Title: Assistant Professor - Behavioral Neuroscience

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Psychology and Brain Sci

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (http://www.umass.edu/pbs) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Behavioral Neuroscience, starting September 1, 2027.
We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration. The successful candidate will be part of a highly interactive community of neuroscientists working with a range of species including rodents, birds, fish, and both human and non-human primates.

Essential Functions

The successful candidate will be a part of an active member of the interdepartmental graduate program in Neuroscience and Behavior (http://gpls.cns.umass.edu/nsb), a vibrant research community that includes faculty members from across the University campus.

The candidate is expected to establish an active, externally funded research program and to publish in high impact peer-reviewed journals.

The candidate is expected to effectively teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Other Functions

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.

Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience or a related discipline. We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration.

A strong record of research quality and productivity including peer-reviewed publications.

Current, or strong promise of securing, an externally funded research program.

Demonstrated postdoctoral experience.

Preferred Qualifications

We seek applications from researchers addressing fundamental questions in behavioral neuroscience using innovative conceptual and methodological approaches. Ideal candidates will have a strong program strengthen or complement in one or more of the following existing strengths: neuroendocrinology, developmental neurobiology, neuroethology, behavioral genetics, neuromicrobiology, and/or neuroimmunology. Innovative research programs that employ advanced techniques in genetics, molecular/cellular biology, neuroimaging, bioinformatics and computational modeling, and/or electrophysiology are particularly desired.

Additional Details

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences’ Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst’s For the Common Good: 2024–2034 Strategic Plan.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of the strengths that are brought to science through diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Anticipated start date of September 1, 2027. Full-time, academic year position. Schedule varies depending on teaching, research, and service.

Salary Information

The University expects to pay within an approximate range between $79,350 and $112,800 for this position. Please note:

The low end of this range is based on 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 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, including faculty rank and required relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests and teaching philosophy, a list of five sample publications, and the names and contact information of three references. Evaluation of applicants will begin on November 15, 2026 and may remain open until suitable candidates have been identified. Apply early to ensure priority consideration.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.