Assistant Professor of Biochemistry - Neuroscience

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience within the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. The appointment includes affiliation with the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) to foster translational research and industry collaborations.

We seek candidates with strong potential to build an externally funded program, contribute to teaching and mentorship at undergraduate and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Life Sciences or related field with relevant post-doctoral experience.

Responsibilities

• Establish an externally funded research program in molecular and cellular neuroscience.
• Teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Collaborate within CNS and across campus to support strategic priorities.
• Contribute to service in the department and college.

Education

Ph.D. in Life Sciences or related field

Job description

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience. We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration. The successful candidate will also be a part of the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), which has a primary goal of developing translational research programs, fostering interactions with industry, and training of an applied life sciences workforce.

Essential Functions

We seek candidates with expertise in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of brain development, aging, and neurological disorders. We are especially interested in candidates who use molecular, biochemical, genetic, and cellular approaches applied to specific models and/or systems to investigate the nervous system and its translation to human health and disease. The successful candidate will complement and extend existing departmental strengths in synapse biology, learning and memory, and neurodegeneration. New faculty members will be able to take full advantage of the IALS substantial investments in campus infrastructure and core facilities (http://www.umass.edu/ials/core-facilities).

This is a full-time (9-month academic year) tenure-track position. The successful candidate must have outstanding potential to build a vibrant, externally funded, active research program, effectively teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and contribute to service in support of the department and college.

Other Functions

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, 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

We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration. Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in Life Sciences or a related field with relevant post-doctoral experience.

Additional Details

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. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences’ Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst’s For the Common Good: 2024–2034 Strategic Plan.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Anticipated start date of September 1, 2027

Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week.

Salary Information

The University expects to pay within an approximate range between $79,350 and $125,349 for this position.

Please note: The low end of this range is based on 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 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, including faculty rank and required relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2026, and will continue until a suitable candidate pool has been identified.

Along with the application, please submit a (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) research statement, (4) teaching statement, (5) contact information for three (3) or more professional references.

The cover letter should generally describe your interest and qualifications for the position in a single page.The research statement of less than 3 pages should cover your research goals for the next 5 years.The teaching statement should include a description of any former teaching experience, information about your experiences, and approaches to mentoring lab members and students. Contact information will be used to solicit letters of recommendation about the research, teaching, and mentoring trajectory of the applicant.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.