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 Summary

The Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applicants for a full-time Continuing-Track (non-tenure track) Lecturer to teach lecture and lab courses for life-science undergraduate students in the SEA-PHAGES (Science Education Alliance – Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science) program. The successful candidate will teach a large-enrollment Phage Discovery laboratory course, a Phage Bioinformatics laboratory course, and additional courses in the Biology undergraduate curriculum.

This is an academic year, benefited, 2-year position and is renewable contingent upon performance. Lecturers at the University of Massachusetts are unionized with the Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP) and have the potential for long-term careers with advancement within the Lecturer ranks; this includes Continuing Appointment status and Promotions.  

The Department of Biology has a robust community of Lecturers who are dedicated to ongoing improvement of the life science curriculum. Both the University and College of Natural Sciences invest in our faculty’s continued professional growth through the Center of Teaching and Learning, the Office of Faculty Development, and College of Natural Sciences Faculty Development Programs. Lecturers are also eligible to apply for numerous professional development grants and fellowships through the University and College of Natural Sciences.

Essential Functions

The primary responsibilities of this position include:

• Teaching and coordinating a large-enrollment CURE (course-based undergraduate research experience) using the SEA-PHAGES Phage Discovery model.
• Supervising instructional support staff in all aspects of lab preparation and delivery.
• Teaching one or more sections of the SEA-PHAGES Phage Bioinformatics lab course.
• Teaching other lecture courses in the Biology undergraduate curriculum. Possibilities include Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Physiology, or Evolution.
• Departmental and Institutional Service as appropriate for the career stage.
• Implementing evidence-based pedagogical approaches.
• Contributing to the lower division life sciences curriculum by participating in ongoing discussions of pedagogical best practices and science education research.
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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.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Biology or a closely-related field is required, and postdoctoral experience is preferred.
• The successful candidate will have experience designing and implementing a lower division undergraduate laboratory curriculum for life-science majors.
• Broad experience in biological research is preferred, but some experience in cell and molecular biology is essential.

Salary Information

It is expected that the salary range for this position is between $65,550 and $77,226.

Please note:

• 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.
• The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of 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 when and if it decides to extend and offer of employment.

Application Instructions

Along with the application, please submit a (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vita, (3) a statement of teaching philosophy and interests, and (4) contact information for three professional references. Review of complete applications will begin on January 5, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.  

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. You can find these values and goals at: Inclusive Excellence : College of Natural Sciences : UMass Amherst, and For the Common Good - 2024-2034 : Strategic Plan : UMass Amherst. We invite candidates to describe how their work aligns with these university’s values and strategic goals in both their cover letter and statement of teaching philosophy and interests.

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