Research Scientist

Wolfe's Neck Center • Freeport, ME

5d • $70,000 - $80,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Research & Innovation and serving as a member of WNC's Program Leadership Team, the Research Scientist position will develop and oversee all research and demonstration initiatives conducted on-site at WNC, as well as develop a forward-looking iterative research agenda to identify and advance important regenerative agriculture research priorities through on-site projects. To ensure that research and demonstration efforts are informed by and accessible to both agricultural producers and scientific audiences, the Research Scientist will establish and manage effective communication and information exchange channels. These may include creating a research advisory board, contributing to popular and peer-reviewed publications, organizing on-farm educational events with other staff, and presenting at agricultural trade shows, conferences, and community gatherings. This role will also oversee the development of an on-site research internship program to support the execution of on-site research projects while creating opportunities for student learning.

Requirements

• Master's degree required, Ph.D preferred in agriculture science, agroecology, ecology, plant science, soil science, environmental science, or related field
• Working knowledge of agriculture and crop/soil interactions, with a preference for livestock and grazing-based farm operations - could be achieved through a combination of on-farm experience, farm-based research, or technical assistance
• 4-7 years experience conducting high-quality, field-based research, including establishing MEL frameworks, systems and sampling procedures; demonstrated experience by publication in peer-reviewed journals, Extension-type fact sheets, and popular press
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, technical assistance providers, and agriculture support organizations
• Strong organizational abilities and time management skills; ability to effectively organize and manage spreadsheets and datasets
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot issues
• Willingness and ability to work many hours in various weather conditions, to perform physically strenuous duties, and to work occasionally in the evenings and on weekends
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to effectively communicate, both in writing and verbally, research findings and trial information
• Ability to effectively supervise seasonal research interns
• Legally able to work in the United States (we cannot provide VISA sponsorship)
• This position is located on-site in Freeport, Maine, with the option to structure as a hybrid position, requiring regular, mutually agreed upon time spent on-site.
• Travel is estimated to be up to 10% of the time, with most travel occurring within the state of Maine for research meetings, additional trials, and professional events such as conferences, and workshops.
• The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. If you do not fi t this description perfectly but believe that you would be a good fi t for this position, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with PFAS or similar compounds in agricultural systems
• Experience with education and outreach program development, delivery and evaluation
• Familiarity with the grant application process and the financial management of grant funds

Responsibilities

• Work with the Director of Research & Innovation and the Farming Operations Team to oversee the successful implementation and completion of all on-site research initiatives and their associated monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks and corresponding data collection and analysis needs, including the following existing projects:
• Pasture Measurement and Milk Nutrient Testing Support: As part of WNC's participation in the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program, work with the Dairy Program Team to support the development and/or assessment and testing of novel pasture measurement technologies to inform grazing management plans and engage in associated milk nutrient testing as needed to better understand the impact that grass and pasture ration composition have on milk nutrient density and any associated economic outcomes (e.g. premium payments).
• PFAS Research: Collaborate with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention on research projects to investigate how PFAS compounds are transferred between soil and agricultural products such as milk, poultry and eggs; build connections to PFAS researchers, impacted farmers, and initiatives across the state to identify areas of needed PFAS research that would allow farmers to stay in operation while producing safe products.
• Seaweed Feed Trial Outreach: Collaborate with regional partners at the University of Vermont, University of New Hampshire, Bigelow Laboratories and other WNC staff to organize and create outreach activities and communications materials to disseminate findings from the 2025 seaweed feed trial to dairy farmers, the public, and researchers across the region.
• American Farmland Trust (AFT) Biochar Trial: Implement years two and three of the AFT Biochar Trial to evaluate the soil, economic, and social impacts of biochar use on squash production and share results with farmers, landowners, professionals, and the public. ○ Soil Monitoring Initiatives: Facilitate WNC's participation in long-term soil monitoring initiatives, such as Pasa Sustainable Agriculture's Soil Health Benchmarking Study.
• Create WNC's on-site research agenda, drawing upon initiatives and results achieved to-date, key survey data and input from farmers, agriculture support providers, researchers, other stakeholders, and WNC staff to identify and advance important regenerative agriculture research priorities through on-site projects.
• Work with the Director of Research & Innovation and other relevant WNC staff to develop and implement new on-site research projects in line with WNC's identified research priorities, including:
• Supporting efforts to identify new funding sources;
• Working with the Farming Operations Team to develop the on-site research project plans;
• Working with the Sr. Manager of Farmer Engagement to explore farmer partnerships for research projects;
• Serving as the Principal Investigator (PI) in competitive funding proposals as needed;
• Working with the Advancement and Finance Teams on the development of grant proposals and reporting.
• Work with the Director of Research & Innovation to develop and oversee the Research Program budget and related project budgets to ensure work is done on time, within budget, and in accordance with project specifications.
• Work with the Director of Research & Innovation and other WNC staff and partners to develop and implement research project communication and information exchange activities, which could include the establishment of a research advisory board, contributions to popular and peer-reviewed publications, on-farm educational and outreach events, and presentations at agricultural trade shows, conferences, and community events.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with all research partners and other stakeholders to ensure effective research collaborations and to support outreach to farmers and the public.
• Provide a scientific lens to other areas of WNC work, including Visitor Education & Experience and the Casco History Lab.
• Work with the Farming Operations Team and other WNC program areas and staff to ensure the integrity of all fieldwork, MEL frameworks, and data collection and analysis processes, and maintain clear and accurate research records.

Benefits

• As a full-time employee of Wolfe's Neck Center, this position is eligible for benefi ts including health insurance, dental insurance, three weeks paid vacation and six sick days, Maine state holidays off, and our retirement savings plan.
• Compensation commensurate with experience: $70,000 - $80,000

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees