Announcements

Assistant Professor in Cell Biology (TT)

University of Massachusetts
Assistant Professor in Cell Biology (TT)

The Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst invites applications from quantitative cell biologists for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor. We are broadly seeking cell biologists who are addressing fundamental questions using quantitative microscopy, molecular, biochemical, and/or genetic approaches. This search is part of a strategic investment in quantitative life sciences, and we especially encourage applicants whose research uses quantitative methods including, but not limited to, mathematical modeling of cell and/or sub-cellular behaviors, automated image analysis, and/or single molecule imaging. The cell biologist will be able to take full advantage of substantial new investments in campus infrastructure, including the light microscopy core facility, which was recently designated a Nikon Center of Excellence, and will join a department with existing strength in the cytoskeleton cell biology field. The successful candidate will be expected to have a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education.

Requirements:
Qualified candidates must have a Ph.D. in a closely related field, postdoctoral experience, and outstanding potential to establish an externally funded research program. The new faculty member will have the opportunity to participate in strong interdepartmental graduate training programs.

Application Instructions:
Candidates must submit 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.

Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2018 and will continue until the position is filled. Online applications can be uploaded at the link below and should include a cover letter, CV, research plan, teaching statement, and contact information for three references.

Applicants must apply for the position on the following website:

http://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/494768/assistant-professor-te...

https://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration.

Babbitt receives NSF grant for research on how human and chimp brains evolved

Courtney Babbitt, Biology, has received a three-year, $330,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to use new state-of-the-art computational, evolutionary and experimental methods to examine how natural selection has shaped gene expression in the human brain. Babbitt and colleagues will test the hypothesis that there are functional links between adaptation in the genome and changes in neural types that occurred during human evolution.
See the full article here:
https://www.umass.edu/newsoffice/article/umass-amherst-genomics-research...

Full-time (NTT) Biology Lecturer:

The Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (www.bio.umass.edu/biology) seeks a full-time non-tenure track Lecturer to coordinate and direct the first-year biology laboratory experience for life science majors. The primary responsibilities of this position include:

Designing and implementing undergraduate laboratory experiences with an emphasis on an inquiry-based and/or CURE (course-based undergraduate research experience) curriculum that can accommodate up to 1200 students

Directing and supervising instructional support staff in all aspects of lab preparation and delivery

Implementing evidence-based pedagogical approaches

Contributing to the lower division life sciences curriculum by participating in ongoing discussions of pedagogical best practices and the current education research

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 potential for long-term careers with promotional advancement within the Lecturer ranks. Lecturers in Biology are dedicated to ongoing improvement of the lower division life science curriculum. The University invests in our faculty’s continued professional growth through the Institute for Teaching Excellence and Faculty Development. Lecturers are also eligible to apply for numerous professional development grants and fellowships through the University and College of Natural Sciences.

The College of Natural Sciences and the Biology Department have been awarded a grant by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to foster inclusion in our undergraduate student body. A major component of this project is the implementation of CURE-based first-year laboratory experiences for life science majors. The successful candidate will play a major role in the design and implementation of the CUREs, beginning with the Phage Hunters Advancing Genomic and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program.

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 will be commensurate with skills and experience. Ideally, this position is expected to start January 2019; however, a different start date, no later than September 2019, is negotiable.

Application Instructions:
Online applications should include curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy and interests, and contact information for three references. Review of complete applications will begin on November 15, 2018 and will continue until the position is filled. Electronic applications are to be submitted at the following link: http://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/495432/lecturer

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. http://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Assistant/Associate Professor (TT) in: Translational Neuroscience: Animal Models of Neurological Disease

The Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. The successful candidate will also be a part of the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (see IALS), which has the goals of developing translational research programs, fostering interactions with industry, and training a translational life sciences workforce. New faculty members will be able to take full advantage of the substantial investments in campus infrastructure and core facilities made by IALS (see IALS Cores for details).

We are seeking a new faculty member who will establish a research program with high translational potential that utilizes animal models or human-derived cells to develop mechanistic insights and therapeutic approaches into neurological disorders. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's Diseases and recovery from acute injuries such as traumatic brain injury or stroke. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research programs augment our existing strengths in neuroscience (see UMass Initiative on Neurosciences (IONS), Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program) and extends this expertise directly into health-related areas (IALS, Models to Medicine Center).

Requirements:
The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience in neuroscience or related fields. The candidate must have outstanding potential to build a vibrant translational research program and the ability to teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Biology Graduate Research Grants Awarded

Congratulations to Emma Dauster, Vazey lab, NSB and Josh Moyer, Irschick lab, OEB. This award provides up to $1000 in research funds to be used for supplies or for travel to field sites or conferences, or to attend a course that provides specialized training in a discipline.

Emma Dauster: Sex differences in noradrenergic attention regulation.

Josh Moyer: The Form, Function, and Evolution of Feeding in Sharks