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 (www.umass.edu/biology) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applicants for a full-time, non-tenure track Lecturer with expertise in teaching genetics, cellular, and molecular biology. This is an academic year, benefited 2-year position that is renewable contingent upon performance, including eligibility for a full-time continuing appointment after four years of service. Teaching responsibilities will include classroom and laboratory instruction in Genetics, and Cellular and Molecular Biology. Teaching assignments in other areas will depend on the successful candidates’ teaching expertise and Departmental needs.

This person will also perform service in support of the mission and goals of the Department and College. The University invests in our faculty’s continued professional growth through the Center for Teaching and Learning. Lecturers at the University of Massachusetts are unionized with the potential for long-term careers with promotional advancement within the Lecturer ranks. Lecturers are also eligible to apply for numerous professional development grants and fellowships through the University and College of Natural Sciences.

Essential Functions

• Teaching lab and lecture courses in the area of Genetics and Cell & Molecular Biology.
• Departmental and Institutional Service as appropriate for career stage.
• Teaching alternate or additional course assignments, as assigned by the Department Chair, depending on Departmental needs and course size.
• Implementing evidence-based pedagogical approaches.
• Contributing to the Biology and life sciences curricula by participating in ongoing discussions of pedagogical best practices, current education research, and the Biology Department Learning Goals (https://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/undergraduate/learning-goals).

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, 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 (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Ph.D. in Biology or a closely related field.
• Experience in teaching biology in an active learning environment.
• Knowledge of course design, assessment methods and teaching strategies.
• The successful applicant will join a team of faculty noted for excellence and innovation in undergraduate education. We seek candidates with a demonstrated understanding of the strength that is brought to science through diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Postdoctoral experience.
• Teaching Biology in a 4-year college environment.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office and classroom environment.

Work Schedule

• Typical faculty work schedule.

Salary Information

• Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a letter of application, CV, statement of teaching philosophy and interests, diversity statement (please see details below) and contact information for three (3) professional references. Review of applications will begin on March 5, 2024. Search may remain open until suitable candidates have 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.umass.edu/natural-sciences/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/our-commitment-diversity )

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.