Lecturer in Neuroscience

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (PBS) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (https://www.umass.edu/psychological-brain-sciences) invites applications for a Lecturer (non-tenure track) position in the neurosciences starting summer/fall 2025. This opportunity comes at an exciting time as we roll-out a new Neuroscience major in collaboration with the Department of Biology. We are seeking talented applicants with experience teaching both small and larger classes in neuroscience, neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience or another related topic and working with undergraduate student populations. UMASS is committed to the career advancement of our faculty. Lecturer positions include the potential for continuing appointment and promotion within the lecturer ranks.

Essential Functions

The department seeks to fill a lecturer position to teach several courses in Neuroscience per year including:

• Coordination of, and teaching in, the undergraduate laboratory course in Neuroscience. This will include the management of a cohort of Graduate Teaching Assistants.
• Teaching a 3-credit advanced course in neuroscience, neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience or another related topic.
• Teaching a 1-credit "Professional Development in Neuroscience" course to help students identify and prepare for a variety of career paths within the field of neuroscience.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, 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 (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology or related field at time of hire.
• Evidence of teaching excellence.
• Experience relevant to teaching undergraduate courses in neuroscience and/or biology.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience with laboratory teaching.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.

Additional Details

• In addition to these formal teaching/instructional duties, the incumbent will be expected to participate in planning/organizational committees focused on the Neuroscience major, as well as other departmental service as may be needed.
• This is a 9-month, academic year appointment.

Salary Information

• Salary to commensurate with experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, teaching statement, and Contributions to Inclusive Excellence Statement (see below). References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed beginning May 1, 2025 and on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

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.

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.