College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Assistant/Associate Professor in Agroecology

Position Overview

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (https://nres.illinois.edu) is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position as an Assistant/Associate Professor in Agroecology. This position is part of a cluster hire coordinated by the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment (iSEE) and the newly established Levenick Center for Climate-smart Circular Bioeconomy. The cluster hire includes four faculty positions across NRES and the Departments of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Agricultural and Consumer Economics, and Plant Biology.

The hire also will serve as Director of the Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP) in NRES (https://agroecology.nres.illinois.edu/). ASAP aims to promote sustainable food systems while conserving biodiversity. The ASAP Director position will include an administrative stipend, in addition to the base salary, and graduate student support.

Position Qualifications

We are seeking candidates who have or will develop a nationally recognized research program focused on agroecology with relevance to circular bioeconomy systems. Preference will be given to candidates who adopt a holistic view, apply interdisciplinary approaches, and address questions within the broader context of climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Specific research areas could include, but are not limited to, food security and biodiversity, soil organic matter, carbon sequestration, sustainable soil management, multifunctional landscapes and ecosystem services, and agroforestry. The successful applicant will be expected to secure extramural funding, recruit and mentor graduate students, publish regularly in leading peer-reviewed scientific journals, and direct ASAP while expanding its scope.

The candidate also should demonstrate excellence in teaching and mentoring students and a commitment to the land-grant mission of the university. Teaching responsibilities typically include two courses per academic year and may include hybrid or online offerings.

A Ph.D. in an appropriate field is required. For the Assistant Professor level, postdoctoral research experience is preferred. For the Associate Professor level, evidence should be provided of established research and teaching effectiveness appropriate for appointment with tenure.

The anticipated start date is August 15, 2026. The budgeted salary range for the position is $94,000 to $100,000 at the Assistant Professor level and $105,000 to $115,000 at the Associate Professor level (for a 9-month service basis). Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

To apply, create a candidate profile through https://jobs.illinois.edu and submit the following materials: letter of application, curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional references, research statement, teaching statement, and two representative publications. To receive full consideration, all requested application materials must be submitted via the online system by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 31, 2025.

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 further information about this specific position, please contact Professor Angela Kent, Search Committee Chair at akent@illinois.edu or 217-333-4216. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

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 accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1032826
Job Category: Faculty
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu