Open-Rank (Assistant/Associate/Full Professor)

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 93,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign seeks an open-rank professor in Plant Breeding (Small Grains) to lead a high‑visibility program focused on cultivar and germplasm development in wheat and oats.

The candidate will have a Ph.D. in plant or crop sciences and a strong research record in quantitative genetics, genomics, plant pathology, biochemistry, and biotechnology, with teaching responsibilities in plant breeding.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in plant or crop sciences or related field.
• Post‑doctoral leadership of independent or team research desired.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills required.
• Willingness to engage with industry stakeholders and the public.

Responsibilities

• Lead a national- and international‑relevant breeding program for soft red winter wheats and oats.
• Develop cultivar and germplasm, contribute to teaching plant breeding and related topics.
• Collaborate with industry stakeholders and cross‑disciplinary teams to advance science.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Team leadership

Education

Ph.D. in plant/crop sciences

Job description

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Department of Crop Sciences

Open-Rank (Assistant/Associate/Full Professor)

Plant Breeding (Small Grains)

WE TRANSFORM LIVES. Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of 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.

We seek an outstanding scientist to advance food security through the genetic improvement of small grain crops. This position will lead a program with national visibility and international relevance, focused on cultivar and germplasm development in wheat and possibly other small grains, including oats. Potential breeding targets include improved yield, adaptation, disease resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, end‑use quality, nutrition, and sustainability. The successful candidate will have a strong record of original research in plant breeding and related disciplines, including quantitative genetics, genomics, plant pathology, biochemistry, and plant biotechnology. Preference will be given to candidates who use innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to breed improved crop varieties. The selected candidate will also possess demonstrated interest and experience in student education and training and will teach courses in plant breeding or other topics important to Crop Sciences undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

A Ph.D. in plant or crop sciences, plant breeding, or related disciplines is required. Post‑doctoral experience demonstrating leadership of independent or team‑based research is desired. The successful applicant must also demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to collaborate, and a willingness to engage with industry stakeholders and the public.

The Department of Crop Sciences and College of, Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences offers world‑class laboratory, greenhouse, and field research facilities. This position builds upon novel germplasm developed by our vibrant breeding program for soft red winter wheats and oats grown throughout the central United States and offers excellent resources to support further genetic improvements. The successful candidate will be eligible to be considered for the Siemer Professorship of Wheat Breeding, an endowed faculty position with salary and programmatic support. The successful candidate will also join a collaborative ecosystem of life and data sciences research at the University of Illinois.

Salary & Appointment Details

This is on a 9/12‑month basis, 100% time academic, tenure‑track position with opportunity for summer appointment. The salary range for this position is $93,000-$160,000. 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. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Closing Information

The closing date is August 17, 2026 or when a suitable candidate is identified.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 17, 2026.

All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

More information on the Department of Crop Sciences is available at cropsciences.illinois.edu

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

Founded in 1867 as Illinois’s flagship public university, the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign empowers a global community of students, scholars, and alumni to change the world through bold, innovative research and transformative education. With a land‑grant heritage rooted in progress, Illinois faculty drive paradigm‑shifting discoveries, mentor future leaders, and collaborate across 15 colleges and instructional units and more than 20 research institutes. The university’s legacy of excellence includes 24 Nobel Prizes and 29 Pulitzer Prizes awarded to its faculty and alumni, $755 million in sponsored research funding, and 94 academic programs ranked in the top 20 nationally. Illinois offers the resources, recognition, and reach to accelerate your career — along with a highly competitive benefits portfolio. Discover how the Illinois Value Proposition fosters professional longevity, personal fulfillment, and a deep sense of purpose in every role.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes:

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• a Retirement Plan
• Paid time Off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non‑discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E‑Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].