University of Minnesota
Assistant/Associate Professor, Perennial Cereals Breeding & Genomics
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400
Assistant/Associate Professor, Perennial Cereals Breeding & Genomics
Department:
Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics
College:
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)
Location:
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. Interdisciplinary research will be encouraged through collaborations with other scientists and engagement with initiatives such as the Forever Green Initiative and Plant Breeding Center.
Teaching: The successful candidate will be a passionate and effective educator who teaches two courses per year in agronomy, genetics/genomics, or plant breeding.
The University of Minnesota is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the inclusive excellence of the academic community.
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
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
Department Overview The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics has 25 faculty members with strengths in breeding, genetics/genomics, biotechnology, agronomy/agroecology, weed science, and crop physiology. Faculty research programs focus 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.
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. CFANS offers undergraduate majors and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on inclusive and interdisciplinary learning.
Pay and Benefits Assistant Professor:
$96,000 – $100,000 annually Associate Professor:
$110,000 – $115,000 annually
Benefits include competitive wages, paid holidays, professional development, health insurance, retirement plans, public service loan forgiveness, and more. For detailed benefits information, visit the Office of Human Resources website.
How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. Attach a cover letter, research statement (max 2 pages), teaching statement (max 2 pages), curriculum vitae, and names and contact information for three references. Submit applications by January 5, 2026.
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. The University considers applicants eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists.
Diversity The University of Minnesota recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion. We are committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. We provide 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.
Contact Questions regarding this position: Search Committee Chair, Professor James Anderson (ander319@umn.edu). Human Resources / administrative related questions: Departmental Administrator, Lori Loberg (lloberg@umn.edu). Accommodation during the application process: e‑mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624‑8647.
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Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics
College:
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)
Location:
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. Interdisciplinary research will be encouraged through collaborations with other scientists and engagement with initiatives such as the Forever Green Initiative and Plant Breeding Center.
Teaching: The successful candidate will be a passionate and effective educator who teaches two courses per year in agronomy, genetics/genomics, or plant breeding.
The University of Minnesota is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the inclusive excellence of the academic community.
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
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
Department Overview The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics has 25 faculty members with strengths in breeding, genetics/genomics, biotechnology, agronomy/agroecology, weed science, and crop physiology. Faculty research programs focus 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.
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. CFANS offers undergraduate majors and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on inclusive and interdisciplinary learning.
Pay and Benefits Assistant Professor:
$96,000 – $100,000 annually Associate Professor:
$110,000 – $115,000 annually
Benefits include competitive wages, paid holidays, professional development, health insurance, retirement plans, public service loan forgiveness, and more. For detailed benefits information, visit the Office of Human Resources website.
How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. Attach a cover letter, research statement (max 2 pages), teaching statement (max 2 pages), curriculum vitae, and names and contact information for three references. Submit applications by January 5, 2026.
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. The University considers applicants eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists.
Diversity The University of Minnesota recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion. We are committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. We provide 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.
Contact Questions regarding this position: Search Committee Chair, Professor James Anderson (ander319@umn.edu). Human Resources / administrative related questions: Departmental Administrator, Lori Loberg (lloberg@umn.edu). Accommodation during the application process: e‑mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624‑8647.
#J-18808-Ljbffr