Job Description
Job Description Summary A Research Assistant position is available at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland (UMD), College Park, is 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 BSL-3/ABSL-3 suites, to support cutting-edge research on infectious diseases.
The Pal Lab, led by Dr. Utpal Pal, Professor, focuses on the biology of tick-borne infections, with a particular emphasis on Lyme disease and host-pathogen interactions, and strives 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.
Responsibilities:
Generation of mutant bacteria by molecular genetics
• Perform Transformations of E coli cells
• Perform Transfections of mammalian cells
• RNA extraction
• cDNA synthesis/PCR
• Cloning, Maxi/mini Prep
• Perform gel electrophoresis
• Care and experiments with rodents
• Immunization of rodents and pathogen challenge studies
• Design Primers for cloning.
• Able to run and maintain specialized laboratory equipment such as real-time PCR
• Able to maintain general laboratory equipment: pipettes, pipette aids, micro centrifuges,
CO2 incubators, etc.
• Tick Work: Able to care for and handle ticks.
• Able to collect blood from animals
• Other duties as assigned.
Preferences:
• A post-baccalaureate degree in Biological sciences or related sciences from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Technical writing skills, particularly related to biological or other natural sciences.
• Computational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to create and maintain orderly records.
Strong verbal, written and editing skills, as well as excellent grammatical skills.
Physical Demands: Sedentary work performed in a typical office environment; exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects-ability to attend meetings both on and off campus.
License/Certifications: N/A
Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Experience: Two (2) years of experience in research coordination. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: Knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies.
Knowledge of surveys, interviews, lab procedures, experiments, or fieldwork.
Skill in written and verbal communication for reporting and collaboration.
Skill in precision data entry, analysis, and documentation.
Skill in computational and problem-solving techniques.
Skill in maintaining research records, files, and data integrity.
Ability to interpret data, identify patterns, and draw conclusions.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and prioritize workload.
Ability to work effectively with faculty, researchers, and fellow assistants.
Additional Job Details Required Application Materials: Resume, Cover Letter, and List of References Best Consideration Date: 12/15/2025 Posting Close Date: NA Open Until Filled: Yes Job Risks 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 Staff Regular
Salary Range $45,350-$54,420
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.
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