South Dakota State University – Department of Biology and Microbiology – Department Head and As

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South Dakota State University – Department of Biology and Microbiology – Department Head and Associate or Full Professor

Department Head and Associate or Full Professor

South Dakota State University (SDState) seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as Department Head of the Department of Biology and Microbiology within the College of Natural Sciences. This is a 12-month, full-time, tenure-track, benefits-eligible appointment with the academic rank of either Associate or Full Professor. This leadership position is located in Brookings, SD , serves as the executive officer of the department and reports directly to the Dean of the College of Natural 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 adynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. This Department of Biology and Microbiology offers a variety of undergraduate degree programs including Human Biology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology.

Together these majors train over 500 undergraduates for admission to professional programs in healthcare domains, graduate school, careers in industry, and a variety of other career paths. The Department is a key driver of South Dakota State University’sR1 Our Way mission to expand federally funded research and has active research and graduate programs focused on mammalian physiology and cell biology, microbial biology, plant physiology and molecular biology, and bioprocessing biotechnology.

Department members lead or contribute to large research programs including multiple federally-funded research centers and engage in STEM outreach and workforce development. South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Department of Biology and Microbiology seeks an innovative and collaborative leader with the vision, communication skills, and administrative capacity to guide the department. The successful candidate should be committed to establishing collaborative relationships, fostering an environment in which faculty and stakeholders are engaged partners, and communicating consistently and effectively. The Department Head is responsible for leading the development and maintenance of strong academic programs, supporting student recruitment and success across undergraduate and graduate programs, and ensuring that curricula remain rigorous, current, and responsive to workforce needs.

The Department Head also provides leadership for the department’s research enterprise by supporting faculty grant development, managing research infrastructure and operations, mentoring early-career faculty, promoting collaboration, and cultivating a culture of high-quality, externally funded research.

SALARY:The salary and rank for this position are commensurate with qualifications, minimum of $150,000 for Associate Professor.

BENEFITS:

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 for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Biology, Microbiology Biotechnology or closely related field by application date.
• Meets the standards for tenure and rank within the department. Standards documents are available upon request to the…