Visiting Research Specialist in Plant Breeding, CABBI

Visiting Research Specialist in Plant Breeding, CABBIInstitute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment

This position requires in-person work on campus.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staffand students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.

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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. This position may become permanent at a later date. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $48,000 to $51,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal…