Research Specialist

Job Description Summary

The Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland College Park was first established in 1888 and currently it fosters research at all levels (e.g., molecular, cellular, organismic, and ecosystem) related to sustainable food and fiber production with economic and environmental viability. Researchers within the six academic departments in AGNR and many in other Colleges, such as the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (CMNS), use both campus-based research laboratories and four Research and Education Centers composed of 8 Facilities located across different land resource and physiographic regions of Maryland to conduct state-of-the-art research related to a wide array of topics including plant and animal genomics, infectious diseases, animal health, vaccine development, plant and animal physiology, basic biology, human health and nutrition, food safety, animal nutrition, environmental and ecosystem health, agricultural resources management and economics, water quality, soil and watershed sciences, bio-energy, horticulture and landscape design, and interface between Agro-ecosystem and aquatic environment.

The Research Specialist reports to the Associate Dean for Research and Associate Director of the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES). This position is responsible for the comprehensive administration, reporting, and coordination of federal capacity and competitive research grants for the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR). The role serves as the primary liaison between MAES, faculty, USDA-NIFA, and campus administrative units, ensuring compliance with federal requirements while supporting faculty throughout the full grant lifecycle. Responsibilities include capacity grant management, NIFA reporting, intramural grant administration, multistate research coordination, faculty support, and organization of research-related meetings, workshops, and reporting activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

M.S. from an accredited college or university.

Prior experience working with USDA

Prior experience with research administration in higher education

Prior experience planning and managing meetings and events

Ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders

Physical Demands:

Work is performed in a normal office environment, which includes operating standard office equipment (e.g., computer, keyboard, printer, telephone, etc.) for lengthy periods of time. This position frequently presents information through oral and written communication. Minimal travel to assist with, attend, or manage meetings off-campus.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in related field.

Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven organizational skills, including time management

• Project management experience

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Self-sufficiency and the ability to work with minimal supervision

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Attention to detail

Additional Job Details

Additional Information: UMD will not sponsor the successful candidate for work authorization in the United States now or in the future.

Required Application Materials: Resume, Cover Letter, List of 3 Professional References

Best Consideration Date: May 1, 2026

Posting Close Date: N/A

Open Until Filled: Yes

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required

No

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

Department

AGNR-AES-Agriculture Experiment Station

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$83,271 - $99,925

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Exempt 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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