"Strategic Hiring Initiative in Climate-smart Circular Bioeconomy (CCB)-Assistant/Associate Professor"

Position Announcement: Strategic Hiring Initiative in Climate-smart Circular Bioeconomy (CCB)-Assistant/Associate Professor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics

The Department of Agricultural & Consumer Economics (ACE) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is committed to educating decision-makers on global economic issues related to food, agriculture, development, environmental sustainability, and financial markets. Our focus on research, education, and extension/outreach, coupled with our commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive work environment, ensures that our esteemed faculty and students can thrive and reach their professional goals.

The recruitment for this position is part of a campus-wide cluster hiring initiative aimed at developing an interdisciplinary program in Climate-smart Circular Bioeconomy (CCB) in association with the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE). Candidates should have an interest in developing a strong disciplinary and interdisciplinary research program that advances scholarship on topics related to a circular bioeconomy. The cluster hires will foster innovative ideas and problem-oriented approaches in an interdisciplinary research ecosystem on campus to advance scholarship in the emerging field of CCB that contribute to a vibrant, competitive, and circular bioeconomy nationally and globally.

The cluster of faculty hired will receive support to enhance their interdisciplinary research, education and outreach programs, from iSEE, with the goal of securing both public and private funding to advance this field of study. The departments participating in this cluster hire include the following: Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE), Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE), Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) and Plant Biology. These hires will add to the strong foundation for scholarship, education and outreach in CCB that exists across our campus in areas related to digital agriculture, advanced bioeconomy and bioproducts, regenerative agriculture, agro-ecosystem sustainability and social and behavioral sciences.

ACE is excited to invite applications for a tenure-track/tenured research and teaching role at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor. We encourage applications from PhD candidates who are nearing the completion of their studies, as well as established scholars. We seek individuals with research excellence in the application of economics and systems-thinking to the area of CCB systems which includes but is not limited to research on circular economy in food and agricultural systems, post-consumer food and plastic waste, economics of bioenergy and bioproducts, carbon reduction strategies, and sustainable agricultural systems. The successful applicant's research program is expected to advance knowledge through quantitative methods and engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations. Teaching responsibilities would generally include two courses per year, at the undergraduate or graduate level, and an expectation of providing leadership to the undergraduate concentration in Environmental Economics & Policy and graduate student supervision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a recognized research program with publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to the teaching missions of both undergraduate and graduate programs, including curriculum design and the creation of experiential learning opportunities.
• Effectively communicate research findings to policymakers and other stakeholders.
• Provide leadership within the Department, College and Campus in innovative research, education and outreach activities.
• Seek external funding to support ongoing research initiatives.

ACE, the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES), and UIUC campus provide a vibrant and collaborative research environment for CCB scholarship. The department hosts the Center for the Economics of Sustainability (CEOS) and the Center for Climate, Regional, Environmental and Trade Economics (CREATE). At the campus level, the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment (iSEE), the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI), Center for Digital Agriculture (CDA), AI Institute for Future Agricultural Resilience, Management and Sustainability (AIFARMS), I-REGEN (Illinois, Regenerative Agriculture Initiative), Agroecosystem Sustainability Center (ASC), Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (IFAB), and the Levenick Center for Climate-Smart Circular Bioeconomy, provide rich opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations.

Qualifications:

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in agricultural/energy/environmental/applied economics, economics, or a related field or be nearing the completion of their doctoral degree in these fields. Those applying for the Assistant Professor level should present an impressive and promising research agenda with the potential for national prominence, alongside outstanding teaching capabilities and a dedication to service. Candidates applying for the Associate Professor level should have a demonstrated record of impactful contributions to research, teaching, and service, with a strong potential for continued leadership in the field.

We particularly encourage candidates with demonstrated experience in applying economic methods and working in interdisciplinary teams, conducting team science, engaging the public on policy issues, securing competitive federal funding, and mentoring students.

Salary and Appointment:

Competitive, based on qualifications and rank. Starting 9-month salary is in the range of $115,000-$138,000 at the assistant professor level and $138,000-158,000 at the associate professor level. The initial appointment is expected to be 40% teaching, 50% research, and 10% academic leadership/service. This position is a full-time, nine-month tenure track faculty appointment, with the possibility of summer appointment.

Application:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on October 31, 2025. However, applications will be accepted until a candidate for hire is identified. Interviews may commence before the closing date, but no offers will be extended until after that date. To apply for this position, use the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting on https://jobs.illinois.edu. Upload a cover letter, a CV, a sample of written work, a maximum of one-page research statement, a maximum of one-page teaching statement, and names and contact information for three references. References will not be contacted without the candidate's permission. All requested information must be submitted via the online system for the application to be considered.

Start Date:

The anticipated start date for this position is August 16, 2026.

We look forward to receiving applications from individuals who are passionate about contributing to the field of CCB and advancing our mission at ACE.

For more information about this position, contact Gal Hochman, the search committee chair, at ace-gal-hochman@illinois.edu with "Circular Bioeconomy Position" in the subject line. For additional information about the Department, see https://ace.illinois.edu or contact Mandy Swartzendruber, Administrative Aide, at 217-265-4062, or mandyf@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact HR at 217-333-2137.