Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:

The Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC) is a research center operated by the University of Maryland with close involvement of its Departments of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, Geology, and Geographical Sciences. ESSIC maintains strong cooperative research programs with the Earth Sciences Directorate at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and the National Environmental Satellite and Data Information Service (NESDIS).

ESSIC’s roughly 200 research faculty are involved in analyses of in situ and remotely sensed observations together with component and coupled ocean-atmosphere-land models, addressing issues in weather prediction, monitoring and prediction of atmospheric composition, the global water cycle, climate variability and change , environmental sustainability (including terrestrial and marine ecosystems, land use and land use change). ESSIC activities are aimed at maximizing the return of the national investment in earth observing satellites and at funneling innovative research results into the continued improvement of products and services delivered by NOAA to its various user groups.

ESSIC is searching for an Associate Director who will actively and creatively engage in the Center’s goals for faculty development, and for development and management of new research opportunities. The Associate Director reports to the Director and serves as a proxy when the Director is unavailable. In addition, the responsibilities of the Associate Director include, but are not limited to:

● Supporting the development of ESSIC’s research strategy and new business opportunities for ESSI
and its faculty;
● Assisting in the management of Cooperative Agreements between ESSIC and its sponsors;
● Stewardship of and regular updating of ESSIC policy and governance documents;
● Managing internal ESSIC funding opportunities;
● Organizing the evaluation of the annual performance of the PTK faculty and determining appropriate merit-based salary increments;
● Developing nomination packages for special recognition for PTK and TTK at the CMNS and UMD level;
● Advising the Office of Information Technology and Communications (OITC) in particular on ESSIC data services and other public-facing IT infrastructure.

Education Requirement:

Applicants for the position should have a Ph.D. in Earth Systems Science or related disciplines. 10 or more years of research, research administration, or related experience in Earth System Science or related disciplines.

Physical Demands:

Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.

Preferences: N/A


Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials:

(1) Cover letter

(2) Current Curriculum Vitae

(3) Candidates will be notified to provide contact information for three references after submitting the initial application. 

 

Best Consideration Date: 12/01/2025

 

Posting Close Date: NA

 

Open Until Filled: YES

 

Financial Disclosure Required

No

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

Department

CMNS-Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$195,000-$225,000

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 opp