Assistant Professor of Reproductive Physiology

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Department of Animal Science invites candidates to join our forward-thinking team and lead cutting-edge research in reproductive physiology. This role offers the chance to collaborate with top-tier faculty, engage with industry experts, and inspire the next generation of scientists. This is a 9-month, full-time, benefit eligible, tenure-track position that will be stationed in Brookings, South Dakota. This position is supervised by the Department Head of Animal Science and has an expected start date at the beginning of the Spring 2025 semester.

Our department is proud to be a part of a land-grant university and our focuses on the three primary missions which are learning, discovery and engagement. Our award-winning faculty, meat science lab and livestock teaching units provide hands-on learning opportunities and prepare students for successful careers in the animal industry, meat industry, veterinary medicine, academia and other agricultural careers.

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:

The responsibilities of this position are 70% Research, and 30% Teaching. The successful candidate will be responsible for the development of an independent and nationally recognized research program in Reproductive Physiology. The successful candidate will be expected to function effectively on multidisciplinary and multi-species teams, develop collaborative relationships with faculty in the department and across the university, establish a strong relationship with producers and allied industry members, and develop and sustain a successful extramurally funded research program which attracts outstanding graduate students. The successful candidate will also be able to teach and develop classes in their respective discipline as necessary.

SALARY RANGE:

The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications, starting at $80,000. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines. 

BENEFITS:

We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Animal Science, or closely related field with an emphasis in reproductive physiology, or a closely related discipline, by the expected position start date. 
• A commitment to achieve excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching.
• Ability to develop a nationally recognized, independent and externally funded research program in Reproductive Physiology. 
• A solid understanding of modern livestock production. 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with faculty, students and industry to develop collaborative research and teaching programs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively interact with a variety of audiences. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-doctoral or equivalent research experience. 
• Experience teaching at the University level.
• Experience obtaining federal and industry research grants.
• Experience publishing original research.

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 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.

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 September 30, 2024.

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, Research Statement (3-page limit, attached as work sample), Teaching Statement (3-page limit, attached as other) 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 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, contact search committee chair, Michael Gonda at 605-688-5442 or Michael.Gonda@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.