Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

Smith College; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith College in Northampton, MA, is inviting applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences in the Genetics, Evolution, and Molecular Biology track, beginning July 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will develop innovative courses and an independent research program, incorporating undergraduate researchers in projects blending molecular biology with experimental, field, and computational approaches.

Qualifications

• PhD by time of appointment is required.
• Postdoctoral experience is preferred.
• A record of research publications and teaching/pedagogical training is preferred.
• Teaching responsibilities include BIO 230 (Genetics, Genomics, and Evolution) and other courses in the candidate’s area of expertise.
• Commitment to inclusive undergraduate education is essential.
• Applicants from groups underrepresented in the Biological Sciences are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative courses and an independent research program.
• Teach BIO 230 and intermediate/advanced offerings in the candidate’s area.
• Supervise and involve undergraduates in research blending molecular biology with experimental, field, and computational approaches.
• Collaborate with existing departmental strengths and cross-disciplinary programs.

Skills

Genetics

Genomics

Evolution

Molecular biology

Education

PhD

Job description

Smith College is seeking to fill a tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences beginning July 1, 2027. The selected candidate will develop innovative courses and an independent research program in the Genetics, Evolution, and Molecular Biology track. We encourage applications from colleagues working with human, model, or novel systems, who are interested in basic or applied questions, and whose methods are not exclusively computational. The successful candidate will meaningfully incorporate undergraduates in research which combines molecular biology with experimental, field and/or computational approaches.

A PhD by the time of appointment, and a commitment to inclusive undergraduate education are essential. Candidates with postdoctoral experience, a record of research publications, and evidence of teaching and/or pedagogical training are preferred. Teaching responsibilities will include participation in the teaching of BIO 230 (Genetics, Genomics, and Evolution), as well as intermediate/advanced offerings in the candidate’s area of expertise. We seek applicants whose research interests complement and broaden the existing expertise in the Department of Biological Sciences. Candidates from groups underrepresented in the Biological Sciences are encouraged to apply.

In addition to a competitive benefits package, pay for newly-hired assistant professors with a terminal degree beginning the first year of the tenure clock in Fall 2027 is typically between $92,000-96,000. Salary decisions are dependent on several factors, including but not limited to teaching and work experience beyond the terminal degree, as well as market, disciplinary, and internal peer equity factors.

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is the largest women’s college in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. Smith College offers opportunities to foster faculty success at every career stage, such as those listed here.

State-of-the-art resources at Smith include the Centers for Molecular Biology, Microscopy & Imaging, and Mass Spectrometry, along with the MacLeish Field Station, Botanic Garden, an accredited animal care facility (with mammalian, amphibian, zebrafish systems in place), and access to high performance computational resources through Unity. The new faculty member will have opportunities to collaborate with Smith College's programs in Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Exercise and Sport Studies, Environmental Science and Policy, Engineering, Computer Sciences, and Statistics and Data Sciences. In addition, the Smith belongs to a multi-institutional Consortium which provides a rich intellectual and cultural life for faculty and students, as well as opportunities for collaborative research and mentoring of graduate students through our M.Sc. in Biological Sciences program, and of doctoral students through our affiliation with the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.