Assistant Professor, Insect Microbiomes

Department of Entomology

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Department of Entomology and the School of Integrative Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign invites applications from biologists with a record of research in insect microbiomes to join a transdisciplinary "cluster" of new professors focused on Climate Impacts, Risk, and Inequality. This cluster, involving faculty hires in the departments of Plant Biology, Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, Atmospheric Sciences, Earth Science & Environmental Change, and Geography and Geographic Information Science as well as Journalism, is aimed at boosting the University's ability to address the grand challenges facing society in Illinois and around the world. Examples include ameliorating climate change and its impacts on food security, human health, and ecosystem integrity, enhancing understanding of anthropogenic mediated changes to species, populations, and people, developing alternative technologies for clean energy and agricultural sustainability, and addressing social injustice arising from environmental inequities. For more information, please see: https://publish.illinois.edu/2023climatecluster/

The position is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor level, with an anticipated start date of August 16, 2024.

Of particular interest are individuals focused on how microbiomes mediate ecological interactions that span the continuum from pathogenesis to mutualism between insects and other organisms; an emphasis on impacts of anthropogenic environmental change on microbiome functionality in epidemic outbreaks or extinction is a strength. The successful candidate is expected to develop an externally funded research program and collaborate to develop research initiatives; this position provides an opportunity to join a dynamic and well-established community of biologists with interests spanning a wide range of taxa in the School of Integrative Biology, as well as many interdisciplinary programs across the campus. Responsibilities also include undergraduate and/or graduate teaching (to be determined based on departmental need and candidate strengths) and participation in both undergraduate and graduate training.

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in entomology, biology, zoology, genetics/genomics, microbiology, or a related discipline. Candidates with a demonstrated commitment to working with students or faculty from groups historically marginalized or underrepresented in the field through teaching, mentoring, or administration are especially encouraged to apply. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. Faculty in the College create knowledge, address critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge, and prepare students for lives of impact in the state, nation, and globally. To meet these objectives, the College embraces and values diversity and difference through hiring faculty candidates who can contribute through their research, teaching, and/or service to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.

The University of Illinois has an active and successful dual-career partner placement program and a strong commitment to work-life balance and family-friendly programs for faculty and staff (http://provost.illinois.edu/faculty-affairs/work-life-balance/).

To find out more about the resources available at the university and Urbana-Champaign community please visit these sites:

Dual Career Program 

Benefits 

Living in Champaign-Urbana

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (www.illinois.edu) is located approximately 120 miles south of Chicago in a metropolitan area of approximately 232,000 people. The campus is home to internationally recognized facilities and interdisciplinary programs including the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (www.igb.illinois.edu), Beckman Institute (www.beckman.illinois.edu), Energy Biosciences Institute (http://energybiosciencesinstitute.org/), W.M. Keck Center for Comparative and Functional Genomics (www.biotech.uiuc.edu/centers/Keck), National Center for Supercomputing Applications (www.ncsa.illinois.edu), and the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (https://sustainability.illinois.edu/ )

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, create your candidate profile through https://jobs.illinois.edu and submit application materials. Applicants must submit the following:

• letter of application/cover letter, less than 2 pages,
• curriculum vitae (any length)
• document including citations and links to 3 representative publications or pre-prints,
• statement of teaching experience/philosophy, less than 3 pages,
• statement of research interests/vision, less than 3 pages,
• statement on your contributions to inclusive excellence activities (https://diversity.illinois.edu/about/office-of-academic-inclusive-excellence/)" in the areas of service, teaching, and research/creativity and should include specific examples and outcomes of your activities, including how this influences future planning. Less than 2 pages,
• contact information for three professional references. Letters of recommendation may be requested electronically from referees at a later date.

We ask that all documents be uploaded in a single .pdf file as an upload in the “Resume/CV” section.

Only applications submitted through the University of Illinois Job Board will be considered. Full consideration is guaranteed for all applications received by October 6, 2023.  Interviews may take place before the closing date, however no hiring decision will be made until after that date.

Please Note: Research shows that Black, Indigenous, and People of color (BIPOC), women, and other marginalized groups may hesitate to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every qualification. The University of Illinois is interested in finding the best candidate for the job, recognizing that such a candidate may come from unconventional pathways and/or non-traditional backgrounds. We encourage candidates to think broadly about their background and qualifications for the position.

Questions about the position may be directed to Cassandra Kenton cass3188@illinois.edu.  For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137. 

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.