Assistant Professor - Plant Biology

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.

Job Description

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 .

Requirements

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.

Additional Information

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

Application Instructions

Along with the application, please submit a (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) Research Statement, (4) Teaching Statement, (5) Contributions to Inclusive Excellence Statement (see below), and (6) contact information for three [3] professional references. Evaluation of applications will begin on September 1, 2025 and will continue until a suitable candidate pool has been identified.

Questions pertaining to this position can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Tobias Baskin at PlantBiolSearch@groups.umass.edu .

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. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to diversity and will be an individual who understands and embraces university initiatives and aspirations directed toward all members of campus. You can find these values and goals here : For the Common Good - 2024-2034 : Strategic Plan : UMass Amherst . For this reason, your statement should address how you see yourself contributing to our community and / or our shared goals of building a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse community. This should identify past accomplishments and future goals; these include contributions from experiences, scholarships, mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.