Assistant/Associate Professor - Wheat Breeding

About This Role

Kansas State University is seeking an Assistant/Associate Professor in Wheat Breeding. This is a 12-month tenure eligible position with a 90% research and 10% teaching appointment. Kansas State University is a national leader in wheat breeding and genetics, with a cohort of supportive expertise in wheat genetic resources, biotic and abiotic stresses, crop physiology, grain quality, variety deployment and commercialization, wheat agronomy, and Extension services. The Assistant/Associate Professor of Wheat Breeding will engage this interdisciplinary team to deliver innovative research and teaching that addresses complex genetic questions to enhance the productivity, sustainability, and profitability of wheat grown in Kansas and the Great Plains. The incumbent will direct a mature breeding program with opportunities to continue initiatives in value-added wheat. The primary responsibility of the position is the development and release of new commercial wheat varieties that support the continued competitiveness of wheat in the region. Collaborative opportunities to employ new plant breeding tools include, but are not limited to, genomic selection, applied molecular breeding, predictive modelling, high throughput phenotyping, and engaging with K-State's Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics (ID3A).

Cross-disciplinary collaborations are imperative among a large community of wheat research and extension personnel within the Departments of Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Grain Science, as well as the Western Kansas Agricultural Research-Extension Centers and USDA-ARS.

This position is expected to work in collaboration with the wheat breeding program for western Kansas located in Hays. Partnerships with key stakeholders including Kansas Foundation Seed, the Wheat Genetics Resource Center, and Heartland Plant Innovations are essential. Knowledge of public and private wheat breeding germplasm and innovations and delivering this knowledge to stakeholders is expected. Significant engagement with producer-oriented groups such as the Kansas Wheat Alliance and the Kansas Wheat Commission is required.

The incumbent is expected to develop an externally funded research program, instruct graduate students, participate in the Interdepartmental Genetics Program, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and teach courses in plant breeding/genetics. The incumbent is expected to explore public-private collaborations in wheat improvement, work in a multicultural setting, and create an environment that fosters collegiality and teamwork.

About Us

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

Worksite Description

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.

What You'll Need to Succeed

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 critically evaluate and apply emerging plant breeding tools to accelerate variety development.
• Proven ability to publish research results in peer-reviewed journals commensurate with current career level.
• Strong potential for securing extramural funding.
• Commitment to graduate student mentoring and teaching.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to engage an array of stakeholders.

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 small grains breeding and genetics.
• 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 in managing personnel, equipment assets, and budgets.
• Demonstrated experience in grant writing and obtaining extramural funding.
• Formal educational training in, and/or experience in teaching, at the university level.

Additional Role Information:

• A valid driver’s license is required.

Sponsorship eligibility:

• This position is eligible for sponsorship

How to Apply

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

• Letter of application articulating interest in the position and experience or training relative 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 number of three references.

Inquiries about the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Michael Stamm, at mjstamm@ksu.edu with subject line: Wheat Breeding Faculty Search, or telephone: 785-313-7100.

Application Window

Applications close on: March 2, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

Salary commensurate with background and experience.