Assistant Professor, Soybean Breeding

Kansas State University is seeking an Assistant Professor in soybean breeding with an appointment of 80% research and 20% teaching. Kansas State University is a national leader in crop breeding and genetics, with complementary strengths in quantitative genetics, genomics, crop physiology, plant pathology, grain quality, Extension, data science, and digital agriculture. The Assistant Professor of Soybean Breeding will engage an interdisciplinary team to deliver innovative research and teaching that address complex genetic questions and enhance the productivity, sustainability, and profitability of soybean grown in Kansas and the Great Plains.

The incumbent will be expected to run a modern applied breeding program and will be encouraged to incorporate advanced molecular and high-throughput techniques, potentially including, but not limited to, gene editing, high-throughput phenotyping, and genomics. The existing K-State soybean breeding program is a mature program with a strong foundation in field testing, stakeholder engagement, and cultivar release. The incumbent will utilize the existing foundation to shift toward a greater focus on germplasm development. Cultivar release may remain as a viable objective, especially if value-added traits with commercial potential are identified. Traits of importance to soybean producers in Kansas and the Great Plains are to be the primary focus of the program. Traits relevant to the state and region include yield, yield stability, resilience to heat and drought stress, disease resistance, and traits associated with enhanced value.

The incumbent is expected to pursue collaborative opportunities. As appropriate to program objectives, the incumbent may draw on complementary expertise at K-State in areas such as genomic selection, applied molecular breeding, predictive modeling, high-throughput phenotyping, digital agriculture (including ID3A; https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/innovation-and-partnerships/interdisciplinary-institutes/digital-ag-advanced-analytics/), synthetic microbial communities, and end-use quality. The incumbent will be welcomed into a strong and collegial regional and national network of collaborators across universities, USDA-ARS, industry partners, and producer organizations that actively supports and contributes to the success of public soybean breeding programs. Significant engagement with producer-oriented groups such as the Kansas Soybean Commission is required.

The incumbent is expected to develop and sustain a competitive, externally funded research program; mentor and train graduate students at the interface of breeding, genomics, and data science; participate in the Interdepartmental Genetics Program; publish in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals; and develop and teach approximately two undergraduate and/or graduate courses in plant breeding/genetics per academic year. The incumbent is also expected to explore public-private collaborations in soybean improvement and to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary and multicultural settings that foster collegiality and teamwork.

The Department of Agronomy was established in 1906 to promote advances in agricultural practices in the state of Kansas. Advances throughout the Department's history have had a major impact on transforming the bounty of Kansas's natural resources into the present standard of living enjoyed by its people.

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in plant breeding or genetics with a strong background in applied plant breeding, molecular breeding, and genetics.
• Experience in applied plant breeding with cultivated crops.
• Capacity to develop, critically evaluate, and apply emerging plant breeding tools to accelerate genetic gain.
• Proven ability to publish research results in peer-reviewed journals commensurate with career stage.
• Strong potential for securing extramural funding.
• Commitment to graduate student mentoring and teaching.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in soybean breeding and genetics.
• Experience in running or contributing to an operational breeding program (population development, field testing, selection, and advancement).
• Experience in applied plant genetics and molecular breeding with a focus on objectives of commercial relevance.
• Experience leading and/or working as part of an interdisciplinary research team.
• Experience managing personnel, equipment, and budgets.
• Demonstrated success in grant writing and obtaining extramural funding.
• Formal training in and/or experience with university-level teaching.

Additional Role Information:

• A valid driver's license is required.

Sponsorship eligibility:

• This position is eligible for sponsorship.

Please submit the following documents: Applicants should complete the application process through K-State's PageUp recruiting system at https://careers.k-state.edu and upload the following:

• Cover letter (two-page limit) articulating interest in the position and experience or training relevant to the qualifications for the position.
• Statement of research interests (two-page limit).
• Statement of teaching philosophy (one-page limit).
• Full curriculum vitae.
• Graduate transcripts.
• Names, e-mails, and phone numbers of three references.

Inquiries about the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Allan Fritz, at akf@ksu.edu with subject line: Soybean Breeding Faculty Search, or telephone: 785-410-2096.

Applications close on: March 1, 2026

Salary commensurate with background and experience.