About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is inviting applications for an assistant professor in the Psychology of Peace and Violence Program, starting in Fall 2026. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: social psychology of peace and conflict, conflict resolution, conflict transformation, reconciliation and peacebuilding, and other closely related topics. Candidates should expect to become an integral part of the established doctoral concentration in the Psychology of Peace and Violence that resides within the Social Psychology Program, and they should be interested in studying and understanding peace and conflict processes in real world settings as well as the implications of research findings for policy and application.
Essential Functions
Examples of duties include a strong commitment to:
- Publishing research in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
- Seeking external funding to support scholarly work.
- Teaching, training, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues in the Psychology of Peace and Violence Program and the Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences to promote teamwork and inclusive excellence in research, teaching, and outreach.
Other Functions
- Working in partnership with colleagues in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the College of Natural Sciences, and across the UMass campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
- Performing other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Social Psychology or closely related field.
- Scholarly specialization in the areas of peace and conflict, conflict resolution, conflict transformation, reconciliation and peacebuilding, and other closely related topics.
- Strong record of research quality and productivity including peer-reviewed publications and strong promise of securing external funding.
Salary Range
The expected salary range for this position is between $79,350 and $125,250. Please note:
- The low end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is 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 of 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 when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.
Additional Information for Applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy, representative publications, and contact information for three (3) professional references. References will be checked at the finalist stage.
Review of applications will begin on October 24, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.
We are seeking talented applicants qualified for an assistant professor position; under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration.
Contributions to the University’s Values and Strategic Goals
Candidates may be invited to describe how their work aligns with the university’s values and strategic goals, found here: Inclusive Excellence : College of Natural Sciences : UMass Amherst, and For the Common Good - 2024-2034 : Strategic Plan : UMass Amherst. These reflections offer insight into how applicants foster respectful collaboration, support student success, and contribute to an inclusive academic environment. This information is not used to exclude candidates, but to better understand their potential to advance departmental and institutional priorities. Search committees may request these reflections from candidate/applicants within the cover letter, teaching or research statements, as appropriate.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.