The Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering department and South Dakota State University is seeking an Assistant or Associate Professor of Precision Ag Automation Engineering. The major focus of the position is to develop an integrated teaching (20%), research (40%) and extension (40%) program at the intersection of sustainable precision agriculture practices. We are seeking a dynamic and innovative scholar to establish a nationally recognized and extramurally funded research program focused on advances in agricultural mechanization, farm automation, agricultural robotics, precision livestock farming, cyber-physical systems, and data-driven decision support for agricultural and food systems. This position is located in Brookings. This position is a 9 Month, full-time, tenure-track, benefits-eligible position.
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. The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering prepares students and professionals to address global challenges in agriculture and resource management. The department focuses on areas such as water resources, machine systems, bioenergy, precision agriculture and environmental quality. It aims to advance innovative technologies, improve agricultural productivity and support ecological balance through research, education and outreach programs.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful candidate will provide leadership and conduct research, extension and teaching related to the position. Programming would typically include:
1) Research (40%): This position will foster strong collaboration with other SDSU faculty working on agricultural sensors, phenotyping robots and unmanned aerial vehicles, and AI-driven imaging solutions. The successful candidate will also help advance agriculture by promoting resilient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable practices for producers of all scales, from family-owned farms to major enterprises.
2) Extension (40%):
- Create a program similar to the OSU E-fields program, in collaboration with South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.
- Educate about why collecting good quality data matters and how to collect it.
- Educate about how to integrate data that is collected at a farm system level.
- Educate about how to leverage consumer-available AI-tools on their operation.
- Educate about how to use precision ag tools to improve their ROI in both plant and animal systems.
- Publish articles in refereed journals and Extension publications.
3) Teaching (20%): Collaboratively teach two undergraduate courses essential to SDSU’s Precision Agriculture program and is expected to engage effectively with both agricultural engineering and agronomy students.
4) Student Mentorship: Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, guiding their academic progress and research projects. Supervise graduate theses and dissertations.
5) Service: Participate in departmental, college, and university service, including committee work. Participate and lead in professional societies.
6) Funding and Publication: Secure extramural funding to support research activities and outreach programming and disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences.
SALARY RANGE:
The minimum salary for this position is $90,000 Assistant Professor rank. Salary is commensurate with experience.
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, 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- An earned doctoral degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related terminal degree by date of appointment.
- Ability or potential to develop Extension education and research programs in effluent and manure management.
- Ability or potential to secure extramural funding.
- Ability or potential for classroom teaching.
- Effective written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Candidates for Associate Professor must show a record of high-impact research, extension and/or professional experience related to the position’s focus areas.
- Record of scholarly activities, such as peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, patents, innovation disclosures, or related.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Familiarity with agricultural machinery used in the upper great plains.
- Experience working with a farm equipment manufacturer.
- Potential for becoming a Licensed Professional Engineer
- Experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Position closes 06/15/2026.
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, Research Statement (1-page limit, attached as work sample), Teaching Statement (1-page limit, attached as other), Extension Statement explaining current/future outreach activities (1-page limit, attached as portfolio) 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.
SDState 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, Dr. Pappu Yadav, [email protected], 605-688-4091.
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
[email protected]. 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.
