Postdoctoral Research Associate – Thermal Mapping

The postdoctoral associate will conduct research collecting and/or using thermal imagery data to inform the movement ecology of aquatic species. Specific work will focus on the Piscataquis River through thermal mapping in conjunction with habitat availability and connectivity assessments, including ongoing research on Atlantic salmon and brook trout. The incumbent will work with the regional managers, Tribal partners, NGOs, and other researchers to continue technological exchange and develop collaborative research.

The incumbent will also assist with other projects to provide research support for the PIs.

Typical hiring salary for this soft‑money funded position is $65,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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.

Required:

• PhD in an analytical field (Wildlife Ecology, Landscape Management, Forestry, Computer Science, etc.) conferred by date of hire.
• Ability to conduct applied research on the landscape ecology of wildlife.
• Proven success in seeing projects through from start to finish.
• Expertise in study design, data collection, and qualitative and quantitative analysis relevant to understanding the ecological processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective part of a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience in thermal imagery and in aquatic systems.
• Demonstrated experience in large-scale data management, which may include spatial modeling, expertise in R, Python, GIS, or other platforms.
• Expertise in study design, data collection, and qualitative and quantitative analysis relevant to understanding the ecological processes, particularly with thermal patterns.

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

• a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
• a resume / curriculum vitae
• Transcripts

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 January 15, 2026.

For questions about the search, please contact the search committee chair Joseph Zydlewski. The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

The University of Maine System is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender,…