Apply now Job no:515191
Work type:Faculty Full Time
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: Microbiology
Union: MSP
Categories:Faculty, College of Natural Sciences

About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a rural suburban setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Description
The Department of Microbiology  and the Institute of Applied Life Sciences (IALS)  at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invite applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position at the intersection of microbiology and biotechnology. We are broadly interested in candidates with strengths in areas such as microbial genetics/engineering, synthetic biology, microbiome, immunology, infectious disease, applied molecular biotechnology, or other translational microbiology areas. Prior industry experience would be valuable, but not required. The successful applicant will be expected to establish an extramurally funded research program and to contribute to graduate and undergraduate instruction related to our Applied Molecular Biotechnology M.S. Program and our undergraduate biotechnology program, consistent with the teaching responsibilities of our faculty. The new faculty member will have the opportunity to participate in strong departmental and interdepartmental graduate training programs. Salary and start-up will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the University of Massachusetts provides an attractive fringe benefits package.

The appointment will be in the Department of Microbiology in the College of Natural Sciences , and the successful candidate will be offered membership in IALS. The Department has a strong commitment to microbiology research and to graduate and undergraduate education. It is housed in modern research facilities with interactive faculty with strengths in pathogenic microbiology, environmental microbiology, and microbial biotechnology. The Department of Microbiology also has excellent core facilities  and is part of both IALS and the School of Earth and Sustainability. IALS and the UMass Amherst campus are committed to the development of translational research programs and to fostering interactions with industry.

Requirements
Qualified candidates must have a doctoral degree in Microbiology or a closely related field, postdoctoral experience, and outstanding potential to establish an externally-funded research program.

Additional Information
Review of applications will begin on January 1, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled, with an anticipated start date in 2023.

Application Instructions
Candidates should provide the following in their application packages: (1) a cover letter addressed to the Search Committee Co-Chairs, Dr. Yasu Morita and Dr. Lili He; (2) provide names and contact information for three individuals who are willing to write a letter of recommendation; (3) a curriculum vitae; (4) a research plan; (5) a statement of teaching interests; and (6) a Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, identifying past experiences and future goals. These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarships, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities. https://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion.

The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University’s goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual’s record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic career and degree.