The School of Marine Sciences at the University of Maine is excited to invite applications for a marine biologist to focus on the American lobster (Homarus americanus), a species of immense ecological, cultural, and economic significance in the Gulf of Maine. We encourage candidates who bring expertise in invertebrate zoology, ecology, physiology, or related fields, and who are dedicated to pursuing both fundamental and applied research that bridges laboratory, field, and modeling studies.

This opportunity offers the chance to collaborate extensively with colleagues across diverse fields within our department, including marine biology, oceanography, and policy, as well as with professionals from various other disciplines across our campus, such as anthropology and engineering.

The successful candidate will become an integral part of our dynamic and interdisciplinary group of marine scientists and educators. This is a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position based at the University of Maine in Orono, Maine. The role encompasses a 9-month academic year, with a balanced workload of 50% teaching and 50% research. All faculty provide service to the institution and profession as part of their role.

Initial teaching responsibilities will include teaching a core course for undergraduate Marine Sciences majors, along with the opportunity to contribute other undergraduate or graduate courses within the candidate’s area of specialization, particularly focused on American lobsters. The candidate will also play a vital role in mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students in their research theses, dissertations, capstone projects, and academics, and may have the opportunity to advise postdoctoral research associates.

We are particularly enthusiastic about candidates who can enhance the diversity and excellence of the discipline and our academic community through their research, teaching, and service contributions.

The School of Marine Sciences is a vibrant academic unit within the University of Maine, that is internationally recognized for its leading-edge research and innovative teaching across marine biology, oceanography, and policy. Our emphasis on collaboration and interdisciplinary inquiry ensures a rich learning environment. The successful candidate will be based primarily on our Orono campus, benefiting from access to facilities and collaboration opportunities at the Darling Marine Center and the University of Maine at Machias, as well as partnerships with other institutions across the state.

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. 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.

Qualifications:

Required:

• A Ph.D. in marine sciences, biology, zoology, ecology, fisheries, or a closely related field, or an equivalent terminal degree;

• Evidence of an interest in developing a research program focused on the American lobster;

• A record of peer-reviewed publications;

• Potential to build an extramurally-funded research program;

• Evidence of interest and ability to teach and mentor at the undergraduate and graduate levels;

• Evidence of interest and ability to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the institution and the discipline;

• Strong communication skills;

• A commitment to engage in institutional and professional service.

Preferred:

• Experience with lobsters as a research model;

• Record of successful teaching in a classroom setting;

• Record of proposing and/or securing extramural funding for research (either as PI or as a substantial contributor to a proposal);

• Postdoctoral experience;

• Interest in working with interdisciplinary teams;

• Interest in research aligned with state needs;

• Record of mentoring undergraduate students, including in research experiences.

Other Information:

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

4.) a concise statement outlining your teaching experience and philosophy (max 2 pages)

5.) a statement outlining your current and future research plans (max 2 pages)

6.) a statement outlining your approach to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia (max 1 page)

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:

• Review of applications to begin: January 2, 2024

• Screening interviews to begin no earlier than: January 16, 2024

• On-site interviews to begin no earlier than: February 12, 2024

• Tentative start date: September 3, 2024

For questions about the search, please contact search committee co-chair Teresa Johnson (teresa.johnson@maine.edu; 207-581-4362) or Ian Bricknell (ian.bricknell@maine.edu; 207-581-4380).