Department Head - Biology & Microbiology

Department Head - Biology & Microbiology

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.

The 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's R1 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:

• Leading the development and maintenance of strong academic programs
• Supporting student recruitment and success across undergraduate and graduate programs
• Ensuring that curricula remain rigorous, current, and responsive to workforce needs
• Providing 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

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.

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
• Evidence of effective leadership and administrative skills including management of academic and research programs, managing complex budgets, fiscal matters, and/or personnel within an academic setting
• Effective interpersonal relations, consensus building, professionalism, and motivational skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Understanding of the land-grant mission

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in academic administration, including the development, evaluation and oversight of undergraduate academic programs, curricula and/or instructional operations
• Ability to support and advance research program success, strategic planning, and departmental initiatives
• Familiarity with student success best practices
• Familiarity with recruitment and retention best practices for students, faculty, and staff
• Experience with collaboration across disciplines and/or with multiple stakeholders
• Leadership professional development experience
• Evidence of cultivating entrepreneurial opportunities

Application Process:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. : (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on "apply for this job." This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references.

Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at  if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

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