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The Research Engineer II provides specialized technical and engineering expertise to 1) develop and implement research programs with industry and grant-funded programs, 2) develop and provide critical input and direction to support the PDC’s pulping and mechanical refining capabilities, and planned equipment upgrades to maintain and grow this critical university research infrastructure. This position also supports other ongoing industry and research projects and has regular direct contact with industry and project sponsors. Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $70,000 to $95,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Complete Job Description (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QbB2Q-BzGMaEscrvZGglaTVoROfOxUVV/view?usp=sharing)

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 (https://themainehighlands.com/places-to-visit/greater-bangor-region/) to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.

Qualifications:

Required:

+ B.S. in chemical engineering or other strongly related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

+ A minimum of five or more years’ experience in industrial or laboratory setting.

+ Extensive experience in testing pulp, paper, and cellulose nanofibrils, including physical, chemical, and performance evaluation of raw materials, process intermediates, and finished products.

+ Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and support multiple projects and meet deadlines.

+ Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience delivering project results to external customers.

+ Strong technical expertise in key areas of pulp and papermaking at bench, small, and pilot scale, particularly kraft pulping, mechanical refining, and wet-end chemistry.

+ Hands-on experience operating a range of pilot scale equipment used in pulp and paper processes, including kraft digesters, refiners, paper machines, thermoforming systems, and related machinery.

Preferred:

+ Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in chemical engineering, pulp and paper science, or a closely related technical field.

+ Demonstrated success in designing, executing, and managing applied research projects, particularly in collaboration with industrial partners or academic institutions.

+ Experience formulating and optimizing cellulose nanofibril applications for paper and packaging, with a focus on improving product functionality and performance.

+ Proven ability to conduct laboratory, pilot-scale, and mill-scale performance evaluations of chemical treatment programs, and to translate test results into practical, data-driven recommendations.

+ Solid understanding of corrugated fiberboard requirements and industry standards, including performance metrics for strength, durability, printability, and recyclability.

+ Strong background in technical customer service or support, with the ability to interpret customer needs and convert them into targeted research initiatives or process improvements.

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 November 7, 2025.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Colleen Walker at [email protected].

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 207.581.1226, 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 www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

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 (https://umaine.edu/police/clery-annual-safety-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 207.581.4053.