Posting Details

Posting Details

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Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Department Head - Biology & Microbiology

Posting Number
F01913P

Department
SDSU-Biology & Microbiology

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:The Department of Biology and Microbiology seeks an innovative and collaborative leader with the vision, communication skills, and administrative capacity to guide the department. The successful candidate should be committed to establishing collaborative relationships, fostering an environment in which faculty and stakeholders are engaged partners, and communicating consistently and effectively. The Department Head is responsible for leading the development and maintenance of strong academic programs, supporting student recruitment and success across undergraduate and graduate programs, and ensuring that curricula remain rigorous, current, and responsive to workforce needs. The Department Head also provides leadership for the department's research enterprise by supporting faculty grant development, managing research infrastructure and operations, mentoring early-career faculty, promoting collaboration, and cultivating a culture of high-quality, externally funded research.

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Biology, Microbiology Biotechnology or closely related field by application date.
• Meets the standards for tenure and rank within the department. Standards documents are available upon request to the search committee chair.
• Evidence of effective leadership and administrative skills including management of academic and research programs, managing complex budgets, fiscal matters, and/or personnel within an academic setting.
• Effective interpersonal relations, consensus building, professionalism, and motivational skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Understanding of the land-grant mission.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in academic administration, including the development, evaluation and oversight of undergraduate academic programs, curricula and/or instructional operations.
• Ability to support and advance research program success, strategic planning, and departmental initiatives.
• Familiarity with student success best practices
• Familiarity with recruitment and retention best practices for students, faculty, and staff
• Experience with collaboration across disciplines and/or with multiple stakeholders
• Leadership professional development experience
• Evidence of cultivating entrepreneurial opportunities

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, 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.

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.

Posting Date
07/23/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

First Consideration Date
08/31/2026

Advertised Salary
The salary and rank for this position are commensurate with qualifications, minimum of $150,000 for Associate Professor.

Duration of the Term
12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100%

Tenure Status
Tenure Track

Proposed Rank
Professor

Work Hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type
Regular

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Bob Watrel at [email protected].