Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore invites application to apply for a one year, grant-funded, faculty position. Renewal of the position is based on continued funding.

We are seeking an innovative and technically skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to join our interdisciplinary team at the forefront of transforming agriculture through robotics, remote sensing, and data analytics. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on working with smart autonomous systems that navigate soil, air, or water for applications relevant to agriculture and environmental monitoring. The selected individual will directly contribute to global efforts in sustainable agriculture, resource optimization, and next-gen Agri-Tech deployment. As a key contributor, the person will lead field-ready research in autonomous vehicles, AI powered agronomic decision-making and precision land management technologies.

Benefits: UMES offers exciting opportunities for professional growth.  Generous benefits include health benefits (medical, prescription, dental, flexible spending accounts), Retirement (State or Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA), Supplemental Retirement Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state match, Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance), Tuition Remission, Employee Assistance Program, paid holidays paid leave, annual leave 22 days per year, sick leave 15 days per year, personal leave 3 days per year.

Responsibilities:
•Autonomous Systems Development and Field Deployment- Design and deploy
autonomous vehicles -UGVs, UAVs, and USVs—for environmental data
collection (soil and water).
•Remote Sensing and Spatial Data Analytics- Execute and analyze drone
missions for multispectral imagery and spraying and utilize advanced Agri-
Tech software including Pix4D, SMS Advanced,
ArcGIS, Mission Planner, and the John Deere Operation Center for smart
farming
•Indoor Agriculture Research- Integrate and maintain FarmBot platforms,
incorporating IoT, renewable energy (solar/wind), and smart irrigation and
explore other smart and vertical farming technologies in indoor settings.
•Research Publications and Outreach- Publish in peer-reviewed journals; present
at conferences; mentor interdisciplinary teams of students; and participate in
extension efforts Publish in peer- reviewed journals.
•Professional Development and Certification- Maintain UAV certifications (FAA
Part 107/137); continuous development in programming, robotics, and Agri-
Tech.
•Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
•Ph.D. in Agricultural Science, Robotics, Environmental Engineering, Computer
Science, or a related field.
•Proven expertise in precision agriculture, remote sensing, and robotic systems
integration.
•Hands-on experience with Pixhawk, RTK GPS, UAV operation, FarmBot, and
spatial data processing.
•Programming proficiency in Python, C/C++, Lua, MATLAB, or similar languages.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
•Demonstrated research productivity through peer-reviewed publications.
•Strong interest in interdisciplinary.
•Knowledge in field-based research with real world application.

Physical Demands:
•May require extended periods of standing, bending, stooping, sitting at desk.
•May require lifting up to 25 lbs.
•Requires communication with a variety of constituents externally and internally.
•Requires operation of a variety of office equipment.

Licenses/ Certifications: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification and willingness to seek FAA Part 137 Certification

Additional Information

Department

UMES-AGNS-1890 Agriculture

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Non-Regular (Fixed Term)

Salary Range

$65,000 - $70,000

EEO Statement

UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship.

Diversity Statement

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an equal access, equal opportunity institution fully committed to diversity in education and employment. All students, employees, and the campus community at UMES are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to receive an equitable experience in an inclusive, welcoming environment of openness and appreciation.

Title IX Statement

It is the policy of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) based on sex in the University's educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discriminations or harassment.