Cooks/Chefs (Seasonal)

Schoodic Institute seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead a test of Assisted Phenological Migration, a novel, climate-adapted strategy for managing invasive shrubs in and around Acadia National Park. This full-time, three-year position will help us in our mission of inspiring science, learning, and community for a changing world. Job Title Postdoctoral Researcher – Invasive Shrub Ecology (1 position) Supervisor Chris Nadeau, PhD, Senior Climate Change Adaptation Scientist Work Location Primarily in-person at Schoodic Institute and surrounding field sites in and around Acadia National Park, with a remote option outside the active field season. Dates Three-year position starting no later than early March 2027; an earlier start is welcome. Initial one-year appointment, renewable annually based onsatisfactory performance.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Postdoctoral Researcher will have primary responsibility for the project, including the design and implementation of field and potted-plant experiments, the formation and coordination of a regional advisory group of invasive species managers, and the publication of results in peer-reviewed journals. The successful applicant will work with the Wild Acadia team, a partnership of Schoodic Institute, the National Park Service, and Friends of Acadia that is recognized for its leadership in the coproduction of science and climate change adaptation. The project will address an important gap in the scientific literature and will inform the management of invasive shrubs in protected areas throughout the northeastern United States. Invasive shrubs are among the costliest conservation problems in the eastern United States, and managed sites are often reinvaded within a year. Many invasive shrubs leaf out earlier in spring or hold their leaves later in fall than native shrubs. However, it is unclear whether this gives them a fitness advantage. This project will fill that knowledge gap while testing a novel, climate-adapted management strategy: Assisted Phenological Migration (APM). APM involves planting native shrubs from southern sources, which also have longer leaf‑on periods, to compete with invasive shrubs.The postdoc will launch two experiments beginning in late spring 2027:

1. Field shade experiment: tests whether invasive shrubs gain a fitness advantage from their extended leaf‑on phenology.
2. Potted-plant experiment: tests whether native shrubs from southern sources compete more strongly with invasive shrubs than locally sourced native shrubs.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS AND COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt, benefits eligible position with Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park in Winter Harbor, Maine. Remote work is possible from December through March, but local residency is required from early spring through late fall to manage on-site experiments during the active field season. Schoodic Institute offers a generous employee compensation package for this full-time, year-round, non-exempt, benefits eligible position. Salary: $63,000 per year, commensurate with experience, future salary increases are subject to performance reviews. Benefits: Health insurance, retirement savings with employer match, paid vacation, 11 paid holidays, personal/sick leave, employer-paid basic life insurance, monthly cell phone allowance, and professional development opportunities. *Housing is not provided. Required PhD in ecology, plant biology, conservation biology, or a related field, completed by the start date. Experience designing and carrying out plant ecology field experiments. Strong quantitative skills, including data analysis in R. Valid driver’s license. Ability to work independently and manage a multi-year project. Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with scientists and land managers. Preferred Experience with plant phenology, invasive species, restoration, or assisted migration. Experience coproducing science with managers or other partners. A record of peer‑reviewed publications. Experience supervising or mentoring field staff, interns, or students.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications are due by December 7, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received, and the position may be filled before the deadline, so early applications are strongly encouraged.

ABOUT SCHOODIC INSTITUTE

Established in 2004, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Acadia National Park’s primary partner in science and education. Based in Winter Harbor, Maine, on Wabanaki homeland, Schoodic Institute is the largest of 17 National Park Service Research Learning Centers in the United States. Our mission is inspiring science, learning, and community for a changing world. Schoodic Institute’s focus is understanding environmental change taking place in Acadia and beyond, and helping land managers respond and adapt to change. Open year-round, our 100-acre campus hosts groups of up to 150 people and offers classrooms, lab space, overnight accommodations, dining, meeting space, and a 124-seat auditorium where we bring people together for immersive educational and professional development opportunities. Wild Acadia is a partnership of Friends of Acadia, Acadia National Park, and Schoodic Institute that helps the park’s ecosystems withstand climate-driven stresses such as invasive species, drought, and severe storms. Rather than trying to restore past conditions, Wild Acadia tests forward-looking management approaches, from summit and wetland restoration to new tools for invasive species management. Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park is committed to increasing diversity in environmental science, education, conservation, and hospitality. We are highly collaborative, inclusive, and committed to a team environment that is safe and free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Team members are encouraged to share ideas, enthusiasm, and knowledge with each other. Rapid environmental change demands a more diverse and skilled next generation of conservation champions, and we are committed to this workforce development. Schoodic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Schoodic Institute