Scientific Research Specialist CL2

University of Maine • Jonesboro, ME

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The individual in this position provides scientific and field research technical support to the University of Maine’s wild blueberry research program, based at Blueberry Hill Farm (BHF) in Jonesboro with occasional duties at the Wyman’s Center for Wild Blueberry Research and Innovation in Old Town. The position supports multiple faculty researchers working on wild blueberry entomology, plant pathology, integrated pest management (IPM), crop management, and irrigation/sustainability, and assists with federally funded minor-crop pesticide research conducted under the IR-4 program. The incumbent establishes and maintains research plots, scouts and samples for insect pests and diseases, collects and manages field research data, and assists with irrigation and water-use studies. The position also assists the Farm Superintendent with general farm operations and equipment needs, including operating tractors and other equipment during planting, pruning, and harvest, ensuring the farm has reliable, cross-trained support across research and production activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to the area of research or equivalent and more than 2 years of related laboratory research experience.
• Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the education required of the assigned position.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately collect, record, and organize field research data.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and overcome challenges.
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Ability to learn and correctly apply field research and data collection protocols under the direction of faculty researchers, and to identify or learn to identify common wild blueberry insect pests, diseases, and plant growth stages.
• Possesses a valid Maine Class B driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.
• Possesses a Maine pesticide applicators license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of conditions, including heat, cold, dust, mud, and snow.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Higher education degree (MS, MA, PhD) in agricultural sciences or a related field.
• Previous experience with pesticide application and IR-4 trials.
• 1-3 years of experience working in commercial agricultural settings and/or agricultural research trials, preferably with small-fruit crops.
• Previous experience with agricultural irrigation systems (pivot, lateral line, drip).
• Experience with basic carpentry and maintenance of power tools and equipment.
• Demonstrated skills with data management and statistical analysis (e.g., Google & Microsoft Office Suites, R, MATLAB, ArcGIS)

Responsibilities

• Assists faculty researchers (e.g., in plant pathology, entomology, agroecology, IPM/crop management, weed science, and irrigation/sustainability) with establishing, maintaining, and harvesting wild blueberry field research plots at Blueberry Hill Farm in Jonesboro and occasionally at the Wyman’s Center in Old Town.
• Conducts field scouting and sample collection for insect pests (e.g., blueberry maggot, spotted wing drosophila) and diseases (e.g., mummy berry, stem and leaf diseases; and Collects weekly in-season crop phenology data.
• Assists with IPM research, including deployment and monitoring of insect traps, disease incidence surveys, and collection of field-plot data.
• Supports irrigation and water-use research, including installing, operating, and maintaining irrigation equipment and soil moisture monitoring instrumentation.
• Assists with IR-4 minor-crop pesticide research, including preparing and applying experimental treatments, maintaining required Maine Commercial Pesticide Applicators License, maintaining application and safety records (e.g., FIFRA Good Laboratory Practice Standards) and assisting with residue/tolerance sample collection in support of EPA registration petitions.
• Contacts vendors and suppliers to order research and farm supplies and assists faculty with sourcing materials for field trials.
• Enter, organize, and maintain research data (yield, pest and disease counts, weather, irrigation) in spreadsheets/databases for faculty use, and supports student research assistants and seasonal field staff on data collection protocols and the safe operation of field equipment.
• Prepares, analyzes and ships samples for laboratory analysis.
• Assists in the preparation of scientific reports and manuscripts, as well as research-related outreach publications and presentations.
• Assists the Farm Superintendent with general farm and mechanical support, including routine equipment upkeep, and operates farm tractors and other equipment during peak management, pruning, and harvest periods.
• Coordinate and supervise yearly soil sampling at Blueberry Hill Farm and other MAFES
• Maintains and updates logs, checklists, work records and safety documentation
• Adheres to all safety protocols and assists with maintaining compliance in general areas.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level at MAFES facilities, in coordination with the MAFES associate director and superintendents, as needed.

Benefits

• tuition benefits (employee and dependent)
• comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability
• retirement plan options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level