Assistant Professor of Soil Science

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 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. 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. The successful candidate will join a growing group of faculty working across agricultural and natural sciences, Extension, engineering, data science, and environmental systems. Opportunities exist to collaborate with UMES Extension professionals, the UMES Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Maryland Extension, USDA agencies, other 1890 and 1862 land-grant institutions, commodity groups, conservation partners, and regional producers. Responsibilities: Research responsibilities: The candidate will be expected to 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; and contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives that strengthen UMES research capacity. Extension responsibilities: The candidate will provide leadership in soil science Extension programming for agricultural producers, Extension educators, agencies, and stakeholders. Extension responsibilities will include developing science-based educational programs, decision-support tools, demonstrations, workshops, field days, publications, and training materials related to soil management and agricultural productivity. The Extension program will 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. The candidate will be expected to 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. The candidate should be comfortable engaging directly with farmers, agricultural professionals, policymakers, and community stakeholders. Required Qualifications: • 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. Physical Demands: • May require extended periods of standing, bending, stooping, sitting at desk. • May require lifting. • Requires communication with a variety of constituents externally and internally. • Requires operation of a variety of office equipment. Preferences: • 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. Additional Job Details Required Application Materials: Screening of applications will be September 15, 2026. Qualified applicants must submit the following materials: A cover letter summarizing qualifications, describing interest in the position and alignment with the UMES land-grant mission Curriculum vitae Statement of research interests and future research plans (maximum 2 pages) Statement of teaching philosophy (1 page) Statement of Extension philosophy (1 page) Unofficial graduate transcripts Contact information for three professional references, current or past supervisor (references will not be contacted without prior consent). All applicants must apply using the new online application system. Please visit https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UMES to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship. Questions regarding the position responsibilities should be directed to Dr. Simon Zebelo, Professor, Department of Agriculture by email: sazebelo@umes.edu Best Consideration Date: September 15, 2026 Posting Close Date: N/A Open Until Filled: Yes Department UMES-AGNS-Agriculture/Operations Worker Sub-Type Faculty Regular Salary Range $80,000 - $95,000 EEO Statement UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship. Diversity Statement The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an equal access, equal opportunity institution fully committed to diversity in education and employment. All students, employees, and the campus community at UMES are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to receive an equitable experience in an inclusive, welcoming environment of openness and appreciation. Title IX Statement It is the policy of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) based on sex in the University's educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discriminations or harassment. Welcome to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Employment Website! The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff to support the student-centered mission of our university. Founded in 1886, the University is a Historically Black, Land Grant University with over 30 degree programs housed on a campus of over 50 buildings on over 1,100 acres. With an atmosphere of collegiality and a commitment to go from Excellence to Eminence, UMES is not only a great place to work, but it is a place to express your passion for educating students, develop your personal career goals, and to make a difference in the community, the state, and the world beyond. Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the university is a beautiful place to work and call home. Thank you for your interest in employment with our University. Hawk Pride, Catch It! Learn more EEO Statement UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship. Human Resources Our Human Resources office is committed to supporting the mission of University of Maryland Eastern Shore by recruiting, developing, and retaining talented employees. Learn more Contact Us If you have questions, please call the Office of Human Resources at (410) 651-6400.