Lecturer in Biology

The Department of Biology at Amherst College invites applications for a full-time position as a lecturer in biochemistry, with the appointment to begin on July 1, 2023. 

Amherst College has become one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country. Today, nearly one-quarter of Amherst’s students are Pell Grant recipients; 45 percent of our students identify as domestic students of color. Amherst College is committed to cultivating an inclusive educational environment. Our expectation is that the successful candidate for this position will excel at teaching and mentoring students who are broadly diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, gender, nationality, sexual identity, disability, and religion.

We seek a colleague who is passionate about teaching biochemistry in a liberal arts college setting. The primary responsibilities of the lecturer will be to teach a course in biochemistry and lead laboratory sections in advanced biochemistry and other established courses, such as cell biology and/or molecular genetics. Depending on the needs of the department, involvement in other courses that suit the candidate’s expertise will be added where time permits. As a valued member of our department, the candidate will also take part in major advising, comprehensive examinations, and other important contributions to the life of the department, as well as to Amherst’s Biochemistry and Biophysics Program (BCBP). This is a purely instructional position and carries the equivalent of a three-three course load, which includes lecturing and teaching of laboratory and discussion sections.    

This is a full-time appointment with an initial three-year term and the possibility of renewal for an additional three-year term as a lecturer, which may be followed by five-year renewable appointments as a senior lecturer.  Reappointment and promotion are contingent upon positive reviews of teaching and other responsibilities.

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in hand or have fulfilled all requirements for the degree by the start of the appointment and experience teaching undergraduates is preferred. Pedagogical support is offered by Amherst’s Center for Teaching and Learning and state-of-the-art classroom and laboratory facilities that are housed within a new science center that was completed in 2018.

Candidates are asked to apply electronically to Interfolio [http://apply.interfolio.com/115194] with a (i) cover letter, (ii) curriculum vitae, (iii) teaching statement (two to three pages) that includes past experiences that demonstrate preparation and effectiveness in teaching, and (iv) statement that discusses past experiences and/or plans for supporting Amherst's diverse learning community (one page), and (v) to arrange for submission of three confidential letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2022, and continue until the position is filled. 

Amherst College is an equal opportunity employer and encourages persons of all genders, persons of color, and persons with disabilities to apply. The college is committed to enriching the educational experience it offers through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff. For questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Biology Academic Department Coordinator ([email protected]; 413-542-2097). Candidates are encouraged to learn more about Amherst College by visiting our webpage for prospective faculty at

https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/provost_dean_faculty/faculty_hiring/for-candidates.

Amherst College is a private undergraduate liberal arts college with 1,800 students and a teaching faculty of more than 200. Amherst participates with Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and Smith Colleges and the University of Massachusetts in the Five College Consortium, offering a variety of opportunities for teaching and research collaborations as well as cultural venues. Located in the Connecticut River Valley of western Massachusetts, Amherst is two hours from Boston and three hours from New York City. The college’s scenic 1,000-acre campus includes a 500-acre wildlife sanctuary, the Book & Plow Farm, and three museums: Emily Dickinson Museum, Beneski Museum of Natural History and Mead Art Museum. Our vibrant campus, diverse community and beautiful surroundings make Amherst College and the town of Amherst a great place to live and work. For more information about Amherst College and the Biology Department, please visit our websites:

https://www.amherst.edu 

https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/departments/biology

https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/departments/biochemistry-biophysics