The Appalachian Laboratory (AL) of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) invites applications from individuals who demonstrate vision for carrying out innovative research and broadening participation in any area of Environmental Science and Sustainability. These positions will be the first of multiple strategic faculty hires at AL. We aim to fill most positions at the tenure-track assistant professor level, but outstanding applicants at higher levels will be considered. Research at AL is inter- and trans-disciplinary, with multiple collaborations within AL and across UMCES, spanning a “genes to ecosystems” continuum in a diverse array of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments, locally, regionally, and globally. 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. We envision the successful candidates will contribute to one or more of our existing research areas including, but not limited to (1) watershed and water resource science, (2) application of molecular tools to the study of freshwater and/or terrestrial organisms and ecosystems, (3) interactions of air, land, and water, biodiversity, and/or ecosystem function as informed by emerging remote sensing technologies, (4) forecasting of ecological and environmental change, and (5) interdisciplinary social and socio-economic challenges related to environmental management and sustainability. Each position has the potential to contribute to UMCES’s Chesapeake Global Collaborative initiative, which aims to use big data to solve big problems by engaging diverse voices, novel approaches, and innovative tools.

The AL is in Frostburg, Maryland, in the heart of the central Appalachian Mountains. The AL is committed to increasing the diversity of our campus community and to supporting efforts to further equity and inclusion. AL scientists have multiple collaborations with our neighboring system institution, Frostburg State University. There are excellent recreational (e.g., cycling, hiking, kayaking, fishing) and cultural (e.g., art and music festivals) activities in the area. The region offers small-town living, little traffic, small K-12 schools, and affordable housing, with easy access to the greater Baltimore/Washington DC and Pittsburgh areas. The AL offers exceptional administrative support and outstanding laboratory, computing, and teaching facilities. Faculty positions at AL provide a unique opportunity to focus primarily on research; AL faculty are also expected to mentor graduate students, co-teach with other UMCES faculty a relatively light load of graduate-level classes, and participate in collaborative application and outreach of science.   

The successful candidate should have a demonstrated commitment to scientific excellence and productivity, the ability to establish a well-funded research program that aligns with the position description, interest in mentoring graduate students and teaching graduate-level courses, potential to collaborate with other AL faculty, and the ability to broaden participation and contribute to a campus climate of inclusivity. A Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Sustainability Science, or related fields is required. Applicants should submit the following electronically via UMCES employment portal - https://umces.peopleadmin.com/postings/1769 : (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) statements of how their scientific and professional contributions (up to 2 pages) and experiences in teaching and education of graduate students (up to 1 page) align with the job ad and these hiring considerations; and (4) names of three references (including title, affiliation, telephone, and e-mail address). Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2023 and will continue until filled. These positions will begin in/around fall 2024. Inquiries may be addressed to the search committee chair, Dr. Katia Engelhardt (kengelhardt@umces.edu).

UMCES is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. The University System of Maryland and UMCES value all forms of diversity. Women, members of minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate should have a demonstrated commitment to scientific excellence and productivity, the ability to establish a well-funded research program that aligns with the position description, interest in mentoring graduate students and teaching graduate-level courses, potential to collaborate with other AL faculty, and the ability to broaden participation and contribute to a campus climate of inclusivity. A Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Sustainability Science, or related fields is required.