Description
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) invites applications from innovative and collaborative scientists for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Environmental Chemistry. We seek applicants with organic or inorganic chemistry expertise in estuarine and marine systems that complement existing strengths at UMCES. Potential areas of expertise in new, rapidly expanding fields include, but are not limited to: geochemical cycling, carbonate chemistry, hydrogeochemistry, emerging and legacy contaminant tracing, and/or analytical methods development and application. A strong analytical focus is desirable including the use of powerful tools such as autonomous chemical sensing, isotopic tracers, biomarkers, or the chromatographic or spectroscopic characterization of complex environmental samples.
The position is based at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL), in Solomons, Maryland. CBL is part of UMCES, a statewide network of research-focused labs, with robust research portfolios spanning aquatic biogeochemistry, ecotoxicology, coastal resilience, ecosystem dynamics, ecology, and fisheries science with a mission for both fundamental and applied research. The CBL Environmental Chemistry program has a long and distinguished history and currently houses an array of advanced analytical capabilities such as nutrient and stable isotope analyses, measurements of greenhouse gases, trace and heavy metals and organic contaminants, and gamma counters. Some of these instruments are used in the newly-opened Anthropogenic Changes in Estuarine Systems (ACES) center to identify harmful contaminants in waterways and assess their risk to environmental and human health. Others are
associated with the well-established Nutrient Analytical Services Laboratory (NASL), a nationally-accredited laboratory specializing in determining nutrient concentrations in natural waters, sediments, and plant and animal tissues. A broad array of additional instrumentation and analytical capacity is available through the UMCES network, including stable isotope analysis of trace materials, genomic and
molecular analysis, and pigment analysis.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the potential for:
developing an externally funded research program,
supervising and mentoring graduate students
building strong collaborations with diverse researchers, leveraging existing expertise to advance understanding of the global environment,
committing to strengthening a sense of belonging for the entire campus community, and
supporting a robust learning environment by teaching fundamental and specialized courses at the graduate level.
Responsibilities:
Develop and sustain an externally funded research program to advance science in a specific area of environmental chemistry
Produce discipline-specific scholarly works (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, new methodologies, and/or patents)
Teach graduate-level courses (average course load is 1 class per year)
Mentor graduate students through the Marine Estuarine Environmental Science graduate program that is shared across several units of the State University System of Maryland
Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration across UMCES and other national and international institutions
Required qualifications:
PhD in chemistry, marine science, oceanography, environmental science, or other related field
Demonstrated research excellence and a strong record of scholarly works
Demonstrated potential for securing external funding
Demonstrated potential for mentoring
Preferred qualifications:
Translatable experience that allows applicant to build upon or maximize current analytical capacity at CBL
Teaching or mentoring experience at the graduate level
Demonstrate an interest in strengthening community and/or broadening participation in aquatic chemistry and related fields
About CBL and UMCES
The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, located in the historical waterfront community of Solomons on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay, is the oldest state-supported marine laboratory on the U.S. East Coast. This geographical location enables faculty to develop research programs on Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuarine system in the United States, and adjacent Atlantic Ocean. Close proximity to the Washington-Baltimore area and its three airports fosters collaborative opportunities with other research institutions, facilitates travel to more distant research sites, and promotes access to major funding agency offices. CBL faculty conduct research spanning biogeochemistry, ecotoxicology, coastal resilience, ecosystem dynamics, ecology, biological oceanography, environmental statistics, and fisheries science, with strong connections to regional management and policy. As a part of UMCES, CBL scientists
blend these research areas to work across disciplines and in diverse settings—from South America to the Arctic, from fisheries to farmland—seeking solutions that improve people’s lives and our natural world.
The UMCES mission is accomplished through research, graduate education, and public service. UMCES is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge of environmental systems and applying science to solve complex environmental challenges. UMCES’s nascent Chesapeake Global Collaborative initiative offers opportunities to partner with data scientists to use big data approaches to solve pressing problems by engaging diverse voices, and developing innovative data tools and products. In addition to cutting-edge analytical facilities, UMCES offers a broad array of field-based infrastructure to support diverse research interests, including the UMCES coastal research vessel, the R/V Rachel Carson, dedicated research pier facilities, running seawater systems, and a small vessel fleet.
UMCES offers excellent benefit options through the State of Maryland, including medical, dental, prescription, flex spending, and life insurance. Regular full time employees also receive university retirement benefits, a very generous tuition remission program and comprehensive annual and sick leave benefits.
This is a full time 100% FTE position with 75% guaranteed state funding support for salary while the remaining 25% of salary is externally funded. The selected candidate will be required to review and accept the UMCES Principles of Conduct.
Required Application Materials:
Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
2-page statement of research vision
2-page statement of mentoring and teaching philosophy including broadening participation
Contact information for five professional references
Best Consideration Date: August 30, 2026
