The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), located in Princess Anne, Maryland, is a vibrant public institution and part of the University System of Maryland. Founded in 1886 as Delaware State College, it became UMES in 1948 and is one of the nation's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). As a land-grant university under the 1890 Morrill Act, UMES emphasizes agriculture, sciences, and extension services, serving a diverse student body of over 2,800 undergraduates and graduates. Nestled in a rural setting on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore, UMES offers a close-knit community focused on student success, research, and community engagement. Its commitment to higher education jobs spans faculty, staff, and administrative roles that contribute to its mission of transforming lives through education.
UMES provides a wide array of programs across seven schools: Agricultural and Natural Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Business and Technology, Education and Professional Studies, Nursing and Health Professions, Pharmacy and Health Professions, and Social Sciences. Popular fields include doctoral programs in pharmacy—the first Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at an HBCU—and physical therapy, as well as bachelor's and master's in aviation science, engineering technology, and marine-estuarine-environmental sciences. These programs create demand for specialized faculty and researchers, making jobs at University of Maryland Eastern Shore attractive for those passionate about STEM, health sciences, and liberal arts in a supportive HBCU environment.
Jobs at University of Maryland Eastern Shore encompass faculty positions like assistant professors in biology or nursing, research associates in agriculture, administrative roles in student affairs, and support staff in IT or facilities. The university frequently hires for tenure-track faculty, lecturers, and postdoctoral researchers. For a full breakdown of university job types, including professor jobs and lecturer jobs, visit our dedicated page. UMES's focus on experiential learning means roles often involve mentoring students in labs or field work, particularly in its renowned marine science program at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory.
To secure jobs at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, candidates need strong academic credentials. Faculty positions typically require a PhD or terminal degree in the relevant field, such as a Doctor of Pharmacy for PharmD faculty or a PhD in marine biology for environmental roles. Research focus areas include aquaculture, food science, and renewable energy, aligning with UMES's land-grant status.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (aim for 5+ for assistant professor roles), grant funding from NSF or USDA, and teaching experience at minority-serving institutions. Skills and competencies emphasize cultural competence, data analysis (e.g., SPSS or R for social sciences), grant writing, and mentorship of underrepresented students. For research assistant jobs, a master's with lab experience suffices, while executive roles demand leadership in higher ed administration.
| Role Type | Min Qualification | Preferred Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty | PhD | Publications, grants |
| Postdoc | PhD | Research publications |
| Staff | Bachelor's/Master's | Relevant professional experience |
Land-grant university: A U.S. institution designated by Congress to provide education in agriculture, science, and engineering, with extension services to the public. UMES is an 1890 land-grant HBCU.
Historically Black College or University (HBCU): Postsecondary institutions established before 1964 primarily to serve African American students, now open to all but focused on diverse education.
Tenure-track position: An academic job leading to tenure after 5-7 years, based on research, teaching, and service.
The application process for jobs at University of Maryland Eastern Shore begins on the UMES Human Resources website or the University System of Maryland job portal. Submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and references online. Interviews often include teaching demonstrations and research presentations.
Pro tip: Reference UMES's strategic plan, emphasizing equity and innovation, to show fit.
UMES champions diversity as Maryland's only 1890 HBCU. The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (ODEIA) leads efforts like the Multicultural Student Achievement Program and bias training. Hiring practices include affirmative action, with 70% underrepresented faculty. Initiatives support LGBTQ+ groups, women's leadership, and first-generation students, fostering an inclusive workplace. Recent examples: Partnerships with NOAA for diverse STEM researchers and Title III grants for minority retention.
UMES promotes work-life balance with flexible schedules, remote options for some roles, and generous leave (20+ vacation days). Benefits include tuition remission for dependents, health plans, and retirement matching. Campus life in Princess Anne features a 700-acre setting with beaches nearby, hiking trails, and events like Hawk Pride Week. Faculty enjoy low student-faculty ratios (16:1), intramural sports, and cultural festivals. The rural location offers affordability (median home $250K) and proximity to Ocean City, balancing professional demands with personal recharge.
UMES offers meaningful careers impacting underserved communities, with growth opportunities in expanding programs like aviation (FAA-certified) and pharmacy (top-ranked). Salaries competitive for region: Assistant professors ~$75K, full ~$110K. Explore employer branding secrets to understand appeal. For more, visit higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job if recruiting.
