MAINECAN Research Associate (id:84019) - University of Maine

This position is in support of multiple research projects that are investigating the barriers, opportunities, existing and historic actions, decision drivers, and necessary support systems for community-driven solutions to climate adaptation (e.g., responding to challenges such as rising sea levels, extreme temperatures, storms, flooding, erosion, wind damage, drought, wildfires, etc.) and mitigation (e.g., renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, batteries and other energy storage, microgrids, beneficial electrification, and/or conservation in the electricity, heating, and/or transportation sectors, etc.). A major objective of these projects is to help build capacity in communities and in academia for community-engaged, solutions-oriented, transdisciplinary research and practice. A major objective of this position is advancing research and community-driven solutions that span the traditional boundaries of climate adaptation and mitigation and understanding the benefits and challenges of an integrated focus on climate adaptation and mitigation at the community level. This position will help advance the new and growing Maine community-driven Energy and Climate Action Network (MAINECAN) that unites communities in Maine taking action on climate and energy challenges and the entities supporting them. A major focus of this work is on supporting underserved communities (defined by the US EPA as a community with environmental justice concerns and/or vulnerable populations, including minority, low income, rural, tribal, indigenous, and homeless populations) in meeting their own climate and energy goals. Typical hiring range for this two-year, fixed-length position is $40,000 to $64,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Complete Job Description

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. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.

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. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here.

Required:

• Master’s degree with one or more years of experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with a sufficient combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of and experience with multiple climate adaptation and/or climate mitigation strategies.
• Demonstrated commitment to solutions-focused, community-driven, transdisciplinary research and applications.
• Demonstrated commitment to solve pressing problems using innovative methods (qualitative, quantitative, transdisciplinary and/or engaged).
• Experience with collaborative projects.
• Willingness to learn and expand knowledge & skills beyond existing/historic experience/understanding.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
• Ability to develop manuscripts and deliver presentations.            

Preferred:

• Ph.D.
• Preferred fields of study: interdisciplinary combination of social sciences (e.g., anthropology, psychology, indigenous studies, economics, public policy, etc.) and science or engineering.
• Knowledge and experience of/with community-level decision making, organizing, and/or project implementation preferred.
• Knowledge and experience of/with Wabanaki nations.
• Knowledge and experience of/with Maine communities.
• Knowledge and experience of/with rural communities.
• Knowledge and experience of/with disadvantaged populations.

Materials must be submitted via "Apply For Position" below. You will need to create a profile and application; upload:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
3.) contact information for three professional references

You will also need to submit the affirmative action survey, the self-identification of disability form, and the self-identification of veteran status forms. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

Search Timeline is as follows:Updated April 8, 2024
Review of applications to begin: April 29, 2024
Screening interviews to begin no earlier than: May 6, 2024
On-site interviews to begin no earlier than: May 13, 2024
Tentative start date: June 15, 2024

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Sharon Klein at sharon.klein@maine.edu or 207-581-3174.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds 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, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).