Principal Faculty Specialist

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

University of Maryland - College Park

University of Maryland College Park

On-site

Posted March 26, 2026

Job Description

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
Principal Faculty Specialist 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 focus of the laboratory is the Borrelia burgdorferi pathogen, which is responsible for
Lyme disease, and the Ixodes scapularis deer ticks that harbor and transmit the bacteria.

Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. degree. The successful candidate will have a strong background in research in
molecular epidemiology, molecular biology, microbiology, and Preventive veterinary
medicine, excellent oral/written communication, leadership, and interpersonal ability to
work in teams.

Preferred Qualifications:
A highly motivated and creative scientist who is focused 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. Primarily, Borrelia
burgdorferi pathogen, which is the pathogen responsible for Lyme disease, and the Ixodes
scapularis deer ticks that harbor and transmit the bacteria.

Physical Demands:
Work hours will typically occur between normal business hours but may occasionally
require early morning and late evening travel.

Preferences: na

Licenses/ Certifications: na

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: na

Best Consideration Date: 10/13/2025

Posting Close Date: NA

Open Until Filled: Yes

Financial Disclosure Required

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

Department

AGNR-Veterinary Medicine Program

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

65,000-85,000

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 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.