Assistant Professor – Genetics

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth’s flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in any area of Eukaryotic Genetics. 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. Of particular importance, the successful candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of the strength that is brought to science through diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility.

Although the search is unrestricted with respect to organism or approach, the successful candidate will have demonstrated expertise using genetic approaches to investigate biological systems and will contribute to the department’s mission through teaching in modern genetics. Research areas of interest include genetic mechanisms of inheritance, the connections between genotype and phenotype, and the genetic basis of eukaryotic development or function. Modern genetic approaches that include genomic methods are welcome. The Biology Department provides an interactive and broad research environment, with faculty whose research spans all levels of biological organization. Faculty members train graduate students through interdepartmental graduate programs in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Neuroscience and Behavior, Plant Biology, and Organismic and Evolutionary Biology.

Requirements

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. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration.

Additional Information

This position could begin as soon as January 2025, with alternative start dates of September 2025 or January 2026.

Questions pertaining to this position can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Gerald Downes at GeneticsSearch@groups.umass.edu.

Application Instructions

Along with the applicant, please provide a (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vita; (3) statements of research, (4) and teaching, (5) contact information for three (3) professional references, (6) and a Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (see below).

Evaluation of applications will begin on March 1, 2024, and will continue until a suitable candidate pool has been identified.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. In addition to application materials above, candidates will need to submit a Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The Diversity Statement should identify past experiences and future goals. These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarships, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities. (https://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion)

The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University’s goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual’s record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic career and degree.