.
Demonstrated experience in aquatic plant taxonomy, identification, and field collection protocols.
Strong track record of experimental design and data analysis and interpretation.
Preferred:
Prior experience working with PFAS or other environmental contaminants.
Demonstrated experience in aquatic plant taxonomy, identification, and field collection protocols.
Strong track record of experimental design and data analysis and interpretation.