Assistant or Associate Professor of Agriculture, Agronomy

Western Illinois University; Canada; Remote; CAD 13,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional university is seeking an assistant or associate professor in Crop Science starting August 2026. The role includes teaching undergraduate courses, conducting research, and engaging with the agricultural community. Candidates must have a doctorate in a relevant field and demonstrate effective communication skills. This is a tenure-track position with a competitive salary and various state benefits.

Benefits

Health Insurance plans

Dental Insurance

Vision Plan

Life Insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition Waiver programs

Discounts to local YMCA

Qualifications

• Doctorate must be obtained by the start of the contract.
• Ability to teach and conduct research in area of expertise.
• Meet physical requirements for field research.

Responsibilities

• Manage crop production research and enterprises.
• Teach undergraduate courses in Crop Science.
• Engage with the agricultural community.
• Advise undergraduate clubs.

Skills

Teaching undergraduate courses

Conducting crop production research

Effective communication

Knowledge of crop production in Illinois

Engagement with agricultural community

Education

Earned doctorate in agronomy or closely related discipline

Tools

GPS/GIS technologies

Job description

Overview

APPOINTMENT: Tenure-track appointment beginning August 2026

Locations: Macomb, IL

Responsibilities

For appointment as assistant or associate professor, the successful candidate’s primary focus will be teaching undergraduate courses in Crop Science. Potential courses include: Introduction to Crop Science, Integrated Pest Management, Crop Physiology and Ecology, Weed Science, Entomology; Plant Pathology and No-till Agriculture. Additional courses may be developed, depending on the candidate’s interests and expertise. The individual is expected to conduct crop production research, manage WIU’s crop enterprises, and communicate and interact with the agricultural community.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills with undergraduate students and serve on School of Agriculture, College of Business and Technology, and/or university committees as well as advise undergraduate clubs. This is a nine-month full time tenure track appointment with the potential for summer teaching and research opportunities.

• Manage crop production research and crop enterprises
• Teach undergraduate Crop Science courses and possibly develop additional courses
• Engage with the agricultural community and serve on relevant committees
• Advise undergraduate clubs

Rank & Salary

Assistant or Associate Professor, 9-month appointment. $9,587 – $10,653 per month, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). Benefits include: Health Insurance plans, Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, AD&D, Supplemental Long-Term Disability, Flex Spending Accounts, 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans.

Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). Other benefits include paid time-off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA. For a full list of benefits, visit the WIU Benefits Homepage at: https://www.wiu.edu/vpas/human_resources/benefits/.

Questions on benefits or eligibility can be directed to [e-mail] or by calling 309-298-1971.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Earned doctorate in agronomy or closely related discipline is required by the start of contract.
• The candidate must have demonstrated ability and enthusiasm to teach and conduct research related to their area of expertise.
• Candidate is expected to meet the physical requirements of conducting field research and must possess knowledge of conventional Midwest crop production relevant to Illinois.
• Evidence of actual or potential success in teaching, research, and service is also expected.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidates with practical knowledge and experience with newer technologies (i.e. GPS/GIS, etc.) are desired.

For a degree to be considered, it must be conferred from a regionally accredited degree-granting institution of higher education (or equivalent from an international accrediting body). Unless otherwise stated, the degree must be conferred at the time of appointment.

Additional Information

The School: The School of Agriculture is one of four units housed in the College of Business and Technology and has 8 full-time faculty positions. Approximately 200 students are majoring in Agriculture with three comprehensive degree options: Agricultural Business, Agricultural Science, and Agricultural Teacher Education. Included on the School of Agriculture’s three farms are facilities and plots for various crops and livestock research. More information: http://www.wiu.edu/cbt/agriculture/.

The College: For over 50 years, the College of Business and Technology offers programs across five schools and maintains AACSB accreditation for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

WIU is a regional university with campuses in Macomb and Moline, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Additional information about WIU and its campuses is available on the university website.