Assistant Professor in Artificial Intelligence for Agriculture

Position Overview

The School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences (SANS) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Artificial Intelligence for Agriculture. We seek a creative and motivated individual working at the interface of AI, data science, computing, and agricultural or environmental systems, who will bring demonstrated experience applying AI tools to agriculture. The successful candidate will have strong domain expertise and a clear aptitude and motivation to develop AI and data science capabilities in this rapidly advancing field.

This strategic hire aims to strengthen UMES’s capacity in applied research, innovation, teaching, and Extension programming in support of its 1890 land-grant mission. Candidates who already lead work in this space and those who show strong potential to grow into an impactful, collaborative program are encouraged to apply.

This is a 9-month, tenure-track assistant professor position with an anticipated appointment distribution of 45% research, 45% Extension, and 10% Teaching. The successful candidate is expected to develop a nationally recognized, externally funded program in artificial intelligence with relevance to agriculture.

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

Responsibilities:
•	Conduct applied and translational research leading to improved  
        productivity, resource efficiency,  
        and environmental stewardship in agricultural systems
•	Collaborate with UMES Extension professionals to translate research into  
        practical tools,  demonstrations, and stakeholder training
•	Develop or contribute to competitive grant proposals and collaborative  
        projects with UMES faculty, other institutions, and industry partners
•	Engage in interdisciplinary teams across SANS and beyond to integrate AI  
        and data-driven approaches into agricultural innovation

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
•	Ph.D. (completed or near completion) in Agricultural Engineering, Computer  
        Science, Plant or Animal Science, Data Science, Statistics, Environmental  
        Science, or a related discipline
•	Demonstrated experience with (or strong demonstrated potential and  
        motivation to develop) data analytics, modeling, or AI applications in  
        agriculture, natural resources, or allied fields.
•	Evidence of research productivity and strong potential for program  
        development
•	Effective communication, collaboration, and mentoring skills

Qualifications: (Preferred)
•	Experience working with AI/ML tools and field-deployed technologies (e.g.,  
        sensors, drones, or robotics)
•	Experience working with Extension, farmers, or industry stakeholders
•	Demonstrated success or strong potential in grant writing and collaborative  
        research

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.

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. Purushothaman Natarajan, Department of Agriculture, by email: PNatarajan@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, 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

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.