Assistant Professor - Plant Biology

Job no: 527565
Work type: Faculty Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Biology
Union: MSP
Categories: Faculty, College of Natural Sciences, Tenure Track

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 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.

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.

This position could begin as soon as September 1, 2026 with a alternative start dates of January 2027 or September 2027.

It is expected that the salary range for this position is between $79,350 and $128,651.

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 an offer of employment.

Please note:

(1) 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. (2) 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.