Title: Assistant Professor - Evolutionary Biology

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Biology

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track position in the area of Evolutionary Biology. 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 expected to establish a vibrant, externally funded research program, effectively teach and mentor
undergraduate and graduate students, and contribute to service in support of the department and college. The successful candidate will also have a demonstrated understanding of the strength that is brought to science through diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility. The Department of Biology is committed to building a vibrant and inclusive academic community that reflects and advances the university’s strategic priorities.

Essential Functions

We seek to hire an Evolutionary Biologist who studies the mechanisms, patterns, and/or processes that underlie the origins and maintenance of biological diversity. We are particularly interested in applications from candidates who employ quantitative techniques such as genomics, phylogenetics, advanced imaging, modeling, and/or machine learning to answer fundamental questions related to the mechanisms that drive adaptation at any taxonomic scale, from deep time to how species respond to rapid/extreme environmental change. We especially encourage applications from individuals who will complement existing departmental strengths in organismic evolutionary biology. The Biology Department provides a collaborative and broad research environment, with faculty whose research spans all levels of biological organization.

This position will join a cohort of recent departmental hires in developmental cell biology, plant biology, neurobiology, and genetics. Faculty members in the biology department train graduate students through one or more interdepartmental graduate programs in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Plant Biology, and Neuroscience and Behavior.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in Biology or a related field with relevant post-doctoral experience. We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position.

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.

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 01, 2027.

Monday - Friday, 40 hours a week.

Salary Information

The University expects to pay within an approximate range between $79,350 and $124,772 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 a (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vita; (3) statement of research interest; (4) teaching philosophy; and (5) contact information for three professional references.

Evaluation of applications will begin on October 1, 2026, and will continue until a suitable candidate pool has been identified.

Questions pertaining to this position can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Craig Albertson at EvoBioSearch@umass.edu.

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.