At the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE), we believe the most urgent challenges facing our world demand bold ideas and collaborative action. iSEE advances interdisciplinary research that leads to real-world solutions in climate, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and land and water systems. Our work is grounded in a shared commitment to sustainability, equity, and impact.

At iSEE, your work contributes to something larger than any one discipline or person. It’s a place where big ideas are welcomed, diverse perspectives are valued, and collaboration is essential.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to grow your impact, we invite you to explore how your path can intersect with ours.

Join Us – Strategic Hiring Initiative

With support from the Levenick Center for a Climate-Smart Circular Bioeconomy, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign officially launched a cluster hire to build interdisciplinary expertise in the emerging field of the climate-smart circular bioeconomy (CCB). This cluster spans four departments – Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE), Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE), Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES), and Plant Biology – and is coordinated in partnership with the Levenick Center and iSEE. New faculty will advance research, education, and outreach in topic areas related to the CCB, strengthening Illinois’ leadership and supporting collaborative scholarship that can shape resilient and equitable transitions in the U.S. and beyond.

Assistant/Associate Professor – Climate-Smart Circular Bioeconomy Engineering

The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in Climate-smart Circular Bioeconomy Engineering. This position is part of a Strategic Hiring Initiative cluster hire coordinated by the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment (iSEE) and the newly established Levenick Center for a Climate-Smart Circular Bioeconomy. The cluster hire includes four faculty positions across ABE, Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE), Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES), and Plant Biology departments.

The successful candidate will collaborate across disciplines to address sustainability challenges while identifying new market opportunities for circular bioeconomy products and processes. External funding from federal agencies, foundations, and industry partners is expected.

Research responsibilities (50 percent) include conducting innovative, interdisciplinary research in the circular bioeconomy with an emphasis on engineering solutions. Potential research areas include converting organic wastes sourced from food, agriculture, and other sectors into valuable products, including biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials; developing bioprocessing technologies for plant-based proteins, biobased chemicals, and sustainable fuel production; advacing resource recovery technologies through innovative approaches; designing and optimizing sustainable supply chain networks and infrastructures supporting circularity; engineering production agriculture systems that minimize resource inputs and environmental impacts while integrating regenerated inputs from circular bioeconomy systems; and applying digital agriculture, AI, and other data analytics to advance circular bioeconomy systems.

Teaching responsibilities (50 percent) include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in areas related to sustainable engineering, circular bioeconomy, or related fields; developing new interdisciplinary courses addressing circular bioeconomy principles; mentoring undergraduate researchers, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers; and contributing to curricular development and program enhancement.

Required qualifications include a Ph.D. in Agricultural, Biological, Chemical, or Environmental Engineering or a closely related field; research experience in circular bioeconomy areas such as bioprocessing, waste-to-resource conversion, supply chain modeling or analysis, or sustainable manufacturing; a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals; a demonstrated ability and interest to conduct interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, or convergent research.

Internships and Student Opportunities

At iSEE, students are essential to our mission, not just as future leaders, but as active contributors to the work we do today.

Our internships provide real-world experience, meaningful mentorship, and an opportunity to develop your skills while making a positive impact. You’ll work alongside professionals who value your perspective and support your growth, all within a research institute that’s helping lead the transition to a more sustainable world.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive community. iSEE welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and identities.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact the Office for Access & Equity at accessandequity@illinois.edu or (217) 333-0885.

To learn more about the university’s commitment to nondiscrimination and accessibility, visit: humanresources.illinois.edu/job-seekers