Date of posting here May 11, 2010 Type of position Two-year appointment with possible extension of up to one additional year. Employer University of Maine Location Orono, Maine Description of Location Eastern Maine, 250 miles north of Boston, 60 miles northeast of Acadia National Park. Salary $36,000 to $41,000 Benefits See: http://www.umaine.edu/hr/benefits/benefitsnewemp.htm Closing date of competition Open until filled. Date position available July 1, 2010 Description of duties The University of Maine is seeking a motivated and skilled agroecologist, agronomist, or ecologist, with an interest in ecologically-based weed management in organic and low-external-input (LEI) cropping systems, to join the Weed Ecology Group. Research opportunities exist in the areas of physical weed control on small- to medium-scale diversified organic vegetable farms; weed management strategies in organic bread wheat and other small grains; basic and applied studies of seedbank dynamics, including seed predation and predator behavior; simulation modeling and manipulative field experiments exploring multiple-stress approaches to weed management. Contribution to teaching and outreach is expected. Teaching opportunities include independent instruction of weed biology and identification, team teaching in areas including introductory sustainable agriculture, weed ecology and management, and organic vegetable production. We are emphasizing case studies, on-farm research and demonstrations and video narratives in our outreach efforts, and intend to emphasize innovative use of posted video clips, webinars and blog posting to actively engage stakeholders. Thus, strong communication skills are essential. The Post-doctoral Research Associate designs, establishes and maintains field, greenhouse or laboratory experiments; develops sampling protocols for experiments; supervises graduate students, temporary employees, and student employees; identifies and communicates with farmer-cooperators regarding on-farm research; communicates with Co-Project Investigators and College Farm and Facilities personnel to coordinate research activities; analyzes data from new or existing experiments; prepares summary tables and figures for publication; drafts manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals; prepares and submits research and/or research/outreach proposals to fund expanded activities related to existing projects or new research areas; prepares applied research summaries for publication, video, or blog outreach products; presents research results at local, regional, and national meetings and conferences; and contributes to program-related teaching and outreach. The position is housed in the Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences at the University of Maine in Orono, with office space in the Roger Clapp Greenhouse. A pre-employment physical and valid drivers license is required. Qualifications sought Essential qualifications include Ph.D. in agronomy, ecology or related discipline; a demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publication; experience in field or vegetable cropping systems; strong interpersonal and public speaking communication skills. Desired qualifications include knowledge of organic farming systems, experience in operating farm machinery and establishment and maintenance of field experience. The ideal candidate will have the desire to conduct original research, addressing applied and basic questions related to ecological management of weeds in organic and LEI cropping systems. Application procedure   Submit what Submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information of three references. Submit to Email applications may be sent to: gallandt@maine.edu Mail applications may be sent to: Eric Gallandt, Associate Professor of Weed Ecology and Management, Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences, 5722 Deering Hall, Orono, ME 04469- 5722. Additional Information The University of Maine is an EO/AA employer.