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Assistant Professor Jobs in Amherst, MA (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Professor of Classics (tenure track) The expected salary range for this job opportunity is $90,000 to $125,000. The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not ...

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How much do assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor in Amherst, MA is $78,840.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,100.00 and $90,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant professor do?

An assistant professor is an entry-level university teaching position below that of associate professor and full professor. You can find work as an assistant professor in any department at a college or university. Assistant professorships fall into either tenure-track and non-tenure track positions. Regardless of whether you are tenure or non-tenure track, your duties are similar. You conduct research, teach classes, advise students on their studies, and perform numerous administrative functions, such as attending faculty meetings and professional conferences or events.

What is an assistant professor?

An Assistant Professor is an entry-level faculty position at a college or university, typically responsible for teaching, conducting research, and participating in academic service. This role is usually tenure-track, meaning the professor may eventually qualify for tenure after a probationary period. Assistant Professors often mentor students, publish scholarly work, and contribute to their department's academic community. Their work helps advance both the institution's educational mission and their own academic careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor, you typically need a doctoral degree in your field, a strong publication record, and experience in teaching or research. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), academic databases, and research tools is often required, along with any relevant certifications for teaching or research ethics. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help you engage students, collaborate with colleagues, and manage academic responsibilities. These skills are crucial for fostering student success, advancing research, and contributing meaningfully to the academic community.

What are some common challenges assistant professors face during their early years, and how can they address them?

Assistant Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including teaching, research, and service commitments. Balancing the demands of developing a strong research portfolio with effective teaching and departmental service can be challenging, especially when working toward tenure. Building a supportive network of mentors, setting clear priorities, and managing time efficiently are critical strategies for success. Many institutions also offer professional development programs and peer collaboration opportunities to help early-career faculty navigate these challenges.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor vs Lecturer?

AspectAssistant ProfessorLecturer
Required CredentialsDoctorate or equivalent in fieldBachelor's or Master's, sometimes doctorate
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research, teachingPrimarily teaching, less research
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, collegesUniversities, colleges, vocational schools
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Assistant Professors typically hold a doctorate and engage in both teaching and research at universities. Lecturers usually focus on teaching, often with less emphasis on research, and may have different credential requirements. While both roles are found in academic settings, Assistant Professors often have more responsibilities related to research and academic advancement.

What do you do as an assistant professor?

An assistant professor conducts research, teaches courses, and advises students within their academic discipline. They typically engage in scholarly activities, publish findings, and participate in departmental service, often working toward tenure. The role requires strong communication skills and expertise in their field, with a schedule that includes lectures, research, and administrative duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in Amherst, MA?

The most popular types of Professor jobs in Amherst, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Professor jobs in Amherst, MA?

For Assistant Professor jobs in Amherst, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Professor jobs in Amherst, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Professor jobs in Amherst, MA are:

What cities near Amherst, MA are hiring for Assistant Professor jobs?

Cities near Amherst, MA with the most Assistant Professor job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Professor job openings in Amherst, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,840 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Assistant Professor - Evolutionary Biology

Amherst, MA • On-site


University of Massachusetts Amherst
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$79K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Assistant Professor - Evolutionary Biology
Job no: 509714
Work type: Faculty
Location: Amherst
Categories: On Site, College of Natural Sciences, Tenure Track, Academic Year (9 Months), Full Time, MSP
Title: Assistant Professor - Evolutionary Biology
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 applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track position in the area of Evolutionary Biology. We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position. Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a vibrant, externally funded research program, effectively teach and mentor
undergraduate and graduate students, and contribute to service in support of the department and college. The successful candidate will also have a demonstrated understanding of the strength that is brought to science through diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility. The Department of Biology is committed to building a vibrant and inclusive academic community that reflects and advances the university's strategic priorities.
Essential Functions
We seek to hire an Evolutionary Biologist who studies the mechanisms, patterns, and/or processes that underlie the origins and maintenance of biological diversity. We are particularly interested in applications from candidates who employ quantitative techniques such as genomics, phylogenetics, advanced imaging, modeling, and/or machine learning to answer fundamental questions related to the mechanisms that drive adaptation at any taxonomic scale, from deep time to how species respond to rapid/extreme environmental change. We especially encourage applications from individuals who will complement existing departmental strengths in organismic evolutionary biology. The Biology Department provides a collaborative and broad research environment, with faculty whose research spans all levels of biological organization.
This position will join a cohort of recent departmental hires in developmental cell biology, plant biology, neurobiology, and genetics. Faculty members in the biology department train graduate students through one or more interdepartmental graduate programs in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Plant Biology, and Neuroscience and Behavior.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in Biology or a related field with relevant post-doctoral experience. We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position.
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.
This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Anticipated start date of September 01, 2027.
Monday - Friday, 40 hours a week.
Salary Information
The University expects to pay within an approximate range between $79,350 and $124,772 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) statement of research interest; (4) teaching philosophy; and (5) contact information for three professional references.
Evaluation of applications will begin on October 1, 2026, and will continue until a suitable candidate pool has been identified.
Questions pertaining to this position can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Craig Albertson at EvoBioSearch@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.
Advertised: 25 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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