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. The position is 9 month, tenure track with an anticipated appointment distribution of 50% research, 25% teaching, and 25% Extension. The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized, externally funded program in soil science relevant to agricultural systems in the Delmarva context and will be supported with capacity development funding, mentoring, grant development assistance, and access to field and demonstration sites.

Responsibilities

• Research: Secure external funding, publish in peer reviewed journals, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, collaborate with faculty across SANS, UMES Extension, other land grant institutions, USDA agencies, and stakeholders, and contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives that strengthen UMES research capacity.
• Extension: Lead 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; and engage directly with farmers, agricultural professionals, policymakers, and community stakeholders.

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 advancing agricultural research, Extension, and workforce development.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 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.
• Knowledge of GIS, remote sensing, sensor technologies, soil health assessment, modeling, data analytics, or precision agriculture approaches.
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration across plant, animal, environmental, food system, engineering, and Extension sciences.

Benefits

• Health insurance with multiple medical plan options for employees and dependents.
• Prescription drug, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement plans: state pension enrollment with optional retirement plans and supplemental retirement accounts.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Tuition remission benefits for eligible employees and, subject to USM policies, spouses and dependents at Maryland institutions.
• Paid sick leave, collegial leave, and paid holidays.
• Employee wellness and support resources.

Compensation

$80,000-$95,000.

How to Apply

Screening of applications will be September 15, 2026. Qualified applicants must submit the following materials:

• Cover letter summarizing qualifications, 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.

All applicants must apply using the new online application system at and must be able to provide documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Questions regarding the position responsibilities should be directed to Dr. Simon Zebelo, Professor, Department of Agriculture, by email: .

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.