Postdoctoral Research Associate Senator George J. Mitchell Center Sustainability Solutions

Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions
and the New England Sustainability Consortium

The New England Sustainability Consortium ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) has launched a new stakeholder-engaged, solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research program focused on the future of dams. Our research draws upon world-class faculty expertise at UNH, UMaine, URI, Keene State, USM, and RISD and builds on NEST’s experience in advancing the theory and practice of sustainability science. Using dams in New England as a model system, the team will examine the economic, technological, ecological, social, and political trade-offs associated with different kinds of dam decisions.

The team’s approach to problem solving is strongly dependent upon, and benefits from, the local knowledge and know-how of diverse stakeholders representing government, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations.

The Senator George J. Mitchell Center (umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/) at UMaine is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a deep commitment to stakeholder engaged, solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research to join the Maine team. The position may begin as early as Jan. 1, 2016.

Qualifications: Regardless of whether their primary training is in the natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, or some combination, interested candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to solve pressing problems using innovative methods (qualitative, quantitative, interdisciplinary, and/or engaged). Further, we seek a systems thinker who has experience with some form of collaborative modeling (participatory modeling or mapping, Bayesian techniques, etc.) and who demonstrates a willingness to learn outside of their primary research area.

Candidates must also demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies. A Ph.D. is required by the time of appointment.

Responsibilities: The responsibilities of the postdoctoral researcher include: engaging with both the research team and diverse stakeholders to align research with societal concerns and needs; assuming broad research responsibilities; participating in ongoing team research and project-wide research activities; preparing manuscripts for publication; presenting research findings at public and professional meetings; contributing to the development and implementation of curricula and mentoring programs for students;

mentoring graduate and undergraduate students; maintaining accurate records of research findings and the analysis of results.

How to Apply: It is recommended that applicants review project information on the NEST website before completing application materials (). A complete job description and online application is available on the University of Maine web site at  All applications must include the following materials for consideration:
1) A letter of interest (2-3 pages) that summarizes the candidate's research program, qualifications for the position, interests in sustainability science, and plans for addressing the position's responsibilities;
2) curriculum vitae;
3) copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts;
4) a sample of research (e.g., peer-reviewed publication); and
5) names and contact information of three professional references. Review of applications will begin October 1, 2015, and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.