Plant Breeding Faculty Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 improvethe quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation,and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminateknowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of expertsand leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science tohigher levels of understanding and influence.
We seek an outstanding scientist to advance food securitythrough the genetic improvement of small grain crops. This position will lead aprogram with national visibility and international relevance, focused oncultivar 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, andsustainability. The successful candidate will have a strong record of originalresearch in plant breeding and related disciplines, including quantitativegenetics, genomics, plant pathology, biochemistry, and plant biotechnology. Preferencewill be given to candidates who use innovative, interdisciplinary approaches tobreed improved crop varieties. The selected candidate will also possessdemonstrated interest and experience in student education and training and willteach courses in plant breeding or other topics important to Crop Sciences undergraduateand graduate degree programs.
A Ph.D. in plant or crop sciences, plant breeding, or relateddisciplines is required. Post-doctoral experience demonstrating leadership ofindependent or team-based research is desired. The successful applicant must alsodemonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, the ability tocollaborate, and a willingness to engage with industry stakeholders and thepublic.
The Department of Crop Sciences and College of, Agricultural, Consumer,and Environmental Sciences offers world-class laboratory, greenhouse, and fieldresearch facilities. This position builds upon novel germplasm developed by ourvibrant breeding program for soft red winter wheats and oats grown throughout thecentral United States and offers excellent resources to support further geneticimprovements. The successful candidate will be eligible to be considered forthe Siemer Professorship of Wheat Breeding, an endowed faculty position withsalary and programmatic support. The successful candidate will also join a collaborativeecosystem 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.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Please create your candidate profile at http://jobs.illinois.edu and upload a cover letter, statements of research, teaching, and outreach goals, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for 3 professional references. Letters of recommendation and transcripts may be requested at a later date. The closing date is August 17, 2026 or when a suitable candidate is identified. Interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date, but all applications received by the close date will receive full consideration. For further information regarding the application process, you may contact Mr. Broderick Williamson, brodsr@illinois.edu. For additional information, you may also contact: Dr. Tiffany Jamann, Search Committee Chair, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, Illinois 61801. Telephone: (217) 265-4526, e-mail: tjamann@illinois.edu .
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 17, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
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.
Faculty Recruitment
Champaign-Urbana
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, and 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 accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1037254
Job Category: Faculty
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu