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 (www.umass.edu/biology) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applicants for a full-time, non-tenure track Lecturer with expertise in teaching Neurobiology. This is an academic year, benefited 2-year position that is renewable contingent upon performance, including eligibility for a full-time continuing appointment after four years of service. Teaching responsibilities will include laboratory and classroom instruction in Neurobiology and/or related Biology courses. Teaching assignments in other areas will depend on the successful candidates’ teaching expertise and Departmental needs.
This opportunity comes at an exciting time as we roll-out a new Neuroscience major in collaboration with the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. The ideal applicant will have a strong record of teaching both introductory and advanced courses, in small and large classroom settings, and demonstrated expertise in developing laboratory activities or Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) for Neurobiology. The successful applicant will join a team of faculty noted for excellence and innovation in undergraduate education. We seek candidates with a demonstrated understanding of the strength that is brought to science through diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility.
This person will also perform service in support of the mission and goals of the Department and College. The University invests in our faculty’s continued professional growth through the Center for Teaching and Learning. Lecturers at the University of Massachusetts are unionized with the potential for long-term careers with promotional advancement within the Lecturer ranks. Lecturers are also eligible to apply for numerous professional development grants and fellowships through the University and College of Natural Sciences (https://www.umass.edu/faculty-development/awards-recognition/professional-development-fellowships)
Essential Functions
- Teaching lab and lecture courses in Neurobiology.
- Developing lab curricula for Neurobiology.
- Departmental and Institutional Service as appropriate for the career stage.
- Teaching alternate or additional course assignments, as assigned by the Department Chair, depending on Departmental needs and course size.
- Implementing evidence-based pedagogical approaches.
- Contributing to the Neuroscience and Biology curricula by participating in ongoing discussions of pedagogical best practices, current education research, and the Biology Department Learning Goals (https://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/undergraduate/learning-goals).
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 (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Ph.D. in Biology, Neurobiology, or a closely related field at the time of hire.
- Experience in teaching undergraduate courses in Biology, Neurobiology, or related disciplines in an active learning environment.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Knowledge of inclusive course design, assessment methods, and teaching strategies.
- Previous experience developing laboratory or CUREs courses in Biology, Neurobiology, or a closely related field.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse undergraduate populations.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Typical office and classroom environment.
Work Schedule
- Typical academic year faculty work schedule.
- Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm
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.
Special Instructions to Applicants
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.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.