Assistant Professor of Dynamic Reproductive Networks

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 Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst , invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Dynamic Reproductive Networks . We seek candidates with expertise in one or more of the following research areas : 1) Gonadogenesis, including the earliest stages of ovarian or testis development, and the initiation and progression of oogenesis and spermatogenesis, 2) Gamete biology , epididymal maturation, interaction, fertilization, and the signaling mechanisms underlying egg activation, 3) Pre-implantation embryo development , including zygotic genome activation, regulation of cleavage, and cell fate allocation, 4) Early maternal-fetal interactions and the mechanisms that shape the earliest stages of pregnancy. In addition to standard methods, applicants with expertise in research methodologies, such as single-cell transcriptomics, organ-on-a-chip systems, and the application of artificial intelligence for large-scale data analysis, are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates who seek to integrate computational and experimental approaches to advance our understanding of reproductive dynamics are particularly welcome. Although mammals are the species of choice, those who other vertebrate models will be considered. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain a vigorous, independent, and externally funded research program . He / she will contribute to the teaching mission by offering undergraduate and graduate courses in reproductive or developmental biology, or general physiology, and related subjects. The candidate will mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral associates, collaborating with other faculty members on interdisciplinary research initiatives, and participating in departmental, college, and university service.

The appointment will be in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, in the College of Natural Sciences , which is strongly committed to biomedical research and to the teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students. Housed in modern research facilities, the department has an interactive faculty with strengths in reproduction and development, immunology, cancer biology, and toxicology, and is well-regarded within the vibrant University of Massachusetts life sciences research community. The reproductive and developmental biology group within the department is highly collaborative, with strengths in gametogenesis, fertilization, early embryo development, organogenesis, neural crest cell migration, and signaling mechanisms across systems and species. Faculty benefit from access to the modern life science research infrastructure of the Institute for Applied Life Sciences and its outstanding core facilities . IALS and the UMass Amherst campus are also committed to translational research initiatives and fostering academic-industry partnerships. The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Requirements

Applicants must have a Ph.D. / M.D. / DVM, D.V.M. / Ph.D., or M.D. / Ph.D. in Reproductive Biology, Developmental Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, or a closely related field. Candidates should also have postdoctoral research experience with a strong record of scholarly publications, demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring, strong potential to secure external research funding, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a clear commitment to advancing higher education and contributing to the academic community. We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position . Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration.

Salary Information

It is expected that the salary range for this position is between $79,350 and $136,193.

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 vitae; (3) statement of research interests and future research plans (2-3 pages); (4) statement of teaching philosophy and experience (1-2 pages); (5) contact information for three (3) or more references.

Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2025, and continue until a suitable pool of applicants has been identified. To ensure consideration, please submit your application and associated materials by December 15, 2025 . For inquiries about the position, please contact Rafael A. Fissore, Chair of the Search Committee, at rfissore@umass.edu .

Contributions to the University's Values and Strategic Goals

Candidates may be invited to describe how their work aligns with the university's values and strategic goals, found here : Inclusive Excellence : College of Natural Sciences : UMass Amherst, and For the Common Good - 2024-2034 : Strategic Plan : UMass Amherst . These reflections offer insight into how applicants foster respectful collaboration, support student success, and contribute to an inclusive academic environment. This information is not used to exclude candidates, but to better understand their potential to advance departmental and institutional priorities. Search committees may request these reflections from candidate / applicants within the cover letter, teaching or research statements, as appropriate.

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