Scientific Research Specialist CL2 – Tick Bourne Research Position Available In Penobscot, Maine

Scientific Research Specialist CL2 – Tick Bourne Research
Orono, ME, United States (On-site)

JOB INFO

Job Identification
1543
Job Category
Scientific Research
Posting Date
06/17/2025, 06:00 AM
Locations
College Avenue, Orono, ME, 04469, US
(On-site)
Business Unit
University of Maine
Job Schedule
Full time
Regular or Temporary
Regular
Department
UM Cooperative Extension
Bargaining Unit
Associated Clerical Office Laboratory Technical Staff of the Universities of Maine (ACSUM/COLT)

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Scientific Research Specialist CL2 will be responsible for conducting field and laboratory work associated with the UMaine Extension Tick Lab / AGGL. During the fieldwork season, the Scientific Research Specialist CL2 will travel throughout the state of Maine to collect biological specimens primarily consisting of ticks, mosquitoes, and small mammal tissues. Outside of the fieldwork season the Scientific Research Specialist CL2 will process and test samples in the AGGL using molecular biology techniques and assist with other related research projects. Full-time, soft-money funded, 40 hours per week. Normal daily work hours are Monday – Friday, between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position pays $20.28/hour, or applicable transfer rate in accordance with the ACSUM collective bargaining agreement. 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 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:

Bachelor’s Degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field
Minimum of 1 year of experience collecting tick samples in the field using
scientifically validated methods
Minimum of 1 year of experience working with molecular diagnostic technologies
including PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, and DNA sequencing in a
high-throughput molecular diagnostic laboratory
Experience with

DNA / RNA

extractions in a high-throughput environment,
particularly using the Roche MagNAPure 96 automated extraction platform
Minimum of 1 year of experience conducting qPCR and RT-qPCR assays using an
Applied Biosystems Quantstudio 5
Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills, particularly with undergraduate
students
Demonstrated experience in prioritizing and managing a workload of testing
procedures and samples
Collaborative work skills with colleagues and the ability to quickly adapt to changing
priorities
Work schedule flexibility depending upon the needs of ongoing projects, including
overnight camping and navigation in remote areas

Preferred:

Knowledge of University of Maine Cooperative Extension and its educational
programs
Experience with Cooperative Extension’s diagnostic services
Experience with vehicle operation in off-road settings and / or remote locations
Experience with GPS and GIS technologies
Experience with the generation and analysis of DNA sequence data
Experience working with diverse audiences; knowledge of diversity, equity and
inclusion; and understanding of equal opportunity, affirmative action and civil
rights policies
Wilderness First Aid certification

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 30, 2025.
For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Tom Rounsville, thomas.rounsville@maine.edu.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.