Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
A postdoctoral position is available at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland (UMD) College Park, located just outside Washington, DC. The Department of Veterinary Medicine at UMD is home to numerous excellent scientists in the field of human and veterinary microbiology and infectious diseases. The department provides an excellent research environment and advanced research facilities, including BSL3/ ABSL3 suites, to support cutting-edge infectious diseases research. The Pal Lab, led by Dr. Utpal Pal, Professor, has an overall research focus on the biology of tick-borne infections, with a particular emphasis on Lyme disease and host-pathogen interactions, striving to develop novel strategies for prevention and treatment. The primary research focuses of the laboratory are the Borrelia burgdorferi pathogen, which is responsible for Lyme disease, and the Ixodes scapularis deer ticks that harbor and transmit the bacteria.

Responsibilities:
The Post-Doctoral Associate will be required to assist the Principal Investigator with the successful execution of the extramurally-funded research program in the laboratory. The specific responsibilities include designing, executing, and analyzing experiments aimed at researching Lyme disease and Vector Biology. Additional and general job responsibilities include the presentation of scientific data, preparation of manuscripts, as well as routine assistance with maintenance of laboratory animals, instruments, and inventories.

Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. degree. The successful candidates will have a strong background in research in Microbiology and/or Vector Biology and Molecular and Cellular Biology.

Preferred Qualifications:
Highly motivated and creative scientist with a good publication record and a strong interest in pursuing the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate immune responses and microbial virulence.

Salary Range - $53,000 - $62,000


Physical Demands:
Must be able to lift 20 pounds.

Preferences:
NA

Licenses/ Certifications:
NA

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials:

NA

Salary - $53,000 - $62,000

Best Consideration Date:

December 4, 2026

Posting Close Date:

NA

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

AGNR-Veterinary Medicine Program

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$53.000.00 - $62.000.00

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

Resources

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