Assistant/Associate Professor in Agroecology

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks an Assistant/Associate Professor in Agroecology for a full-time, tenure-track role in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. The position involves directing the Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Program, focusing on sustainable food systems and biodiversity. Candidates should have a PhD and a strong research background in agroecology. Teaching responsibilities include two courses per year, with a start date of August 15, 2026.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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. 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 PhD 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.

To receive full consideration, all requested application materials must be submitted via the online system by 6 p.m. (Central Time) on October 31, 2025.