South Dakota State University – Department of Animal Science – Assistant or Associate Professor

Position Overview

South Dakota State University’s (SDSU) Department of Animal Science invites applications for a 9-month, full‑time, benefit‑eligible tenure‑track position as Assistant or Associate Professor of Animal Science. This position presents an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact through innovative, student‑centered teaching and engagement in undergraduate education. This position is open to all disciplines and species areas within the animal sciences.

The successful candidate will join a supportive and collaborative department committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Reporting to the Department Head of Animal Science, the incumbent will have access to the resources and mentoring needed to establish a thriving and rewarding academic career.

The appointment begins August 2026 and is based on the main campus in Brookings, South Dakota. This position is benefits‑eligible and includes opportunities for professional growth and advancement within SDSU’s nationally recognized College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. Our department is proud to be a part of a land‑grant university with our focus on three primary missions, learning, discovery and engagement.

Our award‑winning faculty, meat science lab and livestock teaching units provide hands‑on learning opportunities and prepare students for successful careers in the animal industry, meat industry, veterinary medicine, academia and other agricultural careers. The successful candidate will be tasked with excellence in undergraduate education, student engagement and academic success.

This role is 80% teaching and 20% research and/or scholarship of teaching and learning.

The incumbent will join a nationally recognized team of undergraduate educators dedicated to excellence in animal science education. Our undergraduate program was the first in the nation to receive this accreditation from ASAS, signifying that the curriculum, faculty qualifications, learning outcomes, hands‑on experiences, and resources meet standards recognized by the animal science profession for undergraduate education. Teaching responsibilities include delivering high‑quality instruction in foundational animal science courses, maintaining academic rigor and consistency within the undergraduate curriculum, and supporting student recruitment, retention, and success.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Professional Advisor on departmental initiatives related to recruitment and retention.

Primary teaching assignments may include Introduction to Animal Science, Livestock Evaluation and Marketing, and other courses as needed. Additional expectations include mentoring graduate teaching assistants serving as laboratory instructors, assisting with the care, scheduling, and use of livestock for instructional purposes, and contributing to departmental, college, and university service activities.

The research component of this position will be fulfilled through the development of a nationally recognized program in the candidate’s area of expertise and/or the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). Collaboration with departmental colleagues on competitive grant proposals and peer‑reviewed publications is expected.

Salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications; minimum of $80,000 for Assistant Professor rank.

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state‑sponsored training as well as reduced tuition…