What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lecturer - Psychology position at UMass Amherst?
Title: Lecturer - Psychology
Executive Area: Academic Affairs
College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences
Department: Psychology and Brain Sci
Work Location: Newton
Schedule:Full time
Work Arrangement:Onsite
Job Summary
The Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences is accepting applications for a full-time, non-tenure track Lecturer with expertise in teaching undergraduate psychology courses. This is an academic year, benefited 2-year position that is renewable contingent upon performance, including eligibility for a full-time continuing appointment after four years of service.
This new faculty member will join our department at an exciting time as we expand our course and experiential learning offerings to students at Charles River Campus of UMass Amherst, located in Newton, MA. The ideal applicant will have demonstrated excellence in teaching psychology-related courses with an applied focus and have enthusiasm for mentoring students and connecting academic learning to professional goals and workplace experiences.
Essential Functions
Responsibilities will include teaching undergraduate courses in psychology and academic or professional writing as well as advising and sponsoring students pursuing experiential learning opportunities such as internships, project-based learning, and community-engaged experiences.
Teaching a 'Writing in Psychology' course geared towards juniors and seniors.
Designing a career-integrated seminar that connects psychological theory to real-world applications.
Other Functions
Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.
Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.
Developing project-based and experiential learning opportunities that strengthen students' career readiness.
Partnering with faculty, advisors, and external organizations to both expand and assess experiential learning and internship opportunities.
Collaborating with diverse stakeholders including academic departments, career services, and student support resources.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Psychology or related field (e.g., Human Development, Neuroscience, Social Work).
Previous experience in teaching undergraduate courses in Psychology or related field.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of inclusive course design, assessment methods, and teaching strategies.
Previous experience with career-focused advising and internship mentoring.
Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders including faculty, staff, and external partners.
Ability to work effectively with diverse undergraduate populations.
Additional Details
This position is for the Charles River Campus at UMass Amherst, located in Newton, MA.
This person will also perform service in support of the mission and goals of the Department and College of Natural Sciences. The University invests in our faculty's continued professional growth through the Center for Teaching and Learning. Lecturers at the University of Massachusetts are unionized with the potential for long-term careers with promotional advancement within the Lecturer ranks. Lecturers are also eligible to apply for numerous professional development grants and fellowships through the University and the College of Natural Sciences.
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.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Academic year appointment.
Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5:00pm, 40 hours a week.
Salary Information
It is expected that the salary range for this position is between $65,550 and $93,576.
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 and offer of employment.
Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vita, (3) a statement of teaching philosophy and interests, and (4) evidence of excellence in teaching (e.g., sample evaluations and/or student testimonials) and (5) contact information for three professional references. Review of complete applications will begin on April 22, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
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.
Salary : $65,550 - $93,576