Description

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.

Position Overview

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, hydroinformatics, 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.

Qualifications

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
About the Institution

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 graduate-level education, furthering community engagement and science application, and providing scientific expertise for environmental policies on topics such as air, land, water, and wildlife management in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and beyond. UMCES scientists are developing solutions to help guide our state, nation, and world toward a more environmentally sustainable and equitable future through six highly collaborative, distributed research centers—Appalachian Laboratory, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Horn Point Laboratory, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, Integration and Application Network, and Maryland Sea Grant College. AL is the terrestrial and freshwater anchor of research at UMCES, and collaborations across disciplines and geographies are common among UMCES faculty. As a comparatively small, independent research and education university within a sizable, highly respected public higher education system, UMCES has both flexibility and excellent institutional support to continue to play an outsized role in environmental research, education, and problem-solving. 

Location and Community

AL is located in Frostburg, Maryland, in the scenic, central Appalachian Mountains. 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 Baltimore/Washington DC and Pittsburgh. 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.

Application Process

Applicants should submit the following electronically via UMCES employment portal (https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMCES/details/Assistant-Professor_JR102987) 

Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
Statement of how their scientific and professional contributions and interests align with the position and its responsibilities (maximum of 2 pages)
Statement of how their teaching and mentorship experiences and interests align with the position and its responsibilities (maximum of 1 page)
Names and contact information for three references (including title, affiliation, telephone, and e-mail address)
Review of applications will begin January 12th, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is after July 1, 2026.

Inquiries may be directed to: Dr. Matt Fitzpatrick, Search Committee Chair (mfitzpatrick@umces.edu)

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is an equal opportunity employer. The Center’s policies, programs, and activities are in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, and disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements should be directed to the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Center Administration, 2020 Horns Point Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613

Requirements

Qualifications

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