Assistant Professor

UMCES Appalachian Laboratory

$105K - $135K

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The Appalachian Laboratory (AL) of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Watershed and Water Resources Science. Outstanding candidates at the Associate Professor level will also be considered. We seek a visionary scientist who will conduct innovative research, foster collaboration, and broaden participation in this critical area of environmental science.

We invite applications from individuals who will develop an internationally recognized, externally funded research program focused on watersheds and water resources. Candidates whose research can address challenges that are relevant to the Appalachian Mountain region or the Chesapeake Bay watershed are especially encouraged to apply.

Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to:

• Hydrologic, biogeochemical, and/or climatic processes that shape water quality and availability
• Drivers and dynamics of floods, droughts, and sediment transport, including hydroclimatic extremes
• Surface-groundwater interactions and linkages between water, land, and forested ecosystems
• Hydrologic responses to global change drivers such as land-use and land-cover change, climate change, and disturbance
• Empirical, data-driven studies of water chemistry, quality, and monitoring networks, including sensor-based, long‑term, or synoptic watershed observations
• Development and assessment of best management practices (BMPs) and restoration strategies to improve water quality and watershed resilience
• Application of advanced, multi‑scale approaches and cutting‑edge tools, such as environmental sensors, remote sensing, innovations in water chemistry measurement, hydro informatics, spatial analysis, big data, process‑based and data‑driven modeling, and/or machine learning, to understand environmental challenges at local to global scales
• Integration of hydrologic science with water management, ecological and/or socio‑economic risk assessment, or decision‑support systems

The ideal candidate will bridge fundamental hydrologic research with the needs of stakeholders to generate actionable, science‑based solutions for water‑related environmental challenges. Hallmarks of AL’s research include an emphasis on quantitative analysis across broad spatiotemporal scales, projecting ecological and environmental change, and a commitment to engaged scholarship that informs environmental policy and natural resource management. This hire will complement AL’s established strengths in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem science and is expected to be one of multiple strategic hires over the next few years.

The position offers opportunities to contribute to UMCES’s Chesapeake Global Collaboratory, which leverages big data, diverse partnerships (including public‑private), and innovative approaches to address pressing ecological and socio‑economic challenges.

Ph.D. or equivalent in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Biogeochemistry, or a related field

Demonstrated record of scientific excellence and productivity

Evidence of the potential to secure external funding from varied sources to develop and sustain an innovative, well‑funded research program

Dedication to mentoring and inclusive graduate education

Commitment to engaged scholarship that translates research into real‑world impact

Commitment to collaboration within and beyond UMCES, broadening participation, and contributing to a campus climate of inclusivity

UMCES is Maryland’s graduate university for the environment and one of the twelve institutions of the University System of Maryland (USM). Maryland’s people and environments are diverse, including urban‑to‑rural and mountains‑to‑sea gradients. The UMCES mission includes advancing world‑class fundamental and applied research, promoting…