Assistant Professor of Biology - Soil Microbial Ecology

The Department of Natural Sciences (DNS) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) seeks applications for a tenure-track assistant professor of biology in the area of microbial ecology. DNS houses the biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and environmental science undergraduate programs and graduate programs in Chemistry, Marine-Estuarine and Environmental Sciences (MEES), and Toxicology. We seek candidates whose expertise may bridge these programs and who demonstrate experience in areas such as microbial mediation of soil biogeochemistry, plant symbioses, soil health, carbon sequestration, and processing of chemicals of emerging concern. Candidates working on microbial community structure and community-environment interactions in native or agricultural ecosystems are encouraged to apply.

Candidates should have the capacity to teach a diverse student population and prepare students broadly for future careers in academia, industry, and government. Teaching responsibilities include introductory undergraduate biology courses, soil ecology, biogeochemistry, and/or courses in the candidate’s area of interest and expertise. Teaching in the graduate MEES and/or Toxicology programs is also expected.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in biology, natural resources, soil science, environmental science, or related field, accomplishment in publishing, and experience teaching or mentoring undergraduates. Candidates will develop an extramurally funded research program, mentor undergraduate students through their capstone research experiences, train graduate students in the MEES and Toxicology graduate programs, and contribute to departmental and program self-governance.

Applicants should submit: (1) a cover letter; (2) a curriculum vitae including publication list; (3) a statement of teaching philosophy, approach, and experience; (4) a statement that describes the applicant’s prior and current research and their vision and plans for future research; (5) a statement that describes the applicant’s commitment to and experience in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion; and (6) the names and contact information for three current, professional references. Qualified applicants should apply via the UMES HR website https://umes.peopleadmin.com/. Process questions may be referred to HR@umes.edu; position questions to Dr. Jonathan Cumming: Professor and Chair, Department of Natural Sciences, Email: jrcumming@umes.edu, Telephone: 410-651-6014.