Assistant Professor in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

Job Description Summary The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s (UMES) Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences seeks applications and nominations for the position of Assistant Professor in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. This position is a nine-month, tenure-track appointment. The anticipated starting date for this position is Fall 2026. The successful candidate will contribute to UMES’ mission to address global agricultural challenges, including food security, food systems, sustainable agriculture, and rural development. The department offers B.S. degrees in General Agriculture with several concentrations, an Agribusiness Management, an M.S., and a Ph.D. in Food and Agricultural Sciences. The department is actively engaged in teaching, research, and extension and has many faculty and staff with split appointments between UMES Extension and the UMES Agriculture Experiment Station. This position emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and will have teaching, research, and service responsibilities. University Information: The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an 1890 Land-Grant University in Maryland, located in a rural setting on the Delmarva Peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. The major metropolitan areas of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, and Philadelphia, PA, are within easy travel distance. Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 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. Responsibilities The successful candidate will conduct research, teach, and provide service to the department, university, and the community. He/she will work as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team within the food security and food systems disciplines and is expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program. The candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate international agriculture courses such as International Agricultural Development, Global Food Systems, and Sustainable Agriculture. Actively seek research and teaching grants and contracts. Advise undergraduate students; advise and direct graduate students in the global food security and food systems disciplines. Develop new graduate courses in international agriculture and global food systems to support Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences programs. Help in the recruitment of students. Develop interdisciplinary relationships with faculty in other departments. Engage with stakeholders, including farmers, industry, government agencies, and international organizations. Perform other related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Ph. D. in Agronomy, International Agriculture, Rural Development, or a related field strongly emphasizing agricultural emerging issues, global food security, and food systems. Evidence of scholarly publications and grantsmanship. Ability to interact productively with others in a diverse setting, including excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated excellence in and commitment to teaching, advising, and mentoring students with diverse backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to develop nationally and internationally recognized programs to serve the agricultural sector of the state, region, nation, and the world, as well as to participate in interdisciplinary 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. Preferences Experience working in international or cross-cultural agricultural systems. Record of or strong potential for securing extramural funding (e.g., USDA, USAID, NSF). Experience in interdisciplinary and systems-based research. Engagement with global development, policy, or land‑grant systems. Additional Job Details Required Application Materials Review of applications will begin immediately. Qualified applicants must submit: Letter of Intent Curriculum vitae. Statement of Research Experience and Interests Unofficial transcript Contact information for three professional references. (current supervisor will not be contacted without the candidate's prior consent). All applicants must apply using the new online application system. 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. Best Consideration Date: N/A Posting Close Date: N/A Open Until Filled: Yes Department UMES-AGNS-Agriculture/Operations Worker Sub-Type Faculty Regular Salary Range $80,000 - $90,000 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Maryland Eastern Shore