2015 Darwin Fellow Search

The Darwin Fellows Program, sponsored by the Graduate Program in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (OEB), is designed to bring promising young postdoctoral researchers in the fields of ecology, organismic and evolutionary biology to UMASS Amherst. The program, begun in 1995, supports a two-year Darwin Fellow position that combines teaching and research responsibilities, and also promotes the interdepartmental collaboration that characterizes OEB.

Position Advertisement

The Graduate Program in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at University of Massachusetts Amherst announces a two-year POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP/LECTURESHIP. OEB draws together more than 80 faculty from the Five Colleges (University of Massachusetts Amherst and Smith, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and Amherst Colleges), offering unique training and research opportunities in the fields of ecology, organismic and evolutionary biology. Our research/lecture position provides recent PhD's an opportunity for independent research with an OEB faculty sponsor, as well as experience mentoring graduate students and teaching a one-semester undergraduate biology course. The successful candidate will have a recent PhD in a field relevant to ecology, organismic or evolutionary biology and proven teaching skills. Position subject to availability of funds. To apply online, please go to INTERVIEW EXCHANGE and submit a CV, statements of research and teaching interests. Arrange for 3 letters of reference and a letter of support from your proposed OEB faculty sponsor. A list of OEB faculty and additional information is available. Applicants should apply by the priority deadline of January 26, 2015 in order to ensure consideration. The position is expected to start in August 2015. Questions about this search may be sent to: oeb@bio.umass.edu 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

Responsibilities

  • Conduct independent research in faculty sponsor's research group
  • Lead a Proseminar course for new OEB students each fall and coordinate a Grad Student Symposium each spring
  • Participate actively in the Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program (e.g., mentor graduate students, attend seminars and relevant discussion groups)
  • Teach one-half of an undergraduate course in the Biology Department each year

Application Procedure

Applicants must identify an OEB faculty research sponsor with the facilities and resources needed to conduct their research. Click on OEB Faculty to review a list of potential faculty sponsors. Faculty sponsors will provide lab space, the necessary lab equipment, technical support, and research costs above the research stipend. Demonstration of compatible research interests between candidates and sponsors is an important component in the final decision.

Go to INTERVIEW EXCHANGE to electronically submit your COVER LETTER, CV and STATEMENTS OF TEACHING AND RESEARCH. REFERENCES: Ask your letter writers to submit their references directly to pjaques@bio.umass.edu. PDFs are preferred. To help manage documents, please request that your references be titled: APPLICANT'S LAST NAME.REFERENCE'S LAST NAME FACULTY SPONSOR: Include the name of your faculty sponsor in your cover letter and ask your sponsor to submit his/her letter of support directly to pjaques@bio.umass.edu. Again, PDFs are preferred and documents should be titled: APPLICANT'S LAST NAME.SPONSOR’S LAST NAME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT SHOULD MY RESEARCH AND TEACHING STATEMENTS LOOK LIKE? Typically the research and teaching statements are 1-2 pages each. Teaching statement should describe your teaching philosophy, experience and interests, and emphasize your mentoring experience. Research statement should summarize your previous experience and describe you planned research with your proposed faculty sponsor. WHO IS ELIGIBLE? We seek recent PhDs for the position. Non-U.S. citizens may apply.

Search Details

Selection of Darwin Fellows begins with a widely advertised search. Finalists will be invited to visit UMASS for a day-long interview that includes presentation of a research seminar and meetings with the search committee, OEB faculty members and OEB graduate students.

Application review will begin on January 26, 2014. Interviews are planned for February/March.