About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Description
The Department of Microbiology (http://www.micro.umass.edu) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in any expertise of virology. We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration. We are broadly interested in candidates performing creative basic and/or translational research. A successful applicant will be expected to establish a vibrant, extramurally funded research program that supports graduate and undergraduate training, thoughtfully teach and mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and contribute to service in support of the department and college. Salary and start-up will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the University of Massachusetts provides an attractive fringe benefits package.
The appointment will be in the Department of Microbiology in the College of Natural Sciences (http://www.cns.umass.edu). Our Department is a close-knit community striving to create an environment that supports collective excellence in research and education (graduate and undergraduate). Our strengths are in pathogenic microbiology, environmental microbiology, and microbial biotechnology. Our new faculty member will have the opportunity to participate in robust departmental and interdepartmental graduate training programs. The Department of Microbiology is housed in modern research facilities and also has excellent core facilities (https://www.umass.edu/ials/core-facilities), including live animal imaging, a Nikon Center of Excellence, flow cytometry, BSL-2 and 3 labs, ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 animal facilities, and a new cryo EM facility. The New England Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases (https://www.newvec.org/) is based in Microbiology. Our Department is part of the Institute of Applied Life Sciences (IALS) and supports a collaborative environment with ties to various Departments including Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Civil Engineering, Food Science, and Veterinary and Animal Science. The College of Natural Sciences is deeply invested in Inclusive Excellence https://www.umass.edu/natural-sciences/inclusive-excellence. Areas of interdisciplinary strength in the College of Natural Sciences include food and agriculture, extreme environments and emerging hazards, neuroscience and behavior, computational biology in health and disease, quantum materials, and accelerating science through computational, AI, and quantum approaches.
Requirements
Qualified candidates must have a doctoral degree in Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, or a closely related field, postdoctoral experience, and outstanding potential to establish an externally funded research program.
Additional Information
It is expected that the salary range for this position is between $79,350 and $114,000. Please note:
- The low end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA.
- The high end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.
- The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors when and if it decides to extend and offer of employment.
Application Instructions
Along with the application, please submit the following: (1) cover letter, (2) names and contact information for three professional references, (3) curriculum vitae, (4) research plan, and (5) teaching statement.
Evaluation of applications will begin on November 15, 2025, and will continue until a suitable candidate pool has been identified. While the applications can be reviewed until the position is filled, applicants should apply by the priority deadline to ensure consideration. The anticipated start date is Fall 2026.
Questions pertaining to this position can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Michele Klingbeil at mklingb@umass.edu.
Contributions to the University’s Values and Strategic Goals
Candidates may be invited to describe how their work aligns with the university’s values and strategic goals, found here Inclusive Excellence : College of Natural Sciences : UMass Amherst, and For the Common Good - 2024-2034 : Strategic Plan : UMass Amherst. These reflections offer insight into how applicants foster respectful collaboration, support student success, and contribute to an inclusive academic environment. This information is not used to exclude candidates, but to better understand their potential to advance departmental and institutional priorities. Search committees may request these reflections within the cover letter, teaching or research statements, as appropriate.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.