Assistant / Associate Research Professor

University of Maryland • College Park, MD

4d • $90,000 - $150,000

About The Position

The Department of Behavioral and Community Health (BCH) at the University of Maryland School of Public Health seeks a professional-track Research Professor at the Assistant or Associate level. The scholar will develop an independent research agenda that aligns with the department’s strengths in public health prevention and complements existing faculty expertise. The initial appointment is 18 months with guaranteed salary support, providing dedicated time to establish and advance a research program. Appointment beyond that period depends on the availability of external or other research funding.

The role offers opportunities to collaborate with BCH faculty, pursue external funding, publish and disseminate research findings, and build a sustained program of scholarship in an interdisciplinary department. The department’s research portfolio includes health communication, mental health, substance use, cancer prevention and control, violence prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and other public health prevention areas. Faculty emphasize health equity, social justice, meaningful community engagement, and applying science in practice. The department is particularly interested in research that complements and extends its work in health communication and health literacy.

Teaching and student mentoring opportunities are available, particularly in the new MPH in Health Literacy and Public Health Communication. The candidate can contribute to the department’s educational mission while building research and teaching portfolios. Candidates at different career stages are encouraged to apply.

A PhD in Public Health or a related discipline must be completed by December 31, 2026. Candidates must have research productivity and potential to secure external funding commensurate with career stage, and a clear vision for an independent research program. Required application materials are a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and names of three references. The position is open until filled; the best consideration date is November 25, 2026.

Requirements

• PhD in Public Health or a related discipline by December 31, 2026.
• Strong record of research productivity commensurate with career stage.
• Potential to secure external funding commensurate with career stage.
• Clear vision for an independent research program.

Nice To Haves

• Research that complements and extends BCH’s work in health communication and health literacy.
• Interest in public health prevention, health equity, social justice, meaningful community engagement, and putting science into practice.

Responsibilities

• Develop and advance an independent research agenda aligned with BCH’s strengths and complementary to faculty expertise.
• Develop collaborations with BCH faculty.
• Pursue external funding.
• Publish and disseminate research findings.
• Build a sustained program of scholarship.
• Teach and mentor students, with opportunities particularly within the MPH in Health Literacy and Public Health Communication.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree