Assistant Professor of Soil Science

Position Overview

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 is committed to the success of incoming faculty. The successful candidate will be supported by capacity development funding, along with mentoring, collaborative grant development, and access to field and demonstration sites. Eligible employees may participate in the 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, with opportunities to collaborate with UMES Extension professionals, the UMES Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Maryland Extension, USDA agencies, other 1890 and 1862 land-grant institutions, industry 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.

Qualifications

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.

Preferred Level of Education

Ph.D.

Benefits Offered

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.

Compensation/Salary

$80,000-$95,000

How to Apply

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

About University of Maryland Eastern Shore

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.

Learn more about University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.