Professor and Head - Department of Animal Sciences, College of ACES

Overview

The Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign seeks an exceptional leader for the position of Professor and Head of Department. The person will provide strategic direction and operational oversight for a dynamic and internationally recognized department at the forefront of animal sciences research, teaching, extension, and outreach.

The Department of Animal Sciences comprises over 600 undergraduate and 137 graduate students, 120 staff, and 50 faculty members, and is a leader among peer programs in publications, citations, and grant funding. The department’s research, teaching, and extension strengths include nutrition, immunology and behavior, reproductive biology, microbiology, genomics and bioinformatics, meat science, production and environmental management, precision livestock farming, and humane education.

Graduate and undergraduate programs are top‑ranked, and the department benefits from state‑of‑the‑art laboratory animal facilities, livestock farms, and research stations.

• Provide strategic leadership and vision to the department.
• Establish goals and develop and communicate policy guidelines with faculty.
• Inspire academic excellence through recruitment, mentoring, and encouragement of faculty, staff, and students.
• Support faculty, staff, and students in securing external and intramural funding, fellowships, honors, and awards.
• Spearhead strategic fundraising initiatives and secure external support and resources to advance department goals.
• Champion the continued improvement of our top‑ranked graduate and undergraduate programs.
• Supervise activities at the beef, dairy, poultry, swine, and horse farms, research stations, and facilities.
• Oversee budgetary and financial matters, including accounting, budget preparation, and allocation of funds among departmental programs, personnel, farms, and facilities.
• Plan and implement programs to enhance departmental research and educational facilities.
• Represent and advocate for the department at the college and campus levels, and facilitate collaborations with other campus units.
• Extend and enhance relationships with stakeholders, including industry, government, community, and other key external partners at the state, national, and international levels.
• Promote access, opportunity, and an inclusive environment within the department.

All candidates must hold a Ph.D. in animal sciences or a related field with demonstrated excellence in research, resident instruction, and administrative skills, and a dedication to extension efforts. Candidates must be qualified for a tenured appointment at the rank of full professor. The position requires strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with faculty, students, staff, administrators, and various stakeholder groups.

Experience with public and private funding sources in the U.S. and an understanding of farm administration are necessary. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the goals of a land‑grant university.

The salary range for the nine‑month professor position is projected to be $165,000–$185,000. The Head position is a twelve‑month appointment that carries an administrative stipend for full‑time effort. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position is eligible for all sponsorship options.

As soon as possible after the closing date.

To ensure full consideration, candidates should apply by April 3, 2026. The search will remain open until suitable candidates are identified. Apply at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and upload the following materials:

• A letter of application addressing the applicant’s administrative experience, leadership philosophy, and excellence in core areas relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references (name, title, address, phone, email).

All requested materials must be submitted for your application to be given full consideration.

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