Assistant Professor - Immunology

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Description

The Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Immunology. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain a vigorous, independent, and externally funded research program. Candidates ideally should have expertise in one or more of the following areas: 1) the role of immune cells across the lifespan (e.g. development, pregnancy, or aging), 2) immune cell interactions with non-hematopoietic cells or the microbiome, and 3) immune cells or mechanisms that bridge innate and adaptive responses (e.g., NK cells, ILCs, antibodies, or vaccination). Candidates will be expected to contribute to the teaching mission of the department by teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in immunology and related subjects, mentoring and advising undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students, collaborating with other faculty members on interdisciplinary research initiatives, and participate in departmental, college, and university service.

Additional Information

The appointment will be in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, in the College of Natural Sciences, which has a strong commitment to biomedical research and to teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. Housed in modern research facilities, the Department has an interactive faculty with strengths in immunology, cancer biology, development, and toxicology, excellent core facilities, and is well-integrated into the University of Massachusetts life sciences research community. The Immunology group within the department is cooperative and collaborative with expertise in both innate and adaptive immunity, autoimmunity, cancer, and infectious disease. Faculty have access to the life science research infrastructure of the Institute for Applied Life Sciences and its core facilities. IALS and the UMass Amherst campus are committed to the development of translational research programs and to fostering interactions with industry.

Requirements

Applicants must have a Ph.D., D.V.M./Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D. in Immunology or a closely related field, postdoctoral research experience with a strong publication record, demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring, strong potential to secure external research funding, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a commitment to inclusive excellence in higher education. 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

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the University offers an attractive benefits package.

Application Instructions

Along with the application, please submit a (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) statement of research interests and future research plans (2-3 pages); (4) statement of teaching philosophy and experience (1-2 pages); (5) contact information for three (3) or more references; and (6) a Statement of Contribution to Inclusive Excellence (see below).

To ensure priority consideration, please submit your application and associated materials by November 1, 2024. For inquiries about the position, please contact Dominique Alfandari, Chair of the Search Committee, at alfandari@vasci.umass.edu.

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. You can find these values and goals here: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan. For this reason, we request that all applicants submit a Contributions to Inclusive Excellence Statement that addresses how you see yourself contributing to our community and campus climate and/or our shared goals of building a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse community. These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarships, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities. A link to the inclusive excellence statement from the College can be found here: www.umass.edu/natural-sciences/diversity-equity-and-inclusion.

The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University's goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual's record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic career and degree.