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, now in its 12th year, supports two Darwin Fellows with staggered two-year appointments. These positions combine teaching and research responsibilities, and also promote the interdepartmental collaboration that characterizes OEB.

Selection of Darwin Fellows begins with a national search. Applicants must locate a faculty research sponsor from one of the more than 75 faculty who belong to OEB. Finalists are invited visit UMASS for interviews, and will present a research seminar and meet with the search committee, OEB faculty members and graduate students. Fellows teach one undergraduate course per year in the Biology Department and the other semester and summer are free for research projects with their faculty sponsor. Applicants in the area of collections-based research are particularly encouraged to apply.

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 have PI status and are eligible (and encouraged) to apply for extramural grants. First year salary: $30,000 plus $2,500 for research expenses. Second year salary: $32,000 plus $2,500 for research expenses. Start date is mid-August.

Responsibilities

  • Teach a one semester undergraduate course in the Biology Department each year
  • Conduct independent research in faculty sponsor's research group for the remainder of the year
  • articipate actively in the Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program (e.g., coordinate graduate student discussion groups, mentor graduate students)

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
  • Arrange for a letter of support from proposed faculty sponsor at UMASS

Send materials 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 01003-581