David A. Thompson Endowed Department Head & Professor

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Dairy and Food Science Department (DFSD) is offering an exciting career opportunity as the David A. Thompson Endowed Department Head and Professor. We are looking for a creative, innovative individual to provide strong and effective vision and leadership for the department. This is a 12-month, 100% time, benefits eligible, tenure-track position that carries an academic rank of Professor in the DFSD. This position is supervised by the South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Joe Cassady.

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 Department Head of the DFSD is the academic and administrative leader of the faculty and staff. The Department Head must provide leadership for strong and relevant programming in research, teaching, and Extension; communicate effectively; provide leadership to establish goals and objectives for the department and build strong working relationships in the department and across campus and the state; recruit, evaluate, and retain faculty, Extension Field Specialists, staff, and students; develop and manage budgets; coordinate department fundraising and revenue streams; oversee management of departmental facilities; facilitate research and intellectual property development opportunities; deliver seminar courses or guest lectures in area of expertise; represent the department in all official communications with the college and university; and foster and build strong working relationships with other disciplines and stakeholders.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Dairy Production, Dairy Manufacturing, Food Science, or a closely related field completed by date of application.
• At least five years of directing/supervising experience.
• Eligible for the rank of Professor at SDSU in the DFSD.
• Productive history in research, teaching, or Extension outreach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage personnel and budgets.
• Recognized nationally or internationally in field of expertise.
• Ability to work as a contributing team member.
• Ability to advocate the DFSD’s programs to and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders and allied industries.
• A commitment to and understanding of agriculture, public service, and the university’s mission and goals.
• Valid driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated collaboration in securing resources to support new and/or enhanced departmental programs and services.
• Ability to foster a student-centered environment.
• Familiarity with the dairy industry in the Midwest and Great Plains regions.
• Commitment to public service.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Land Grant University philosophy and system.

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.

South Dakota State University 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 of thought, and excellence through continuous improvement.

The DFSD includes approximately 20 faculty and staff members, 25 graduate students, and about 80 undergraduate students. Undergraduate majors are Dairy Production, Dairy Manufacturing, and Food Science. Graduate Programs include M.S. and Ph.D. offerings in Biological Sciences with specializations in either Dairy Science or Food Science. Research and Extension outreach is focused on dairy cattle nutrition and utilization of agricultural by-products in cattle diets, herd management, dairy workforce development, dairy processing, food science, and utilization of dairy and plant based ingredients. The department houses the state of the art Davis Dairy Plant as well as the Dairy Research and Training Facility. More department information is available at https://www.sdstate.edu/dairy-and-food-science.

As the state’s 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of South Dakota State 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. Brookings is listed as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals and retirees, and is rated 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 September 9, 2022.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

South Dakota State University accepts applications through an online 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, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact South Dakota State University 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 Vikram Mistry at (605) 688-5133 or vikram.mistry@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.