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:
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:
Additional Role Information:
Sponsorship eligibility:
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:
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.
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
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To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
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