Assistant Professor of Agronomy/Soil Fertility Extension
Department of Crop Sciences
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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.

Be a part of our story: The Department of Crop Sciences (https://cropsciences.illinois.edu) is a recognized global scientific leader in plant genetic improvement, crop production, plant protection, biometry, and environmental quality. Our research and teaching facilities include state-of-the art laboratory space for plant and soil research, newly renovated classrooms with advanced learning technologies, and over 1,500 acres of research plots on our three research and education centers. The Department of Crop Sciences plays a key role in national and international research initiatives in food and agricultural systems, environmental sustainability, bioenergy, biotechnology, integrated landscapes, and global climate change and future work force training.

The Department of Crop Sciences seeks an outstanding scientist and communicator for an Assistant Professor of Agronomy/Soil Fertility position centered on applied research and Extension in plant and soil nutrient relations and management to support field crop production that is productive, profitable and sustainable. Research topics should focus on generating the scientific knowledge to develop innovative, timely agronomic recommendations that help growers address emerging challenges and opportunities related to soil and nutrient management in commercial field crop production in Illinois and the Midwest. A core focus of this position is excellence in scientific communication, both to stakeholders and students. The successful candidate will use innovative stakeholder engagement and communication methods (such as co-production, participatory research and extension, peer networks and learning communities, among others) to increase the practical relevance, inference space and reach of their applied research and Extension program.

Responsibilities:

·         Develop a nationally recognized Extension agronomy program grounded in applied research in soil fertility and management of field crops for Illinois and the greater North Central US.

·         Develop an extramurally funded research program focusing on major soil nutrient and fertility challenges specific to Illinois, including, but not limited to, topics such as helping Illinois achieve the goals of the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, or managing soil health and carbon stocks.

·         Serve as the Illinois state representative for the North Central Soil Fertility Conference.

·         Contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching programs through teaching and student advising in the Department of Crop Sciences.

·         Collaborate with stakeholders and Department colleagues to address critical agronomic management problems at appropriate spatial and temporal scales.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in soil science, agronomy, plant or crop sciences, or a closely related field. Relevant experience (e.g., postdoctoral, PI) demonstrating leadership of independent and team-based research and scientific communication is desired. The candidate should have the ability to develop and instruct undergraduate and graduate courses using innovative teaching methods. Evidence of engagement with stakeholders in outreach and research is highly desirable. The candidate must demonstrate excellent communication skills and an ability to engage professionally with a diverse population from industry, farmers, faculty, staff, and students.

About the University and College
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has a student enrollment of more than 40,000 and nearly 2,000 faculty. It’s located approximately 120 miles south of Chicago in a vibrant and diverse community of 120,000 and is easy driving distance from St. Louis and Indianapolis. Our community offers the residential advantages of a medium-sized university city, excellent cultural opportunities, and a high quality of life.

The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences is recognized worldwide for its commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate programs, teaching, research, outreach, and international programs. We offer tremendous opportunities for students to achieve their goals and prepare for excellent careers. Our hands-on academic programs prepare our graduates for local, national, and global employment opportunities. Our research and education centers, located throughout the state, provide vital testing grounds where research can generate practical applications that benefits consumers, farmers, commodity groups, agricultural organizations, environmentalists, conservationists, government agencies, industry, and business. University of Illinois Extension personnel connect the university with people, businesses, and communities statewide to help solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Our faculty and staff are leaders in international engagement, addressing global challenges and impacting lives around the world.

Salary and Appointment Information
Salary will be competitive, based on qualifications and rank, This is a 100% time Academic position appointed on a 9-month academic year/paid over 12; tenure track, 50% research/30% extension/20% teaching.

Start Date
The anticipated starting date for the position is August 16, 2024, but there is room for negotiation of the start date.