Assistant Extension Professor, Aquatic Animal Health Specialist

This position is a split position between Cooperative Extension (50%) and the Aquaculture Research Institute (50%). Primary responsibilities include research in Aquatic Animal Health as applicable to Aquatic Animal species in aquaculture and natural systems. The faculty member is expected to be a project leader on the UMaine's USDA-ARS non-assistance cooperative agreement project. Collaboration and outreach with the aquaculture industry are required of this position. The faculty member may become a member of the graduate faculty through an affiliation with an academic department or school and may serve as an advisor on graduate committees. The faculty member will be expected to conduct experiential workshops and short courses as part of ARI's workforce development programs.

Essential Functions

• Designs and implements a plan of work that addresses priorities in Aquatic Animal Health
• Develops and implements an applied research agenda that is consistent with the identified needs of the Aquatic Animal industry including industry sponsored research
• Shares the findings of applied research through the publication of peer reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, abstracts, poster sessions and other venues 
• Delivers educational programs in support of the Aquatic Animal Health program that align with the UMaine Cooperative Extension mission and plan of work
• Teaches courses for credit (including micro-credentials) for enrolled university students, community members seeking certification and/or others.
• Engages in applied research and disseminates the results. Partners as necessary and appropriate with fellow staff and colleagues.
• Designs and delivers presentations on various Aquatic Animal disease problems that enhance client knowledge and capacity for applied learning
• Secures external grants and contracts for program expansion and sustainability
• Assesses needs as an essential part of program planning, program implementation and grant development
• Builds capacity of field staff involved in aquaculture production related to Aquatic Animal Health
• Trains undergraduate/graduate research assistants and other personnel as appropriate
• Participates in local, regional, and state program development and implementation teams
• Serves on organizational development and governance committees
• Provides timely and accurate information in response to public requests for information
• Develops and sustains a program of professional development including membership in state, national and international aquatic health organizations and committees appropriate for the position
• Makes special effort to seek, involve and serve under-served and under-represented clients.
• Ensures compliance with civil rights, affirmative action and equal opportunity requirements. 
• Develops and maintains professional relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect
• Utilizes coaching and mentoring methods which provide an environment that is anticipatory, supportive, and encourages constructive feedback on performance

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.

Required:

• Doctorate required in Aquatic Animal Health, aquaculture or closely-related field
• Documented ability to conduct high-quality scientific research, as evidenced by grant acquisition and publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Approximately 5-7years experience with collaboration and line management in industry and academia
• Knowledge of current and emerging issues, practices, and trends in the Aquatic Animal Health
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills
• Computer and mobile device proficiency
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to be self-motivated and directed
• Demonstrated success in working collaboratively with other agencies and organizations, including private industry

Preferred:

• Knowledge of the processes for development, GMP manufacture and registration of veterinary aquatic health products
• Successfully conducting applied research in response to industry needs
• Post-doctoral or equivalent experience
• Knowledge and experience in commercial Aquatic Animal Health environments
• Experience and skills in supervising others
• Experience seeking participation from and working with diverse audiences

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

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: December 22, 2023 
Screening interviews to begin no earlier than: December 27, 2023 
On-site interviews to begin no earlier than: January 3, 2024
Tentative start date: July 1, 2024

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair: Debbie Bouchard; Deborah.bouchard@maine.edu

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds 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, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).