Position Overview
This position is a full-time, nine-month (academic year) tenure-track appointment with 60% research and 40% teaching responsibilities. Research activities include directing breeding and genomic improvement programs on perennial cereal grain crops. The primary crops will be intermediate wheatgrass (Kernza®), perennial cereal rye, and perennial wheat. The Kernza breeding program is well established, the perennial rye and wheat programs are in development, and other perennial cereals such as perennial oat may be included at the incumbent’s discretion. Teaching responsibilities will include two undergraduate and/or graduate courses per year in addition to mentoring and advising of undergraduate and graduate students.
Research: The position will focus on genetic/genomic investigations, germplasm improvement, and cultivar development of perennial cereals utilizing contemporary tools such as DNA sequencing, predictive breeding, and/or high-throughput phenotyping, as appropriate for the species. Interdisciplinary research will be encouraged through collaborations with other scientists and engagement with initiatives and centers such as the Forever Green Initiative and Plant Breeding Center. The Forever Green Initiative is an interdisciplinary research and development platform that is working to diversify Upper Midwest crop rotations with perennial and winter-annual crops that protect soil over the winter, improve water quality, build resilience, and provide new economic opportunities for farmers and rural communities. Internal research funds are expected to be available periodically from the Forever Green Initiative, but the incumbent will be expected to secure and maintain extramural funding to support research and breeding efforts.
Teaching: The successful candidate will be a passionate and effective educator who teaches two courses per year in agronomy, genetics/genomics, or plant breeding. These courses will support both undergraduate and graduate degree programs associated with the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to excellence in teaching and committed to continuous pedagogical improvement. This includes being open to innovative teaching strategies, adapting to diverse learning styles, and providing mentorship and academic advising to both undergraduate and graduate students.
The University of Minnesota is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the inclusive excellence of the academic community through their teaching, service, research, and scholarship.
Responsibilities
- Develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program in perennial cereals breeding and genomics
- Release cultivars of perennial cereals for use by farmers in the Upper Midwest and beyond
- Contribute to the College’s strengths in plant improvement
- Teach two undergraduate and/or graduate courses per year
- Maintain an externally funded research program
- Advise graduate and undergraduate students
- Engage in service activities that support the department, college, university, and profession
Time Appointment: 100% time, 9-month appointment
Position Type: Faculty (tenure-track), Assistant/Associate Professor (9403/9402)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. degree or equivalent in plant breeding, genetics, genomics or closely related field
- Demonstrated teaching experience at the college level
- Proven ability to conduct innovative, original research in a relevant field
- Publication record in peer-reviewed journals
- Effective leadership and communication skills, and other personal attributes necessary to manage and direct a research and teaching program
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with other researchers
Preferred Qualifications:
- Postdoctoral or equivalent work experience
- Demonstration of strong commitment to teaching
- Plant breeding experience in any species
- Grant writing experience
- Demonstrated ability to administer budgets and manage personnel
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
This position will remain open until filled.
This is posted as either at either the assistant or associate tenure track level with the compensation range of: Assistant Professor: $96,000 - $100,000 or Associate Professor: $110,000 - $115,000
Applications must be submitted online http://employment.umn.edu/ (search for Job Opening ID 370918)
Submit applications by January 5, 2026.
Please submit the following as ONE PDF document:
- Cover letter that highlights the candidate’s qualifications for the position
- Research statement (maximum 2 pages) highlighting accomplishments, experience, and future research directions
- Teaching statement (maximum 2 pages) highlighting accomplishments, experience, philosophies, and interests
- Curriculum Vitae
- Names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation will be requested at the interview stage.
For questions regarding this position, please contact Search Committee Chair, Professor James Anderson (ander319@umn.edu). For Human Resources or administrative related questions, please contact, Departmental Administrator, Lori Loberg (lloberg@umn.edu)
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
