Assistant/Associate Professor in Swine Nutrition and State Extension Swine Specialist

South Dakota State University’s (SDSU) Department of Animal Science is excited to announce a unique opportunity as an Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist in Swine Nutrition. This position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact through innovative research and Extension work. Reporting to the Department Head of Animal Science, the individual in this role will have the support and resources to thrive. Available January 2025 and located on our main campus in Brookings, South Dakota, this position is 9-month, full-time, tenure track, and benefits-eligible. There is the opportunity for summer salary.

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. The successful candidate will be tasked with leading an applied, extramurally funded research initiative tailored to address the pressing needs of pig producers, with a specific emphasis on attracting top-tier graduate students to participate in this endeavor.

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:

This role primarily involves Extension (70%) and Research (30%).

The incumbent will be an integral team member of a nationally recognized Swine Extension and research program that is relevant to swine producers in South Dakota, the region, and the United States. Extension responsibilities include being a significant contributor to our web-based Extension platform and working directly with producers to identify their needs and developing programs to meet those needs. Strong collaboration with Extension personnel from Animal Science, Ag & Biosystems Engineering, Veterinary Science, and the Ness School of Management and Economics is expected, as is establishing a very close relationship with the SD Pork Producers Council. Collaboration with industry members and faculty from other states is encouraged. The successful candidate will be expected to establish an applied, extramurally funded research program focused on pork producer needs and attracting top-tier graduate students to participate in this endeavor. Also, while the incumbent will have access to all the facilities in the Swine Education and Research Unit and Animal Science Dept, they will be the faculty member in charge of the 1200 hd wean-to-finish commercial research barn. As is with the Extension component, strong collaboration with faculty in Animal Science, other SDSU departments, other universities, and allied industry is expected.

SALARY RANGE:

Salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience, minimum of $80,000 starting wage for Assistant rank. 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 inclusion 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:

• Earned Ph.D. completed by appointment date in Animal Science or a closely related field with an emphasis in swine nutrition is required. 
• An in-depth understanding of practical swine nutrition and the modern swine industry is essential.
• Exhibit outstanding research abilities, including publication of research. 
• Ability to interact and communicate (verbally and written) effectively with colleagues, staff, students, producer groups, and other clientele.
• Ability or potential to identify and solve issues in modern pork production as demonstrated by research activities and past experiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· Extension experience and the ability to develop innovative, effective, producer outreach programs.

· Experience in successful grant writing. 

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.

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 23, 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, 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, Bob Thaler at Robert.Thaler@SDSTATE.EDU or 605-688-5435.

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.