WE TRANSFORM LIVES. Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.
The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Be a part of our story: The Department of Crop Sciences is a recognized global scientific leader in plant genetic improvement, crop production, plant protection, biometry, and environmental quality. Our research and teaching facilities include state-of-the-art laboratory space for plant and soil research, newly renovated classrooms with advanced learning technologies, and over 1,500 acres of research plots in our three research and education centers. The Department of Crop Sciences plays a key role in national and international research initiatives in food and agricultural systems, environmental sustainability, bioenergy, biotechnology, integrated landscapes, global climate change, and future workforce training.
We invite outstanding scientists to apply for the Soybean Improvement faculty position. This position provides the unique opportunity to lead a nationally recognized soybean improvement program and to build on its renowned global impact. Soybean improvement at the University of Illinois dates back 100 years and has generated milestone cultivars and research breakthroughs. Illinois soybean germplasm provides a solid foundation for continued improvement and genetic study to advance productivity, nutrition, and sustainability.
The position will augment traditional cultivar development with innovative genomics, computational, and/or sensor-based approaches to advance and accelerate plant breeding efforts and conduct breeding and genetics research. The successful candidate will have a strong record of original research in plant breeding or other relevant disciplines such as genomics, quantitative genetics, plant biotechnology, or phenomics. We seek candidates with a proven ability to use innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to conduct high-impact research and develop improved cultivars. The successful candidate will have demonstrated interest and experience in student education and training and will teach courses in plant breeding or other topics important to our undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
We seek candidates who will strengthen our efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and contribute to programs that enhance participation from traditionally underrepresented groups in agricultural research and STEAM. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
A Ph.D. in plant or crop sciences, plant breeding, or related disciplines is required. Post-doctoral experience leading an independent or team-based research program is desired. The successful applicant must also demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communications skills, the ability to collaborate, and the willingness to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders and the public due to the importance of soybeans in Illinois and worldwide.
The Department of Crop Sciences and the College of Consumer, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences offer world-class laboratory, greenhouse, and field research facilities. This position builds upon the novel germplasm developed by our vibrant soybean breeding program and provides excellent resources to support further genetic improvements. In addition, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with other faculty and USDA laboratories on campus studying soybeans and through major programs such as the Soybean Innovation Center and the USDA Soybean Germplasm Bank. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and supportive community of world-class life and computer sciences and engineering programs at the University of Illinois and the Illinois Plant Breeding Center, where our internationally-recognized faculty partners with the private sector to enhance education and training opportunities on a diversity of crops.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is located in the heart of the Midwest. The twin cities, which “sandwich” the University campus, offer a welcoming, diverse, and vibrant micro-urban lifestyle. They are surrounded by one of the most productive agricultural ecosystems worldwide. The campus is not only a recognized Agricultural Tech Hub but Champaign and Urbana are well known for their gastronomy and culture, with the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts attracting artists from around the world. The University is conveniently located near affordable and beautiful neighborhoods with high-quality schools.
This is a 9-month academic year, 100% time, tenure-track position with the opportunity for summer appointment. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package. The position is available as soon as possible after the closing date.
For further information about the application procedures, you may contact Linda Kemplin, kemplin@illinois.edu. For more information, you may also contact Dr. Martin Bohn, Search Committee Chair, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1201 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801. Telephone: (217) 244-2536, e-mail: mbohn@illinois.edu . More information on the Department of Crop Sciences is available at cropsciences.illinois.edu
Please create your candidate profile at http://jobs.illinois.edu and upload a cover letter, statements of research, teaching, and outreach goals, a statement describing the candidate’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references. All requested information must be sent for your application to be considered. The closing date is May 31, 2022, or when a suitable candidate is identified.
University of Illinois faculty, staff and students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption in accordance with applicable University processes.
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Convictions are not a bar to employment. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment.