Assistant Professor of Reproductive Networks

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity.

The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

The Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Dynamic Reproductive Networks. We seek candidates with expertise in one or more of the following research areas:
1) Gonadogenesis, including the earliest stages of ovarian or testis development, and the initiation and progression of oogenesis and spermatogenesis;
2) Gamete biology, epitidymal maturation, interaction, fertilization, and the signaling mechanisms underlying egg activation;
3) Pre-implantation embryo development, including zygotic genome activation, regulation of cleavage, and cell fate allocation;
4) Early maternal–fetal interactions and the mechanisms that shape the earliest stages of pregnancy. In addition to standard methods, applicants with expertise in research methodologies, such as single-cell transcriptomics, organ-on-a-chip systems, and the application of artificial intelligence for large-scale data analysis, are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates who seek to integrate computational and experimental approaches to advance our understanding of reproductive dynamics are particularly welcome.

Although mammals are the species of choice, those who other vertebrate models will be considered. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain a vigorous, independent, and externally funded research program. He/she will contribute to the teaching mission by offering undergraduate and graduate courses in reproductive or developmental biology, or general physiology, and related subjects. The candidate will mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral associates, collaborating with other faculty members on interdisciplinary research initiatives, and participating in departmental, college, and university service.

• Applicants must have a Ph.D./M.D./DVM, D.V.M./Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D. in Reproductive Biology, Developmental Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
• Candidates should also have postdoctoral research experience with a strong record of scholarly publications, demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring, strong potential to secure external research funding, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a clear commitment to advancing higher education and contributing to the academic community.
• Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration.

• The low-end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is 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 of 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 when and if it decides to extend and…