Assistant/Associate Professor, Perennial Cereals Breeding & Genomics

Assistant/Associate Professor, Perennial Cereals Breeding & Genomics
Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
St. Paul, MN

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)

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

Department Overview

The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics has 25 faculty members with strength in breeding, genetics/genomics, biotechnology, agronomy/agroecology, weed science and crop physiology. Faculty research programs are focused on improvement of traditional and emerging crops and developing agronomic practices for crops that are of key importance to agriculture in the upper Midwest and beyond. Faculty in the department are members of the Applied Plant Sciences,
Plant and Microbial Biology, and other graduate programs. The faculty teach in the Plant Science and Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture interdepartmental undergraduate programs and the Applied Plant Sciences graduate program.

College Overview

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 13 academic departments, 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. CFANS offers thirteen undergraduate majors and thirteen graduate majors, three pre-major/pre-professional programs and 23 minors for undergraduate students. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2,000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for an inclusive multicultural workforce through the college's emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning, internships and global perspectives.

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is in a diverse metropolitan area that is the home to the state capital as well as a large agribusiness and food sector. The campus is at the center of a diverse agricultural production region and supported by ten research and outreach centers located throughout the state. This proximity offers unique opportunities for stakeholder engagement to identify and address contemporary economic, business, and policy issues related to agriculture, food, environment, and natural resources.

Pay Range: Assistant Professor: $96,000 - $100,000 annually or Associate Professor: $110,000 - $115,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).