What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor - Plant Biology position at UMass Amherst?
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 Description
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 Plant Biology. This is an academic-year appointment at the level of Assistant Professor. 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 the research area or organism (algae to angiosperms), we are keen to hire a biologist who investigates molecular mechanisms. The successful candidate will show potential to synergize with other members of the department: biologists who study physiology, cell biology, evolution, and development. Modern research approaches including genomics, advanced imaging, or computational methods are welcome. The successful candidate will also contribute to the department's mission through teaching lecture or laboratory courses in their area of specialty. The Biology department provides an interactive and broad research environment, with faculty whose research spans all levels of biological organization. With recent and ongoing hiring in Biology, the successful candidate will join a new junior faculty cohort in neurobiology, genetics, and developmental cellular biology. 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 September 1, 2025 with alternative start dates of January 2026 or September 2026.
Application Instructions
Along with the application, please submit a (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) Research Statement, (4) Teaching Statement, (5) Contributions to Inclusive Excellence Statement (see below), and (6) contact information for three [3] professional references. Evaluation of applications will begin on October 15, 2024, 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. Tobias Baskin at PlantBiolSearch@groups.umass.edu.
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. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to diversity and will be an individual who understands and embraces university initiatives and aspirations directed toward all members of campus. You can find these values and goals here (https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan ). For this reason, your statement should address how you see yourself contributing to our community and/or our shared goals of building a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse community. This should identify past accomplishments and future goals; these include contributions from experiences, scholarships, mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities.
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.
