Posting DetailsPosting Details
LogoInstitution South Dakota State University
Working Title Assistant Professor in Forage, Biofuel and Cover Crop Breeding
Posting Number F01959P
Department SDSU-Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science
Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings
Posting Text The Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Department in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at South Dakota State University is seeking a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Forage, Biofuel and Cover Crop Breeding (80% research appointment in the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station; 20% teaching). Candidates are sought who bring a background in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, and/or field-scale breeding/analytics (i.e. precision agricultural techniques). The successful applicant will be expected to develop a nationally recognized research program in forage, biofuel and cover crop breeding that improves sustainability and agroecosystem resiliency. This position is located in
Brookings. This position is a 9 Month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:The incumbent will be a critical member of a collaborative plant breeding research team. The incumbent is expected to explore crop variety development with the goal to improve the resiliency and diversity of crop production in South Dakota. The incumbent will develop science-based, region specific, crop varieties for forage, cover crop and biofuel applications and is expected to work closely with crop improvement and foundation seed. Publication of scholarly work in peer-reviewed journals and graduate student mentoring is expected of the successful candidate. The incumbent will be positioned on the Brookings, SD, main campus.
BENEFITS:SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven 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. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.
QUALIFICATIONSMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:- PhD in plant science, agronomy, crop science, plant breeding or a closely related field with a focus on plant breeding, genetics, and/or agronomy completed by the start date.
- Experience in an applied plant breeding program.
- Familiarity with agronomic cropping systems relevant to forage, biofuel, or cover crop production.
- Postdoctoral research experience.
- Potential for scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed journal articles and/or presentations at scientific meetings.
- The selected individual should have experience teaching (either as TA or instructor of record).
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:- Expertise in utilizing novel technologies, such as genomics, phenomics, and/or AI to enhance breeding efforts.
APPLICATION PROCESS:SDState 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, statement of research (3-page limit, attached as work sample), statement of teaching philosophy (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 SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
Posting Date 10/06/2026
Closing Date 11/19/2026
Open Until FilledFirst Consideration DateAdvertised Salary The minimum salary for this position is $85,000 at Assistant Professor rank. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Duration of the Term 9 months
If Other, describe durationAppointment Percent 100
Tenure Status Tenure Track
Proposed Rank Assistant Professor
Work HoursTypical Hours Worked Per WeekAppointment Type Regular
Scope of Search External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of searchContact Information For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Karl Glover at (605) 688-4769 or Karl.Glover@sdstate.edu.
