Assistant Professor in Artificial Intelligence for Agriculture

Job Description Summary

Organization’s Summary Statement:
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.

About UMES:
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.

Salary: $80,000-$95,000

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 Met Life, USM
  sponsored Met Life 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.

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.

• 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

• 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…