Open Rank Professor - Plant Metabolism

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln invites applications for a tenure-track nine-month (academic year) Open Rank Professor in Plant Metabolism. This position focuses 80% research and 20% teaching in a bustling, collaborative biochemistry environment.

We seek applicants who will establish a vigorous research program identifying metabolic pathways and regulatory mechanisms to advance crop improvement and bio-based products, leveraging UNL's research infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biochemistry, plant science, or a related field.
• Two or more years of postdoctoral experience.
• Strong record of original research in plant biochemistry as evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Lead a vigorous, internationally recognized research program in plant metabolism.
• Develop strategies for crop improvement and bio-based products.
• Balance 80% research and 20% teaching in a nine-month academic year.
• Leverage UNL’s Plant Transformation Core Research Facility and other infrastructure to validate and scale discoveries.

Skills

Original research

Collaborative research

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in biochemistry or plant science

Two or more years of postdoctoral experience

Job description

EEO Statement :

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See: Notice of Nondiscrimination

Working Title:

Open Rank Professor - Plant Metabolism

Department:

Biochemistry-0831

Requisition Number:

F_260106

Posting Open Date:

10/01/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date):

11/02/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Description of Work:

The Department of Biochemistry and the Center for Plant Science Innovation at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) invite applications for a tenure-track nine-month (academic year) faculty position of open rank (assistant/associate/full professor). This appointment is apportioned as 80% research and 20% teaching. Applicants are sought who will develop a vigorous, internationally recognized research program that seeks to identify novel metabolic pathways, regulatory mechanisms and/or biological processes with the goal of translating findings into strategies for crop improvement and/or bio-based products that support sustainable agriculture and biotechnology to enhance human health. Researchers will be able to leverage UNL’s extensive research infrastructure that includes the Plant Transformation Core Research Facility (PTCRF), multi-location biotech fields, and advanced field and greenhouse phenotyping platforms, to validate and scale their discoveries.

The Department of Biochemistry provides a robust environment for molecular research, offering access to state-of-the‑art resources through shared equipment and the Nebraska Center for Biotechnology. Candidates will have the opportunity to utilize the UNL Cryo-EM facility for structural biology, mass spectrometry for metabolomics and proteomics, and bioinformatics and systems biology computational resources.

The university offers a highly collaborative environment to develop plant-focused research programs with affiliated resources provided by the University Research Centers (Center for Plant Science Innovation, Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, Redox Biology Center, Center for Virology), Holland Computing Center, the Quantitative Life Sciences Initiative, Nebraska Innovation Campus and the Center for Biological Chemistry and Complex Biosystems graduate training programs. The University Research Centers and UNL provide cutting‑edge research facilities that support multiple‑omics, bioinformatics, supercomputing, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, TEM, SEM, and metabolic engineering. A competitive start‑up package and appropriate laboratory and office space will be offered.

About Us To learn about UNL benefits and your total compensation, please see: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus. To learn more about Lincoln, NE at About Lincoln | Nebraska.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biochemistry, plant science, or a related field.
• Two or more years of postdoctoral experience.
• Strong record of original research in plant biochemistry as evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in grant writing.
• Experience teaching in biochemistry or related fields.
• Experience with mentoring students.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Expertise in integrated biochemical, structural, and molecular genetic approaches in plant metabolism.
• Demonstrated potential for collaborative research.

Work Location (City, State):

Lincoln, NE

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact:

Rachel Szelag, [e-mail]

Job Category (old):

Faculty Tenure/Tenure Leading

Job Type:

9 Month

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?:

No

Organizational Location:

Default Location