Assistant Professor of Soil Science

**Location:** Princess Anne

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:

The School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences (SANS) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Soil Science with a combined appointment in research, teaching, and Extension. Situated on the Delmarva Peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, UMES offers an exceptional setting for an ambitious scholar to build a nationally visible, externally funded program with direct impact on agricultural systems and the communities the University serves through its 1890 land-grant mission. This is a 9-month, tenure-track faculty position with an anticipated appointment distribution of 50% research, 25% teaching, and 25% Extension. The successful candidate is expected to develop a nationally recognized, externally funded program in soil science with relevance to agricultural systems in the Delmarva context.

About UMES:

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an 1890 Land-Grant University located on Maryland's Eastern Shore, with a mission to provide educational, research, and Extension leadership that advances agricultural innovation. The School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences (SANS) offers a collaborative environment where faculty work across disciplines - from biotechnology, animal sciences, agricultural economics, and soil health to engineering and data science - to address challenges in food, energy, and environmental systems. UMES is on the Delmarva Peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, with the major metropolitan areas of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, and Philadelphia, PA, within easy travel distance.

Salary Range:

$80,000-$95,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, as a University System of Maryland institution and a Maryland State agency, provides a comprehensive benefits package to all regular faculty and staff. The Office of Employee Benefits provides consultative services and assistance with benefits planning, enrollment, and changes. Eligible employees may participate in a variety of benefit plans including:

• Health insurance, including multiple medical plan options for employees and dependents offered through the State of Maryland Employee Benefits Division.
• Prescription drug, dental, and flexible spending accounts, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plans: mandatory enrollment in a state pension system or an Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA, Supplemental Retirement Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state match, Life Insurance (state sponsored Met Life, USM sponsored Met Life Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance).
• Tuition remission benefits for eligible employees and, subject to USM policies, spouses and dependents at University System of Maryland institutions.
• Leave benefits include paid sick leave (15 days), collegial (3 days per year), and paid holidays.
• Employee wellness and support resources and access to the State of Maryland wellness programs.

Research Areas of Interest:

Areas of specialization may include, but are not limited to, soil fertility and nutrient management, soil chemistry, soil physics, soil-water relationships, soil conservation, precision nutrient management, resilient cropping systems, soil carbon dynamics, salinity and saltwater intrusion, and the interaction of soil management with crop productivity and the environment.

Resources and Institutional Support:

UMES offers a strong foundation for building an applied, field-oriented soil science program in support of its 1890 land-grant mission. The successful candidate will be affiliated with the UMES Agricultural Experiment Station and UMES Extension and will have opportunities to develop research and Extension activities using institutional agricultural resources, including the UMES farm, which comprises approximately 300 acres of agricultural land available to support field research, demonstrations, student training, and stakeholder engagement. The position will also benefit from the new UMES Agricultural Research and Education Center (AgREC), which is expected to strengthen the University's capacity for applied agricultural research, Extension programming, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These resources provide an excellent platform for work in soil fertility, nutrient management, soil health, crop-soil-water interactions, salinity and saltwater intrusion, cover crops, precision agriculture, and climate-resilient production systems relevant to the Delmarva Peninsula and the broader Mid-Atlantic region. The University is committed to the success of its new faculty. The successful candidate will be supported by research capacity-building funding, mentoring, collaborative grant development, and access to field and demonstration sites. New faculty are also eligible for the comprehensive University System of Maryland benefits package.