Career Opportunities

Coordination of one of the three current Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) research themes, including support of communication among CABBI scientists at Illinois and partner institutions, administration and support of CABBI research process, and assistance with proposal development.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Research Administration:
  • Facilitate communication among CABBI scientists across scientific disciplines, CABBI administrative team, and other on-campus and external stakeholders.
  • Work with CABBI scientists to prepare technical reports, presentations, and intellectual property filings.
  • Independently monitor and evaluate progress toward CABBI scientific objectives; identify scientific and operational risks and recommend strategies to mitigate those risks; and advise CABBI leadership regarding the effective allocation and utilization of research resources.
  • Support data-management practices across CABBI research themes to facilitate integration, accessibility, and effective use of research data across interdisciplinary scientific teams.
  • Provide guidance to CABBI investigators regarding campus, sponsor, and governmental requirements affecting research activities; coordinate implementation of necessary approvals and agreements.
  • Coordinate and facilitate regular meetings to assess progress, disseminate meeting notes, and follow up with any task assignments.
• Proposal Development:
  • Assist with developing new research initiatives with external sponsors.
  • Provide coordination of interdisciplinary proposals with faculty teams through creating timelines, supporting administrative documents, and providing edits to technical and non-technical sections of proposals.
  • Coordinate interaction with business office, academic units, other institutes and offices involved in proposal submissions to ensure timely and well-executed proposals.
• Budget Administration:
  • Monitor budgets and oversee appropriate purchases of supplies and materials based on contract allowability to maintain operational effectiveness.
  • Help prepare annual research budgets and review monthly account statements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological, chemical, or engineering discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
• Two years of project management experience working in an academic or private research environment.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Monday, October 5, 2026. Apply for this position at: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/17979?c=illinois  Qualified candidates must upload: 1) a cover letter which details qualifications noted above; 2) resume or CV; and 3) the names and contact information for three professional references.

The Center for Advanced Bioenergy Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) is seeking a full-time Research Specialist in a plant breeding environment to conduct and manage research on plant breeding and genetics of Miscanthus. Successful candidates will work on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus and at the Illinois Energy Farm, south of campus. The work is in a plant breeding laboratory with bioenergy grasses including Miscanthus, sugarcane and their hybrids, to support the bioeconomy.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute experiments on plant breeding and genetics of Miscanthus. Work will be conducted in the field, greenhouse, growth chamber and office.
• Make crosses between selected Miscanthus genotypes. This includes propagation and growing of plants in pots in the greenhouse, building and maintaining isolation tubes for crosses, logging crosses made in the lab’s files, making barcode labels, harvesting and processing seed and organizing the storage of seed in seed storage cold rooms.
• Supervise the cultivation of plants in the field and greenhouse, and propagation of plants in preparation of field trials. This includes the use of tractors and large farm equipment for digging and processing rhizomes for planting, planting new trials and harvesting biomass from large plot trials.
• Collect data from research experiments, using high-throughput systems that include designing barcodes, setting up and using Bluetooth enabled measuring devices, and linking the collection devices to tablet computers for in-field data collection.
• Supervise the hiring and work of hourly employees.
• Manage data files and organize completed files on the local area network.
• Coordinate and participate in off-campus field experiments with collaborators.
• Conduct routine maintenance on field plot research equipment.
• Maintain inventories of supplies, equipment, seed, and plants in the greenhouses.
• Order supplies as needed.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Ability to work in heat and humidity of indoor greenhouse, and outdoor conditions of field setting.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Plant Science or closely related field.
• Two years applied plant science research experience.
• Current Illinois Pesticide Applicator License or the ability to obtain one within a specified timeframe after hire.
• Knowledge of plant breeding and genetics research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Plant Science or a closely related field.
• Three years grass and/or forage breeding and genetic research experience.
• Experience leading and supervising a field research crew.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.
• Ability to multi-task in order to meet stringent deadlines while producing accurate work.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of greenhouses, tractors, threshers and small farm equipment.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Apply for this position at https://jobs.illinois.edu. Qualified candidates must upload: 1) a cover letter which details qualifications noted above; 2) resume or CV; and 3) the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.

The Plant Molecular Physiology lab at University of Florida, headed by Professor Fredy Altpeter, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate with experience in plant genetic engineering, molecular biology and project management to join our team. The research program focuses on designing feedstocks for biofuels and bioproducts using the CABBI “plants as factories” concept.

The successful candidate will apply existing CRISPR‐Cas9 systems to validate targets for crop improvement, develop multiplex genome editing strategies and transgenic approaches for metabolic engineering, and characterize genetically modified events under controlled environment and field conditions similar in scope to our recent publications: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27306903; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12411/epdf; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12833/full.

Extensive background in molecular genetics is essential, including analysis of RNAseq data, design and construction of complex vectors, plant tissue culture, biolistic gene transfer, molecular and phenotypic characterization of transgenic plants. Knowledge in plant metabolism, physiology and genomic regulation is desirable. This work requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English as well as excellent writing skills as demonstrated by a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Please email your resume, cover letter, and contact information of  three references to the PI, altpeter@ufl.edu. The University of Florida is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Salary will be competitive and includes benefits.

Application review will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Start date is flexible.

