Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology – Nematology or Epidemiology

The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science at South Dakota State University (SDState) is seeking an Assistant Professor Plant Pathology. The suitable candidate should have a background in the broader discipline of plant pathology, preferably with expertise in plant nematology or plant disease epidemiology and will complement the research and teaching priorities of the department. This position entails 70% research and 30% teaching responsibility.

This assignment may be adjusted according to departmental needs. AHPS is a multidisciplinary department with broad expertise in plant pathology, plant breeding, soil science, entomology, weed science, horticulture, precision agriculture and agronomy, with research and extension programs relevant to South Dakota agriculture and national priorities. This position is located in Brookings. This position is a 9 Month, tenure track, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

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. The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science is a multidisciplinary department with the size and breadth to address today’s complex scientific issues while retaining the student-centered focus, an SDSU plant science hallmark.

All of our programs feature a carefully designed balance of theoretical principles and hands‑on experience to produce a well‑rounded graduate who is prepared for the 21st century workplace. As a result, our graduates are in high demand and frequently have jobs before graduation.

SDSUs' integrated plant pathology program within AHPS includes research expertise in molecular plant-microbe-soil interactions, host-pathogen interactions, soilborne diseases, cereal crop pathology, bacteriology, soybean pathology, and extension nematology. The successful candidate is expected to establish an externally funded well-recognized research program in plant pathology and develop niche research areas within their integrative expertise in plant disease epidemiology and/or nematology that strengthen existing departmental expertise.

Fundamental and applied research may include crop disease modeling and forecasting, disease ecology and epidemiology, plant-parasitic nematodes and associated field expertise. The research program is expected to be interdisciplinary. The successful candidate will have ample opportunities to collaborate with SDSU faculty and develop partnerships with state, federal, tribal, local government, nonprofit, and private‑sector organizations. The position directly supports SDSU’s commitment to integrating plant pathology, agronomy, soil health, and crop breeding with research that addresses agricultural production challenges.

Teaching responsibilities will include developing graduate-level courses (700 level) in plant disease epidemiology or plant nematology, and in experimental design, and participating in co‑teaching other plant pathology courses at the undergraduate level as per the curriculum needs of AHPS. The successful candidate will also mentor graduate and undergraduate students and chair and serve on graduate advisory committees. The successful faculty member will be expected to provide service to the department, college, university, and broader scientific community, regardless of the position’s assignment split.

The faculty member will have access to campus-wide shared facilities and resources, including research farms and infrastructure,…