Career Opportunities

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 using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. 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. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For further information about this specific position, please contact Thurman Etchison at tetchis2@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

 The Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to advance high-throughput tools for plant phenotyping in bioenergy crops. We conduct exciting research at the intersection of biology, remote sensing, and data analytics to investigate the factors contributing to the adaptability, sustainability, and productivity of these crops across the United States. 

Position Overview 

The researcher will investigate and validate the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) and low-orbit high-spatial resolution satellites (e.g., Pleiades Neo, Planet SkySat) to determine traits of interest including spatial and temporal variability of plant composition and productivity affected by contrasting growing conditions across the country. 

The candidate will: 

• Define and monitor the field campaign to match data collection efforts of both ground-truthing and remote sensing data. 
• Implement scripting solutions for ingesting and calibrating remote sensing data and ground-truthing data for further analysis. 
• Investigate and implement modelling directions… 

Key Responsibilities 

• Coordinate and organize data collection efforts across multiple collaborating institutions. 
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of plant scientists, computational biologists, and environmental scientists. 
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences. 
• Mentor undergraduate students as needed. 

Qualifications: 

• A Ph.D. in computational biology, crop science, agricultural engineering, or environmental science. 
• Knowledge, experience, and proficiency at the intersection of plant/crop sciences, remote sensing principles, and digital image processing. 
• Demonstrated programming skills in Python for managing and automating the analysis of large datasets. 
• Strong background in statistical analysis and computer vision frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Tensorflow). 
• Proven ability in scientific writing and code implementation (e.g., GitHub), preferably in remote sensing and computer science-related topics applied to plant science. 
• Self-starter, ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team; excellent communication and organizational skills. 

Why work with us? 

This is an excellent opportunity to develop innovative research at the intersection of data analytics and remote sensing applied to plant science. This position is a key part of an initiative that strength the collaboration between multiple DOE-funded centers, which brings an unique setting to contribute as part of a multi-disciplinary team of scientists including experts in plant biology, computational biology, and environmental sciences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment. As part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, you will have access to world-class resources and facilities and the opportunity to engage with a large community of leading researchers at the forefront of plant science. 

Application Process 

Interested candidates should submit the following materials: 

• A cover letter describing your research interests, experience, and career goals. 

• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV). 

• Contact information for three professional references. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please email your application materials as a single PDF file to Jennifer Quebedeaux (quebede2@illinois.edu). 

Contact Information 

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Sebastian Varela (sv79@illinois.edu), Bin Peng (binpeng@illinois.edu) or Andrew Leakey (leakey@illinois.edu). 

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.