Senior Faculty Specialist (Research Program Specialist - Agricultural Systems & Climate)

College Park, MD.

Job Description Summary

Position Summary/Purpose of Position: This position has two specific functions: (1) Under general supervision, provide moderately complex technical and administrative support to the programs housed in or initiated by the Office of Associate Dean for Research and Associate Director of Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR). Technical tasks include compiling/writing research and research infrastructure proposal materials, conducting literature reviews for proposals, compiling and writing project progress and final reports, assisting with MAES strategic plan implementation, developing write-ups for initiatives led by the ADR/AD, occasionally developing print and digital research marketing material, developing text and graphics related to research reporting, and assisting the Director of International Program in Agriculture and Natural Resources (IPAN) develop prospectus, brochures, etc. Administrative tasks include scheduling multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional team meetings, arranging meeting logistics as appropriate, team information management, helping the Associate Dean in connecting with other units in MAES, AGNR, and UMD, organizing college-wide workshops on thematic areas, leading the organization of college-wide research poster competition for the annual Cornerstone events, and assisting the Associate Dean with special projects as required. (2) Under the supervision of the Associate Dean for Research and Associate Director of Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) conduct climate change impact research, broadly construed, and extend climate and AI/machine learning expertise to the entire College. Tasks include collaborating with AGNR faculty to make climate data products available to them; quantifying climate risks to agricultural commodities (e.g. corn, wheat, soybeans, etc.), plants diseases and insects, and water resources/environment; developing approaches and tools for climate risk management; conducting climate change-related independent research, and participating on grant proposals in the College that require climate and AI/machine learning expertise. A degree of confidentiality is needed for this position, as decisions on employment in the various Research Centers of MAES, personnel evaluation, and funding decisions are made in this Unit.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification: Applicants must have a Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., atmospheric science, geography, geosciences, engineering (biosystems or civil), environmental science, etc.) by the effective date of employment. Proficiency in one or more relevant programming languages (e.g., R, Python, NCL (NCAR Command Language), Julia, Fortran, etc.) is essential. Evidence of effective scholarly communication (both written and oral) is also essential for this position. The chosen candidate should possess the scholarly accomplishments necessary for appointment at the rank of Senior Faculty Specialist within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Preferred Qualification: Ph.D. degree in a relevant field. Competitive candidates will have strong computational and quantitative skills, familiarity with climate datasets and AI/machine learning tools and techniques, and a clear orientation toward transdisciplinary research and collaboration. Experience working in a high-performance computing environment is desirable.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

Work is performed in a normal office environment, which includes operating standard office equipment (e.g., computer, keyboard, printer, fax machine, telephone, etc.). Minimal travel to assist with, attend, or manage meetings off-campus.

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume or CV, copies of transcripts, and three professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.

Best Consideration Date: 08/29/2025

Posting Close Date: N/A

Open Until Filled: Yes

Financial Disclosure RequiredNo. For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department: AGNR-AES-Agriculture Experiment Station

Worker Sub-Type: Faculty Regular

Salary Range: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00

Benefits Summary: For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.

Background Checks: Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility: The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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