Post Doctoral Associate

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.

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

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

• Department
• AGNR-Veterinary Medicine Program
• Worker Sub-Type
• Faculty Regular

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 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.