Richard and Janice Vetter Endowed Professorship in Biotechnology

The South Dakota State University Department of Biology and Microbiology seeks a scientific leader to collaboratively enhance the region’s biotechnology sector. The department invites applications for the Richard and Janice Vetter Endowed Professorship in Biotechnology. This is a tenure-track position at the associate or full professor level, full-time, 9 months per contract year, and benefits eligible with potential for tenure upon hire. The successful candidate will establish and lead a strong collaborative research program related to biological production of polymers or of nutrition products and will leverage the new POET Bioproducts Institute. The position carries a teaching course load of at least one course per year to support the Biotechnology program. A protocol is in place to enable course release where externally funded research provides alternative support. This position is supervised by the Department Head of Biology & Microbiology and has an anticipated start date of Spring 2023.

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Richard and Janice Vetter Endowed Professorship in Biotechnology will:

• Provide research, teaching and team leadership to elevate the department and grow the Biotechnology academic programs
• Provide outreach to the Biotechnology sector in the region
• Report to the Head of the Department of Biology and Microbiology
• Partner with the Dean’s Office for initiatives of the College of Natural Sciences

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in a discipline closely related to biotechnology.
• Demonstrated success leading extramurally funded biotechnology research program
• Strong team leadership and mentoring skills in the area of biotechnology
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal , and written communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational and research programs.
• Sponsorship is not available for this position. Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Evidence of scholarly, professional or creative achievement sufficient to qualify for tenure in the Department of Biology & Microbiology
• Demonstrated success in leading multi-disciplinary collaboration
• Evidence of excellence in teaching biotechnology related courses
• Demonstrated ability or potential to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs

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, paid holidays, and vacation leave. 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.

UNIVERSITY AND THE BROOKINGS COMMUNITY:

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 academic programs, an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students, and over $60 million annual research expenditures.

SDSU is a leading participant in a new public-private initiative in South Dakota to sustainably enlarge the bioproducts sector through research and partnerships that add value to the state’s abundant biological feedstocks and provide new employment opportunities. The POET Bioproducts Institute, a $30 million bioprocessing R&D scale-up laboratory is located adjacent to the SDSU main campus. 

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.

The department of Biology and Microbiology (https://www.sdstate.edu/biology-and-microbiology) has over 25 faculty members, 500 undergraduate and 45 graduate students, and offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degree programs. It is part of the College of Natural Sciences at SDSU. The department is dedicated to evidence-based teaching and committed to student success.

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.

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 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 August 31, 2022.

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 a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, Curriculum Vitae, a statement of research interests and accomplishments (attached as Work Sample, three page limit), a statement of mentoring and teaching philosophy (attached as Other, three page limit) and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. 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 conditioned upon 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 university policy 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, contact Dr. Madhav Nepal at 605-688-5971 or Madhav.Nepal@sdstate.edu.

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 access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007, 605-688-4128.