Scientific Research Assistant - Two Positions

Job Description

To support the forest entomology monitoring and management programs by predominantly serving as a processing assistant in the Spruce Budworm Processing Lab. Funding is currently available for 9 months for this soft-money funded, seasonal position with a 9-month work year (September - May), with extension potential contingent on funding and successful performance. Full-time, 40 hours per week, 5 days per week within a Monday - Saturday schedule. This position pays $18.11/hour, or applicable transfer rate in accordance with the ACSUM collective bargaining agreement.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Performs chemical process associated with branch/larval sampling
• Collects or picks up field samples from other areas in the state and region
• Follows proper chemical lab safety procedures
• Data entry
• Cleans and organizes lab facilities, equipment, and supplies
• Occasional oversight of undergraduate workers
• Performs other related duties as required
• Assists with field and lab experiments associated with the spruce budworm lab and the Forest Entomology research lab

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 at umaine.edu.


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:

• Typically has the education associated with a high school diploma or equivalent G.E.D. and one year related experience
• Prior chemical lab experience
• The position requires a valid driver's license with a clean driving record
• The successful applicant must be able to work under field conditions with sometimes adverse weather conditions and biting insects, and sometimes alone
• The applicant will need to lift weights up to 30 lbs
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks

Preferred:

• A B.S. or B.A. degree in a related area of science
• Entomology coursework or training, particularly regarding insect identification

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 June 5, 2026.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Angela Mech.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening and post offer physical.


The University of Maine System (the 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, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at

Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. You may view the University's Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call View phone number on click.appcast.io.