Assistant Professor in Molecular Biology and Genetics

The Biology and Microbiology Department at South Dakota State University is offering an opportunity as Assistant Professor in Molecular Biology and Genetics. We are looking for candidates with an interest in teaching, experience in research, an interest in multidisciplinary research collaborations, and strong backgrounds in areas that will complement the existing research programs at South Dakota State University. This is a 9-month, full-time, benefit eligible, tenure-track position, which is supervised by the Department Head of Biology and Microbiology. The position start date is August of 2021.

SDSU is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to and/or coordinate course offerings that address the experiences of underrepresented minorities in organizations. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate is expected to teach a core, 2-course sequence in Genetics, and Molecular and Cellular Biology to 2nd year biology majors and to establish a strong research program with an emphasis on human/mammalian health and disease. This research can include but is not limited to biomedical sciences, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, bioinformatics, or gene editing. Successful candidates must have or demonstrate potential to obtain significant extramural research funding from programs, such as NIH, NSF, USDA, or other funding sources. The candidate will be expected to engage and mentor undergraduate and graduate students and enhance learning experiences, and collaborate with scientists across disciplines, including scientists of the Agricultural Experiment Station. This position consists of a 50% teaching and 50% research appointment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biomedical or Veterinary Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Show strong interest in teaching biology to undergraduate or graduate students through lecture or laboratory instruction.
• Show potential for research productivity through publications in peer reviewed journals, books, book chapters, or patents.

• Display strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Potential to teach Cell and Molecular Biology, and Genetics to undergraduate students through lecture and laboratory instruction.
• Potential to engage and mentor undergraduate and graduate students and enhance learning experiences.
• Potential to use instructional technologies.
• Relevant postdoctoral or equivalent experience.
• Potential to write grant proposals and obtain extramural research funding.
• Potential to collaborate with scientists across disciplines, including scientists of the Agricultural Experiment Station.

SALARY:

Commensurate with qualifications.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, and 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.

DEPARTMENT AND UNIVERSITY

The department of Biology and Microbiology (https://www.sdstate.edu/biology-and-microbiology) has 35 faculty members, over 600 undergraduate and 50 graduate students, and offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degree programs. The department is dedicated to evidence-based teaching and committed to student success.

Ranked as the No. 2 best place to work in South Dakota by Forbes, South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students.

SDSU offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation and the world. Its employees embrace the university’s core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity, and excellence through continuous improvement.

As the state’s 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of the university is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.

SDSU was recognized as one of 54 institutions in the United States as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities in 2014. The university’s total research expenditures are greater than $60 million. SDSU is the state’s first High Research Activity institution as classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Jackrabbits Athletics competes as an NCAA Division I member with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling.

BROOKINGS COMMUNITY:

Brookings is home to approximately 24,000 residents and is located 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. Livability.com rates Brookings as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals and retirees. It considers Brookings among the safest and most vibrant cities in South Dakota.

The Brookings Public School District educates approximately 3,300 K-12 students and ranks among the state’s highest academic achieving school districts. The district includes three elementary schools, an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade, one middle school and a high school.

The city also boasts an abundance of attractions and activities, including the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Dakota Nature Park, South Dakota Art Museum, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Outdoor Adventure Center and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by April 5, 2021.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, 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 1) a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement (one page limit), 2) a Curriculum Vitae, 3) a reference page with the contact information for three professional references, 4) a statement of research interests and objectives, and collaborative interests, attached in system as “other” (three page limit) AND 5) a statement of mentoring and teaching philosophy which includes a description of prior advising experiences attached in system as “work or writing sample” (three page limit); and 6) transcripts, attached as “doctoral transcripts”. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 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.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment.  

It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, please contact the chair of the search committee Mark Messerli by phone (605-688-5667) or by email (Mark.Messerli@sdstate.edu).

South Dakota State University is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its faculty, staff and students. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. SDSU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran’s status or any other protected class in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.