Postdoctoral Research Associate

Location: Orono

Job Description

We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to join a collaborative, NSF-funded project investigating the mechanisms underlying the persistence of tundra plant relicts in Northeast alpine zones since regional deglaciation ~13,000 years ago. We seek a question-driven, big-picture thinker who works well in collaborative groups, and ideally has a background in either paleo ecology or plant population genetics. The postdoc will lead the analysis of ancient DNA reconstructions of long-term vegetation records from alpine lakes in the Adirondacks (NY), the White Mountains (NH), the Green Mountains (VT), and Maine.

The chosen candidate will have the opportunity to develop and pursue questions of interest related to project themes and to contribute collaboratively with other team members, such as population genomic analyses of demographic history and adaptation. Our project not only has applications for understanding contemporary biodiversity patterns, but will also improve our understanding of how small, isolated populations persist in the face of global change.

This position will be based in the BEAST Lab (Biodiversity and Environments Across Space and Time) in the Climate Change Institute at the University of Maine, under the mentorship of PI Jacquelyn Gill. The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative team including Dudu Meireles (University of Maine), Caitlin McDonough Mackenzie (Bennington College), Stephen Keller (University of Vermont), Andrew Rominger (University of Hawaii), and Isaac Overcast (Columbia University).

The position is funded for up to three years (renewal after the first year is dependent upon progress). The University of Maine is a family-friendly R1 institution with a collegial environment. Close proximity to forests, mountains, rivers, and the ocean make the greater Bangor area a great place to live and work. Typical hiring salary for this soft-money funded position is $55,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Complete Job Description

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 .

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:

• PhD in biology, ecology, evolution, geography, Earth science, or a related discipline (candidates nearing completion will be considered but the PhD must be conferred before the start date)
• Demonstrated track record of publication in scientific journals
• Strong quantitative and programming skills

Preferred:

• Expertise in the community ecology, functional ecology, or molecular ecology of plants
• Experience with sediment-based paleo ecological reconstructions OR experience with population genomics and/or phylogeographic approaches to reconstructing past population dynamics of plants
• Familiarity with Arctic and/or alpine systems
• Curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn new approaches
• Ability to work in a collaborative team across disciplines

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 July 1, 2026. Start date is flexible, but no later than 01/01/2027

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Dr. Jacquelyn Gill.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

The…