Selected publications related to this position:

• Parajuli, S., Kannan, B., Karan, R., Liu, H., Garcia-Ruiz, E., Kumar, D., Singh, V., Zhao, H., Long, S.P., Shanklin, J., Altpeter, F. March 21, 2020. “Towards Oilcane: Engineering Hyperaccumulation of Triacylglycerol into Sugarcane Stems.” GCB Bioenergy. DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12684. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gcbb.12684
• Kannan, B., Jung, J.H., Moxley, G. W., Lee, S.M. Altpeter, F. 2017. TALEN mediated targeted mutagenesis of more than 100 COMT copies/alleles in highly polyploid sugarcane improves saccharification efficiency without compromising biomass yield. Plant Biotechn. J. (in press). http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12833/full
• Altpeter F. et al. 2016. Advancing Crop Transformation in the Era of Genome Editing. Plant Cell. 28: 1510‐1520. http://www.plantcell.org/content/early/2016/06/22/tpc.16.00196.full.pdf+html
  Jung, J. H. and F. Altpeter. 2016. TALEN mediated targeted mutagenesis of the caffeic acid O‐methyltransferase in highly polyploid sugarcane improves cell wall composition for production of bioethanol. Plant. Mol. Biol. 92: 131‐142. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27306903
• Zale, J., J.H. Jung, J.Y. Kim, B, B. Patha, R. Karan, H. Liu, X. Chen, H. Wu, J. Candreva, Z. Zhai, J. Shanklin, F. Altpeter. 2016. Metabolic engineering of sugarcane to accumulate energy‐dense triacylglycerols in vegetative biomass. Plant Biotech. J. 14: 661‐669. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12411/epdf

The Plant Molecular Physiology lab at University of Florida, headed by Professor Fredy Altpeter, is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student with experience in plant tissue culture and genetic engineering and molecular biology to join our team. The research program focuses on genome editing and metabolic engineering of sugarcane to improve crop performance and quality.

The successful candidate will apply existing CRISPR‐Cas9 systems to validate targets for crop improvement, develop genome editing strategies that do not leave a transgenic footprint in vegetatively propagated sugarcane, and characterize genetically modified events similar in scope to our recent publications: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27306903; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12411/epdf; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12833/full.

Hands-on experience with plant tissue culture and genetic transformation is essential. The ideal candidate will also be experience with vector construction, molecular and phenotypic characterization of transgenic plants. This work requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English as well as excellent writing skills as demonstrated by a strong publication record in peer reviewed journals.

Please email your resume, cover letter, GRE scores, GPA, and contact information of  three references to the PI, altpeter@ufl.edu. The University of Florida is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Stipend will be competitive and includes benefits.

Application review will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Start date is flexible.

Selected publications related to this position:

• Parajuli, S., Kannan, B., Karan, R., Liu, H., Garcia-Ruiz, E., Kumar, D., Singh, V., Zhao, H., Long, S.P., Shanklin, J., Altpeter, F. March 21, 2020. “Towards Oilcane: Engineering Hyperaccumulation of Triacylglycerol into Sugarcane Stems.” GCB Bioenergy. DOI: 10.1111/gcbb.12684. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gcbb.12684
• Kannan, B., Jung, J.H., Moxley, G. W., Lee, S.‐M. Altpeter, F. 2017. TALEN mediated targeted mutagenesis of more than 100 COMT copies/alleles in highly polyploid sugarcane improves saccharification efficiency without compromising biomass yield. Plant Biotechn. J. (in press). http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12833/full
• Altpeter F. et al. 2016. Advancing Crop Transformation in the Era of Genome Editing. Plant Cell. 28: 1510‐1520. http://www.plantcell.org/content/early/2016/06/22/tpc.16.00196.full.pdf+html
  Jung, J. H. and F. Altpeter. 2016. TALEN mediated targeted mutagenesis of the caffeic acid O‐methyltransferase in highly polyploid sugarcane improves cell wall composition for production of bioethanol. Plant. Mol. Biol. 92: 131‐142. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27306903
• Zale, J., J.H. Jung, J.Y. Kim, B, B. Patha, R. Karan, H. Liu, X. Chen, H. Wu, J. Candreva, Z. Zhai, J. Shanklin, F. Altpeter. 2016. Metabolic engineering of sugarcane to accumulate energy‐dense triacylglycerols in vegetative biomass. Plant Biotech. J. 14: 661‐669. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12411/epdf

Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace difference. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.

CABBI is seeking full-time academic hourly workers in a plant breeding environment. Successful candidates will work on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus and at the Illinois Energy Farm, south of campus. The work is in a plant breeding laboratory with bioenergy grasses including Miscanthus, sugarcane and their hybrids, to support a sustainable bioeconomy.

Responsibilities for the position:

• Conduct experiments on plant breeding and genetics of perennial grasses. Propagate and grow plants in the field, greenhouses and growth chambers.
• Collect data from research experiments, including use of high-throughput systems such as tablet computers, barcode readers, Bluetooth-enabled measuring devices.
• Tasks may also include dividing plants, repotting, tying up plants to stakes and cages in greenhouse, planting seed, transplanting seedlings in the field, mowing and weeding, operating irrigation equipment, operating and maintaining small equipment, labeling with accuracy, sampling plants, harvesting stems, harvesting plots in field, making crosses, harvesting and packing seed, digging up selections from the field, taking and entering data.

B.S. in Plant Science or related field required. Experience doing farm work, greenhouse work, and/or plant science experiments desired. Must be willing to work outside in heat or cold. Rate of pay starts at $15/hour.

TO APPLY: Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information to Brent Berns, bdberns@illinois.edu.  Applications will be evaluated as they are received.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Other pre-employment assessments may be required, depending on the classification of Civil Service employment.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.