Assistant / Associate Research Professor

Job Description Summary

Organization Statement:
The Department of Behavioral and Community Health (BCH) at the University of Maryland School of Public Health invites applications for a professional track Research Professor at the Assistant or Associate level to join our growing research community. We are seeking an innovative scholar who is interested in developing an independent research agenda that aligns with the Department’s strengths in public health prevention and complements our existing faculty expertise.

The position includes an initial 18-month appointment with guaranteed salary support, providing the successful candidate with dedicated time to establish and advance an independent research program. Continued appointment beyond the initial 18 months will be contingent on the availability of external or other research funding.

The position duties include an opportunity to develop collaborations with BCH faculty, pursue external funding, publish and disseminate research findings, and build a sustained program of scholarship within a vibrant, interdisciplinary department. BCH has a robust research portfolio spanning health communication, mental health, substance use, cancer prevention and control, violence prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and other areas of public health prevention. Across these areas, our faculty are committed to health equity and social justice, meaningful community engagement, and putting science into practice. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research complements and extends our work in health communication and health literacy. Opportunities to teach and mentor students within BCH will also be available, particularly within our new MPH in Health Literacy and Public Health Communication, allowing the successful candidate to contribute to the Department’s educational mission while building their research and teaching portfolios.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for a scholar seeking to launch or expand an independent research program within a supportive, collaborative, and research-intensive public health department. Candidates at different career stages are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Requirements: Must have a PhD in Public Health or a related discipline by December 31, 2026. The successful candidate will have a strong record of research productivity and potential for securing external funding, commensurate with their career stage. Candidates should demonstrate a clear vision for an independent research program.

Physical Demands:
Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to sit for extended periods, operate office equipment (e.g., computers, printers), and possess the ability to read from a computer screen or printed rep

Additional Job Details

Minimum Requirements:

Must have a PhD in Public Health or a related discipline by December 31, 2026. The successful candidate will have a strong record of research productivity and potential for securing external funding, commensurate with their career stage. Candidates should demonstrate a clear vision for an independent research program.

Physical Demands:

Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to sit for extended periods, operate office equipment (e.g., computers, printers), and possess the ability to read from a computer screen or printed rep


Required Application Materials: Letter of Interest, a Curriculum Vitae, and names of 3 references.

Best Consideration Date: November 25, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

SPHL-Behavioral & Community Health

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$90,000 - $150,000

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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