Lecturer - Ecology & Evolution

Title

Lecturer - Ecology & Evolution

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Biology

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applicants for a full-time Continuing-Track (non-tenure track) Lecturer to teach introductory biology, ecology, and evolution courses for life-science and biology undergraduate students. The successful candidate will teach a large-enrollment introductory biology course, a 200-level ecology course, and a 200-level evolution course.

This is an academic year, benefited, 2-year position and is renewable contingent upon satisfactory performance. Lecturers at the University of Massachusetts are unionized with the Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP) and have the potential for long-term careers with advancement within the Lecturer ranks; this includes Continuing Appointment status after four years of service and Promotions after six years of service.

The Department of Biology has a robust community of Lecturers who are dedicated to the ongoing improvement of the life science curriculum. Both the University and College of Natural Sciences invest in our faculty’s continued professional growth through the Center of Teaching and Learning, the Office of Faculty Development, and College of Natural Sciences Faculty Development Programs. Lecturers are also eligible to apply for numerous professional development grants and fellowships through the University and College of Natural Sciences.

Essential Functions

• Teaching large lecture sections (100-200+ students) of Introductory Biology II (BIOL 152), Evolution (BIOL 280), and Ecology (BIOL 287).
• Implementing evidence-based pedagogical practices that promote active learning and student engagement.
• Developing experiential learning opportunities for students within the Biology major.
• Departmental and Institutional Service as appropriate for the career stage.
• Contributing to the Biology curriculum by participating in ongoing discussions of pedagogical best practices and science education research.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Biology or a closely-related field is required, and postdoctoral experience is preferred.

Post-secondary teaching experience involving substantial responsibility for course instruction and/or course design is required, with a preference for experience teaching large-enrollment courses.

Ability to implement evidence-based pedagogical practices that promote active learning and student engagement.

Additional Details

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences’ Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst’s For the Common Good: 2024–2034 Strategic Plan.

We invite candidates to describe how their work aligns with this university’s values and strategic goals in both their cover letter and statement of teaching philosophy and interests.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Anticipated start date of September 2027.

Monday - Friday, 40 hours a week.

Salary Information

The University expects to pay within an approximate range between $65,550.00 and $87,601.00 for this position. Please note:

The low end of this range is based on 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 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, including faculty rank and required relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vita, (3) a statement of teaching philosophy and interests, and (4) contact information for three professional references. Review of complete applications will begin on January 4, 2027 and will continue until the position is filled.

If you have questions about this search, please contact the search committee chair, Caralyn Zehnder (czehnder@umass.edu).

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.