2012 Darwin Fellow Search
The Darwin Fellows Program, sponsored by the Graduate Program in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (OEB), is designed to bring promising young postdoctoral researchers to UMASS Amherst. The program, begun in 1995, supports a two-year Darwin Fellow position that combines teaching and research responsibilities, and also promotes the interdepartmental collaboration that characterizes OEB.
Selection of Darwin Fellows begins with a widely advertised search. Applicants must locate a faculty research sponsor from one of the more than 80 OEB faculty members. Finalists are invited to visit UMASS to present a research seminar and to meet with the search committee, OEB faculty members and graduate students.
Each year the Darwin Fellow teaches one half of an undergraduate course in the Biology Department, leads a seminar for new OEB students each fall and coordinates a Grad Student Symposium each spring. This schedule leaves ample time for research with the faculty sponsor.
Position Details
One position is available for a recent Ph.D. recipient in ecology, organismic biology or evolutionary biology. The position is for two years, non-renewable. Individual health coverage is provided. Darwin Fellows are encouraged to collaborate with their faculty sponsor in applying for extramural grants. First year salary: $35,000 plus $2,500 for research expenses. Second year salary: $37,000 plus $2,500 for research expenses. Start date is mid-August.
Responsibilities
- Teach one-half of an undergraduate course in the Biology Department each year
- Lead a Proseminar course for new OEB students each fall and coordinate a Grad Student Symposium each spring
- Conduct independent research in faculty sponsor's research group
- Participate actively in the Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program (e.g., mentor graduate students, attend seminars and relevant discussion groups)
Application Procedure
Applicants must identify an OEB faculty research sponsor with the facilities and resources needed to conduct their research. Click on OEB Faculty to review a list of potential faculty sponsors. Faculty sponsors will provide lab space, the necessary lab equipment, technical support, and research costs above the research stipend. Demonstration of compatible research interests between candidates and sponsors is an important component in the final decision.
Additional information on the position may be obtained by contacting the OEB Office (413-545-0928 or darwin@bio.umass.edu). After discussing your research plans with the faculty member with whom you propose working, submit the following:
- CV
- Three letters of reference
- Statement of research and teaching interests, including a description of your teaching experience
- Arrange for a letter of support from proposed faculty sponsor at UMASS
To Apply
Electronic applications are encouraged. Include LAST NAME on all documents and send attachments as pdfs to: oeb@bio.umass.edu
Or, send hard copies to:
- Darwin Fellowship
Graduate Program in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
319 Morrill Science Center South
611 North Pleasant Street
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003-9297
319 Morrill S. 
