The School of Psychology, Sociology, and Rural Studies at South Dakota State University (SDSU) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Rural Sociology, with an anticipated start date of Fall of 2026. Located in Brookings, South Dakota, this is a nine-month, full-time, benefit-eligible position.
The Rural Sociologist will serve as the Operations Manager for the Center for Rural Vitality and Community Well-being (CRVCW) and engage collaboratively with SDSU Extension faculty and staff. We seek applicants with expertise in rural communities, community development, or rural and environmental sociology, who can advance the CRVCW’s mission. Key responsibilities include interdisciplinary research, community engagement, center management, funding acquisition, and teaching/mentoring. This position is 90% Extension, 10% Teaching and reports to the Director of the School of Psychology, Sociology, and Rural Studies.
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 School of Psychology, Sociology & Rural Studies offers undergraduate majors in Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology; and undergraduate minors in Criminal Justice, Mental Health Services, Psychology, and Sociology and a Ph.D. in Social Science.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collaborative research engagement (35%): Develop applied R1-level interdisciplinary research programs that address current issues associated with rural vitality and community well-being:
- Engagement of researchers across the SDSU campus and collaboration with other regional or national centers/agencies/institutions.
- Rural vitality (e.g., workforce, housing, natural resources, transportation, economic development, sustainability).
- Community well-being (e.g., healthcare services, safety, recreational access and variety, social engagement, professional/leadership development, social-behavioral care across the lifespan).
- Utilization of appropriate and fundable frameworks in the development of research programs and initiatives, e.g., ecological systems theory, coupled-human and natural systems (CHANS), community capitals framework.
- Community engagement (30%):
- Bridging stakeholders representing the environment, the agricultural sector, and rural communities with applied interdisciplinary research teams at SDSU.
- Transforming research into applied knowledge through service and education programs or initiatives.
- Center management and funding acquisition (25%):
- Center Operations Manager: Day-to-day administrative and managerial oversight of Center functions and staff, e.g., post-doctoral staff members and graduate assistants.
- Promoting and supporting data service-delivery and products to rural communities.
- Securing appropriate extramural funding to support CRVCW Mission and Scope.
- Teaching and mentoring (10%):
- Teaching undergraduate/graduate classes for interdisciplinary students, e.g., “The Sociology of Rural America.”
- Mentoring undergraduate and graduate research; contribute to graduate programming efforts in the School of Psychology, Sociology & Rural Studies and other SDSU colleges/academic units.
SALARY RANGE: The salary and rank for this position are commensurate with qualifications, minimum of $75,000 for Assistant Professor.
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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Completion of Ph.D. in Sociology (by start date).
- Evidence of productive research with a focus on environmental or rural sociology or community development.
- Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- An understanding of and experience with the land-grant Extension mission.
- Three or more years of administrative/managerial experience within an academic or research setting.
- Record of leadership in securing extramural funding with federal agencies, e.g., USDA, EPA, NIH, or NSF.
- Experience working with USDA (e.g., Rural Development, NIFA) or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (e.g., Smart Growth initiative) or other relevant federal agencies.
- Strong evidence of interdisciplinary research focused on environmental sociology, rural sociology, or community development.
- Experience teaching at the university level.
- Experience mentoring research.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Position closes March 8, 2026.
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 Vita, a research statement (3-page limit, attached as work sample), a statement of leadership style (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 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 Paul Markel at 605-688-4322 or [email protected].
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.
