Assistant Professor - Polymer Science & Engineering
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Job no: 521371
Work type: Faculty Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Polymer Science & Engineering
Union: MSP
Categories: Faculty, College of Natural Sciences

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 Summary

Assistant Professors teach courses (undergraduate and graduate) offered by the Polymer Science and Engineering Department, and they are assigned a teaching load in the department comparable to the other tenure-track faculty. Most such courses are at the graduate level, and assistant professors are expected to teach broader core curriculum graduate courses as well as advanced topics graduate courses in their areas of expertise; additional courses may be taught at the undergraduate level. Building a strong, externally recognized and externally funded research group is major activity for assistant professors, and research groups typically include multiple graduate student advisees as members; they may also include undergraduate and post-doctoral advisees along with visiting scientists. Collaborative research and mentoring efforts across the department and university are expected. Professors are assigned appropriate research laboratories and are responsible for supervising the work conducted in these spaces. Additional service to department, college, and university is strongly encouraged, and this service can take many forms, including membership on academic committees, drafting planning documents, re-vamping courses and curriculum, recruiting students, and service in governorship. To build national and international research stature, service to bodies external to the university is also encouraged.

Essential Functions

Research, teaching, and service. Of special importance are mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students, contributions to diversity and inclusiveness, and publication of high-quality original scientific research.

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)

• A Ph.D. in a relevant discipline in the natural sciences, biological sciences, or engineering.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 9am - 5:00pm.

Salary Information

• Commensurate with experience.
  

Additional Information

Along with the application, please submit a cover letter, CV, research plan, teaching plan, diversity statement (see below) and contact information for at least three (3) professional references. Apply by January 10, 2024 in order to ensure priority consideration. Search may remain open until a suitable candidate pool has been identified.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. In addition to application materials above, candidates will need to submit a Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The Diversity Statement should identify past experiences and future goals. These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarships, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities. (https://www.umass.edu/natural-sciences/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/our-commitment-diversity)

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.

Advertised: Dec 6 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: