Employer University of Maine Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills The School of Forest Resources at University of Maine is searching for a funded graduate research assistantship (GRA) at the MSc or PhD level. This position focuses on the optimization of forest biomass supply chains, with an integrated emphasis on economic, ecological, and social sustainability. This position is supported by a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant aims to assess the opportunities and constraints associated with advanced forest products in the Northeastern United States. The GRA will help conduct economic analyses and ecological modelling efforts, with the goal of generating evidence-based policy recommendations to advance the adoption of innovative technologies and materials derived from woody biomass across the region. The preferred start date is Fall 2026.Responsibilities: The GRA will be responsible for developing quantitative economic analyses and applying ecological models to assess forest responses to management practices, analyzing long-term inventory plot data and Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data, and communicating research findings to stakeholders, industry partners, and state-level policymakers. The position also involves contributing to peer-reviewed publications and technical reports. The student will work closely with an interdisciplinary team at the University of Maine and various key partners in forestry sector in the Northeast US. Qualifications: Applicants should hold a B.S. degree in Forestry, Economics, Statistics, or a quantitatively focused Environmental or Social Science discipline, with a background in natural resource management. A high GPA, strong GRE scores, and solid scientific writing and communication skills are essential. Experience with statistical analysis, GIS, and programming is preferred. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in quantitative analysis, an ability to work independently, a research interest, and a record of scholastic achievement. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.Assistantship: This position provides 2 years of funding for MSc and 3 years for PhD candidates, comprising a 20-hour-per-week assistantship with an annual stipend of $28,000 (MS) or 31,333 (PhD). The University of Maine will cover 65% of health insurance costs and 50% dental insurance costs. Additional benefits include office space, operational support (including laptop access and travel funds), and an out-of-state tuition waiver.To apply: Please submit a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, your qualifications, and how your interests and skills align with this research project, a CV that includes contact information for three references, university transcripts, and GRE scores (if available) via this google form.For more details, please contact:Dr. Libin T. LouisAssistant Professor of Forestry, University of Maine at Fort KentGraduate Faculty, University of Maine, Orono Email: Libin.louis@maine.edu Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Job Field: Forestry Job Type: Assistantship Location Detail: About the University of Maine School of Forest Resources: With almost 90% of the state covered by forest, forest resources are central to Maine’s quality of life and economy. The UMaine School of Forest Resources provides essential forestry education and research and is a signature area of the University of Maine. More than 60 graduate students are enrolled in M.F., M.S., and Ph.D. programs within the SFR. The University has over 11,000 students and is the state’s flagship research institution. Salary: Assistantship: This position provides 2 years of funding for MSc and 3 years for PhD candidates, comprising a 20-hour-per-week assistantship with an annual stipend of $28,000 (MS) or 31,333 (PhD). The University of Maine will cover 65% of health insurance costs and 50% dental insurance costs. Additional benefits include office space, operational support (including laptop access and travel funds), and an out-of-state tuition waiver. Job Benefits: The University of Maine does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, 207.581.1226. Application Deadline: Fri, 07/10/2026 - 12:00pm Link to Full Job Posting: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XlHsMGXJqWD7SVt3lIadqfGYfcIESM-4/view?usp=shar…
