Assistant Professor of Physics (Biophysics)

Description

Amherst College's Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of assistant professor in the area of biophysics. The appointment will start July 1, 2026. The department seeks a person who is committed to teaching at a liberal-arts college and establishing an active research program involving undergraduates. A Ph.D. in biophysics or a closely related field is required. 

The successful candidate will teach physics and biophysics courses at all levels, including associated labs. The teaching load is two courses per semester. Experience with inclusive pedagogy is preferred. The individual will contribute significantly to the college’s Biochemistry and Biophysics Program, a collaborative group of faculty from the departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and Astronomy who teach courses and mentor students in pursuit of research questions that integrate these fields.

The successful candidate will mount an independent research program that involves undergraduate students, supervise honors projects, and contribute to the life of the department and college. Research support includes start-up funding and state-of-the-art facilities. There is a broader research community in the area because of Amherst College's proximity to the University of Massachusetts, as well as Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Hampshire Colleges. Additional information about faculty hiring at Amherst College is available on our candidates’ page.

Candidates are asked to submit the following materials electronically to https://apply.interfolio.com/170670: a cover letter summarizing the candidate’s interest in the position, a curriculum vitae, a teaching statement, a research statement, and three confidential letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

Amherst College is one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country. The college is committed to providing financial aid that meets 100 percent of every student’s demonstrated need, and nearly 60 percent of Amherst students receive financial aid. Our expectation is that the successful candidate will excel at teaching and mentoring a broad range of students. The college is committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff and works to support all members of its community. Amherst College is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, persons of color, and persons with disabilities to apply.

Statement of Nondiscrimination

Amherst College does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs and activities on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, military service, or any other characteristic or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Amherst College complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Inquiries should be addressed to the chief equity and inclusion officer, Amherst College, P.O. Box 5000, Amherst, MA 01002-5000.

Application Instructions

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Amherst College shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Amherst College requires the successful completion of all required reference and background checks.