South Dakota State University’s (SDSU) Department of Animal Science invites applications for a 9-month, full-time, benefit-eligible tenure-track position as Assistant or Associate Professor of Animal Science. This position presents an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact through innovative, student-centered teaching and engagement in undergraduate education. This position is open to all disciplines and species areas within the animal sciences.
The successful candidate will join a supportive and collaborative department committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Reporting to the Department Head of Animal Science, the incumbent will have access to the resources and mentoring needed to establish a thriving and rewarding academic career.
The appointment begins August 2026 and is based on the main campus in Brookings, South Dakota. This position is benefits-eligible and includes opportunities for professional growth and advancement within SDSU’s nationally recognized College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
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. Our department is proud to be a part of a land-grant university with our focus on three primary missions, learning, discovery and engagement. Our award-winning faculty, meat science lab and livestock teaching units provide hands-on learning opportunities and prepare students for successful careers in the animal industry, meat industry, veterinary medicine, academia and other agricultural careers. The successful candidate will be tasked with excellence in undergraduate education, student engagement and academic success.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This role is 80% Teaching and 20% Research and/or Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.
The incumbent will join a nationally recognized team of undergraduate educators dedicated to excellence in animal science education. Our undergraduate program was the first in the nation to receive this accreditation from ASAS, signifying that the curriculum, faculty qualifications, learning outcomes, hands-on experiences, and resources meet standards recognized by the animal science profession for undergraduate education. Teaching responsibilities include delivering high-quality instruction in foundational animal science courses, maintaining academic rigor and consistency within the undergraduate curriculum, and supporting student recruitment, retention, and success. The successful candidate will work closely with the Professional Advisor on departmental initiatives related to recruitment and retention.
Primary teaching assignments may include Introduction to Animal Science, Livestock Evaluation and Marketing, and other courses as needed. Additional expectations include mentoring graduate teaching assistants serving as laboratory instructors, assisting with the care, scheduling, and use of livestock for instructional purposes, and contributing to departmental, college, and university service activities.
The research component of this position will be fulfilled through the development of a nationally recognized program in the candidate’s area of expertise and/or the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). Collaboration with departmental colleagues on competitive grant proposals and peer-reviewed publications is expected.
SALARY: Salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications, minimum of $80,000 for Assistant Professor Rank.
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:
- Earned Ph.D. in Animal Science or a closely related field by the date of appointment.
- Demonstrated knowledge or experience with contemporary livestock production systems within the U.S. industry.
- Experience teaching at the collegiate level.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver innovative, effective, and high-quality instruction.
- Evidence of a commitment to excellence in teaching.
- Demonstrated effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Position closes March 16, 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 Vitae, Research Statement (3-page limit, attached as work sample), Teaching Statement (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 search committee chair, Cody Wright at [email protected] or 605-688-5165.
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.
