Job Details

Type: Full-Time
Salary: $65,550 – $77,226 per year
Posted: November 6, 2025
Category: Biology

About UMass Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst, the flagship campus of the Commonwealth, is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university committed to expanding educational access, driving innovation, and serving the public good. Founded in 1863, the university sits on a scenic 1,450-acre campus in Western Massachusetts and features world-class facilities for teaching, research, and creative activity.

UMass Amherst fosters a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, offering more than 100 undergraduate majors across 10 schools and colleges. Every member of the community contributes to the university’s mission of achieving excellence and developing solutions to the world’s pressing social, economic, and technological challenges.

Job Summary

The Department of Biology at UMass Amherst invites applications for a full-time Continuing-Track (non-tenure track) Lecturer to teach undergraduate lecture and lab courses within the SEA-PHAGES (Science Education Alliance – Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science) program.

This is a benefited, two-year academic-year appointment, renewable based on performance. Lecturers at UMass Amherst are represented by the Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP) and have clear career advancement opportunities, including Continuing Appointment status and promotions within the Lecturer ranks.

The Department of Biology hosts a collaborative community of lecturers committed to enhancing life science education. UMass Amherst provides extensive faculty support and professional development through the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Office of Faculty Development, and College of Natural Sciences (CNS) programs.

Essential Functions

• Teach and coordinate a large-enrollment Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) using the SEA-PHAGES Phage Discovery model.

• Supervise instructional staff in laboratory preparation and delivery.

• Teach one or more sections of the Phage Bioinformatics Laboratory course.

• Teach additional undergraduate Biology courses, potentially including Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Physiology, or Evolution.

• Participate in departmental and institutional service.

• Implement evidence-based pedagogical approaches to support student learning.

• Contribute to ongoing curriculum discussions and science education research to enhance the life sciences program.

Other Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, inclusion, and equity.

• Partner with colleagues within CNS and across campus to support strategic priorities.

• Perform other duties as assigned in alignment with the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology or a closely related field at the time of hire.

• Experience teaching undergraduate courses in Biology or related disciplines.

• Demonstrated ability to teach in an active learning environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral teaching or research experience.

• Experience designing and implementing lower-division laboratory curricula for life-science majors.

• Background in cell and molecular biology (essential) and broad biological research experience (preferred).

• Knowledge of inclusive course design, assessment methods, and active learning strategies.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations.

Salary Information

Expected salary range: $65,550 – $77,226 per year.

• The minimum reflects the base rate for this rank as per the collective bargaining agreement between UMass Amherst and the Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP).

• The upper range accounts for candidates with multiple years of faculty experience.

• Final salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following:

1. Cover Letter

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. Statement of Teaching Philosophy and Interests

4. Contact Information for three professional references

Application Review: Begins January 5, 2026, and continues until the position is filled.

Candidates are encouraged to describe in their cover letter and teaching statement how their work aligns with UMass Amherst’s values of inclusion, belonging, and excellence, as outlined in:

• Inclusive Excellence – College of Natural Sciences

• For the Common Good 2024–2034: UMass Amherst Strategic Plan

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. The institution complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws and is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment for all.