Associate Professor of Soil Health

South Dakota State University, United States

Updated: 1 day ago
Location: Brookings, SOUTH DAKOTA
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Details


Logo
Institution South Dakota State University
Working Title Associate Professor of Soil Health
Posting Number F01377P
Department SDSU-Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science
Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings
Posting Text
The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science at South Dakota State University invites applications to fill a nine-month, full-time, benefit eligible, tenure-track faculty position with teaching (20%) and research (80%) responsibilities. This position is supervised by the department head of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science and is open until filled.  
 
The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science includes over 40 faculty whose expertise spans the fields of Agronomy, Entomology, Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Precision Agriculture, Seed Science, Soil Science, and Weed Science. The Department has a robust research program that consistently ranks at the top of departments at SDSU. Discovery and dissemination of science-based knowledge are core missions of the department. Our faculty Extension Specialists and Field Specialists provide an effective structure for meeting this mission. In academic programs, the department provides nationally competitive training for undergraduate students leading to B.S. degrees in Agronomy, Horticulture and Precision Agriculture. Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science also offers a strong graduate training environment leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Plant Science and Biological Sciences.
 
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 incumbent is expected to develop an extramurally funded, innovative, nationally, and internationally recognized research program that includes basic and applied research to investigate the ecology, diversity, and functions of soil microbes in agroecosystems. The candidate will work with various programs within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences to address local and regional agricultural needs of farmers and stakeholders and address critical soil health objectives benefiting producers, consumers, and policy makers. Collaboration with state, federal and industry partners is expected. The research program is expected to understand the impact of sustainable agricultural practices on the soil microbiome that includes mycorrhizal fungi, plant growth promoting bacteria, free living and obligate diazotrophs, fungal endophytes, microbes in nutrient cycling, and microbial antagonists. 
 
The potential to develop innovative classroom instruction and delivery methods is favorable for this position as undergraduate and graduate student teaching and mentoring is expected. Service expectations include participation in appropriate professional organizations and on departmental/college/University committees. 
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 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  
  • Ph.D. in Biology, Soil Microbiology, Agronomy, or closely related discipline completed by the start date.
  • Six or more years of undergraduate and graduate teaching experience. 
  • Potential for scholarly publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Potential for success in competitive grant writing and leadership.
  • Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills. 


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.  
Posting Date 12/14/2023
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
First Consideration Date 01/15/2024
Advertised Salary Commensurate
Duration of the Term 9 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent 100
Tenure Status Tenure Track
Proposed Rank Associate Professor
Work Hours
8-6
Typical Hours Worked Per Week 40 to 60
Appointment Type Regular
Scope of Search External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
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 identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [email protected].  Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact:  Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD  57007.  Phone: (605) 688-4128.
Contact Information
For questions on the position, contact Dr. David Clay, Search Chair, Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Department, SDSU, Box 2108, Brookings, SD 57007, (605) 688-4600 or [email protected].

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