Assistant Professor - Plant Physiology

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 applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the area of Plant Physiology. 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.We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration.

Although the search is unrestricted with respect to plant species or approach, the successful candidate will have demonstrated expertise studying fundamental physiological mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, or organismal level. We are particularly interested in applications from candidates whose research bridges multiple scales of biological organization and integrates approaches to address fundamental questions in biology. Applications are especially encouraged from those whose work makes a salient connection to current agricultural or environmental challenges and resiliency. We seek individuals who will complement and extend the existing expertise in the Biology and Plant Biology Communities at UMass. The Biology Department provides an interactive and broad research environment, with faculty whose research spans all levels of biological organization. We are a growing department with recent hires in developmental cell biology, genetics, and neurobiology; and have an ongoing search for a Plant Biologist. Faculty members train graduate students through interdepartmental graduate programs in Plant Biology , Molecular and Cellular Biology , Organismic and Evolutionary Biology , and Neuroscience and Behavior .

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.

Salary Information

It is expected that the salary range for this position is between $79,350 and $121,565.

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.

Additional Information

This position could begin as soon as January 2027 or September 2027.

Questions pertaining to this position can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Elsbeth Walker at PlantPhysioSearch@groups.umass.edu .

Application Instructions

Along with the application, please submit a (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vita; (3) statements of research, (4) and teaching, and (5) contact information for three (3) professional references.

Evaluation of applications will begin on November 1, 2025, and will continue until a suitable candidate pool has been identified.

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 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.