Assistant Professor of Soil Science

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

3d • $80,000 - $95,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Crop and Soil Sciences, Environmental Soil Science, Plant and Soil Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
• Strong training in soil science with the ability to teach broadly across the discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise relevant to agricultural soil management.
• Evidence of experience in teaching, research, Extension, and student mentoring.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse students, faculty, producers, stakeholders, and communities.
• Commitment to the land-grant mission and to the role of an 1890 institution in advancing agricultural research, Extension, and workforce development.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing or delivering Extension, outreach, or stakeholder- engaged programs.
• Research experience in applied soil science, nutrient management, soil health, soil fertility, soil-water-crop interactions, or climate-smart agriculture.
• Experience working with agricultural producers, Extension agents, commodity groups, conservation districts, or state/federal agricultural agencies.
• Evidence of successful or promising grant activity.
• Peer-reviewed publications in soil science, agronomy, agricultural systems, or related fields.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate students.
• Familiarity with Mid-Atlantic or Coastal Plain agricultural systems.
• Ability to use modern tools such as GIS, remote sensing, sensor technologies, soil health assessment, modeling, data analytics, or precision agriculture approaches.
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration across plant sciences, animal sciences, environmental sciences, food systems, agricultural engineering, and Extension.

Responsibilities

• Secure external funding
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students
• Collaborate with faculty across SANS, UMES Extension, other 1890 and 1862 land-grant institutions, USDA agencies, commodity groups, and stakeholders
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives that strengthen UMES research capacity
• Provide leadership in soil science Extension programming for agricultural producers, Extension educators, agencies, and stakeholders
• Develop science-based educational programs, decision-support tools, demonstrations, workshops, field days, publications, and training materials related to soil management and agricultural productivity
• Address practical soil and nutrient management needs in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region, including but not limited to soil testing interpretation, nutrient management, soil health, fertilizer-use efficiency, cover crops, soil conservation, irrigation and drainage considerations, soil amendments, climate resilience, and environmentally responsible production practices
• Work closely with UMES Extension, University of Maryland Extension, USDA agencies, county and state partners, agricultural organizations, and producers to identify needs, deliver impactful programming, and document outcomes
• Engage directly with farmers, agricultural professionals, policymakers, and community stakeholders

Benefits

• 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 MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree