The Grainger College of Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE) in The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applicants for multiple open-rank (assistant, associate, or full professor level) tenure-track, full-time faculty positions in the broad area of data driven, theoretical, and computational materials science. One position will focus on soft materials such as polymers, biomolecular materials, composite/multifunctional materials, and bio/soft electronics. The second position will focus on hard materials such as metallic, ceramic, quantum, magnetic, nano, and electronic materials. Candidates should ideally have strong potential for collaboration in the department and interdisciplinary research centers.
Successful candidates must be able to teach in these and other areas while also contributing to the excellence of our programs through research and service efforts. Candidates are expected to establish and maintain an active and independent research program, teach effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and provide service to the department, the university, and the profession.
At the time of appointment, applicants must hold an earned doctorate in a field related to the position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The typical salary range is as follows: $120,000 to $135,000 at the Assistant Professor level, $135,000 to $156,000 at the Associate Professor level, and $156,000 to $200,000 at the Full Professor level, for a 9-month service basis paid over 12 months. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position is eligible for work authorization sponsorship.
The expected start date is August 16, 2027, but this is negotiable. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by November 2, 2026. Early applicants are encouraged and may be reviewed by the committee and interviewed before the closing date. However, all applications received by the closing date will be given due consideration and no hiring decision will be made until after the closing date. Applications received after the closing date may be reviewed until a hiring decision is made.
To apply, please create a candidate profile at jobs.illinois.edu. Application packages should include the following materials uploaded as a single PDF file in the Resume/CV section: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) research statement (suggested 3-4 pages), 4) teaching statement, 5) service statement, and 6) names and contact information for three professional references (reference letters do not need to be included in your application package; they will be requested later). The research, teaching, and service statements offer a chance to share your motivation, approach, experience, leadership, impact, and vision in each area, including how you would support the university's land-grant mission (boldly.illinois.edu), through campus, community, or professional engagement. For any questions concerning the application process, please send an email to matse@illinois.edu.
MatSE at Illinois has a long tradition of excellence in materials research, teaching, and service. The department currently has 27 tenure system faculty and approximately 425 undergraduate and 225 graduate students, with highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Extensive state-of-the-art characterization and nanofabrication facilities are housed on campus in the Materials Research Laboratory, the Holonyak Micro & Nanotechnology Lab, the Beckman Institute, and the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. The campus also hosts exceptional computational facilities, such as the National Center for Supercomputing Applications.
We have an active and successful Dual Career Academic Couples Program and a strong commitment to work-life balance and family-friendly programs for faculty and staff (provost.illinois.edu/faculty-affairs/work-life-balance).
Founded in 1867 as Illinois's flagship public university, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign empowers a global community of students, scholars, and alumni to change the world through bold, innovative research and transformative education. With a land-grant heritage rooted in progress, Illinois faculty drive paradigm-shifting discoveries, mentor future leaders, and collaborate across 15 colleges and instructional units and more than 20 research institutes. The university's legacy of excellence includes 24 Nobel Prizes and 29 Pulitzer Prizes awarded to its faculty and alumni, $755 million in sponsored research funding, and 94 academic programs ranked in the top 20 nationally. Illinois offers the resources, recognition, and reach to accelerate your career along with a highly competitive benefits portfolio. Discover how the Illinois Value Proposition fosters professional longevity, personal fulfillment, and a deep sense of purpose in every role.
Faculty Recruitment
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.