The Biology Department at the University of Massachusetts Boston seeks applicants for a full-time tenure track Assistant Professor in the Ecology and Evolution of Emerging Diseases, starting in September 2021. Individuals applying for this position should be well-versed in epidemiology and evolutionary or ecological theory as applied to emerging human, plant, agricultural, or wildlife diseases.

We are particularly interested in applicants with cutting-edge research in emerging disease and global environmental change. This includes research on epidemiology or public health in urban settings from an ecological or evolutionary point of view. We expect that candidates for the position could employ a broad range of different approaches in their research including, but not restricted to, fieldwork, mathematical modeling, immunological bioinformatics, and biological networks, and that they will complement existing strengths of the department in plant and animal model systems.

The Assistant Professor is expected to establish an externally funded research program, direct the research of students at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels, interact with a dynamic group of ecologists and evolutionary biologists, and become an active participant in the established Environmental and/or Molecular, Cellular, and Organismal Biology Ph.D. programs. Excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels is expected, and those using innovative pedagogical approaches are encouraged to apply. The specific courses taught will depend on expertise. A Ph.D. and postdoctoral training (or equivalent professional experience) in epidemiology, disease ecology, pathogen evolutionary biology, human health, or related fields is required. In line with our commitment to improving diversity and inclusivity in the sciences, we are actively seeking to increase representation of faculty from historically underrepresented groups in ecology and evolution. We especially encourage scientists who are members of underrepresented groups to apply.

All biology labs are in the new Integrated Sciences Complex, which also houses core facilities for genomics, imaging and flow cytometry. The university is home to excellent research centers including the Nantucket Field Station, the UMass Boston-Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Partnership, the Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, the UMass Center for Health Equity Intervention Research, the UMass Center for Clinical and Translational Science, and the UMass Boston Venture Development Center.

UMass has the most diverse student body of any 4-year institution in New England, with a majority being students of color. Many of our students come from immigrant backgrounds and/or are the first in their families to attend college. The campus itself is situated on a peninsula extending into Boston Harbor, with wonderful views of the city and harbor.

Application instructions:

Please apply online and submit (1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a concise statement of research accomplishments and long-term vision, (4) a statement of teaching experience and goals, and (5) a diversity statement that reflects the candidate’s experience and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Names and contact information for three letters of reference should be included.

For further information, visit the Biology Department website (https://www.umb.edu/academics/csm/biology) or contact Drs. Doug Woodhams or Liam Revell, Co-Chairs of the Search Committee, at douglas.woodhams@umb.edu or liam.revell@umb.edu.

Target date for receipt of applications is November 15, 2020, but applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.