The Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering department at South Dakota State University is seeking a Nicolai Endowed Professor in Precision Livestock Systems/Associate or Full Professor. The major focus of the position is to develop an integrated teaching, research and extension program at the intersection of sustainable and healthy animal agriculture, effluent treatment and application, application of effluent to crops, and environmental enhancement and protection. We are seeking a dynamic and innovative scholar to establish a nationally recognized and extramurally funded research program focused on advancing livestock production systems and effluent treatment and reuse for sustainable, healthy, and profitable agricultural 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.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful candidate will provide leadership in applied research and/or scholarly activity, exceptional education through classroom instruction and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate student experiences and enhance the depth of expertise on faculty through support and guidance to faculty engaged in related areas of research and teaching. They will also maintain a high-level of research productivity and/or scholarly activity through grand funding, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations at national and/or international forums in alignment with the appropriate academic discipline. Programming would typically include:
1) Research: Develop and lead an independent and collaborative research program investigating novel treatment technologies for agricultural effluent, resource recovery from effluent (e.g., nutrients and energy), emerging contaminants and the environmental and agronomic impacts of effluent application to crops. Research should advance sustainable practices that mitigate environmental impacts, protect watershed health, and address animal health and welfare considerations within the context of waste management and resource use. Provide leadership and establish research collaborations or partnerships in livestock environments within the University, Extension, and with the agricultural community, agribusinesses and governmental agencies to maintain and improve livestock and crop production along with environmental protection. Publish articles in refereed journals and Extension publications.
2) Extension: Develop educational materials for policymakers, producers, and the general public to inform decision-making and for educational opportunities such as the statewide Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) training.
3) Teaching: Teach one class each year addressing agricultural waste management, effluent use, and resource recovery. Incorporate modern techniques and sustainable practices, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental quality and agricultural productivity.
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.
The extension education program associated with this position will require close working relationships within the Department, SDSU Extension, and other departments on the SDSU campus, and developing partnerships with producer groups, agribusiness, government, and other stakeholders. The research program will address current and emerging issues associated with livestock production systems., crop production, and effluent use.
SALARY RANGE:
The minimum salary for this position is $105,000 at Associate 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 or closely related terminal degree by date of appointment.
- Demonstrated ability or potential to develop high impact Extension education and research programs in effluent and manure management.
- Demonstrated ability or potential to secure extramural funding.
- Demonstrated ability or potential for classroom teaching.
- Effective written communication skills.
- Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Commensurate with the rank sought, a demonstrated record of high-impact research, extension and/or professional experience related to the position’s focus areas.
- Evidence of scholarly activities, such as peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, patents, innovation disclosures and the like.
- A strong record in teaching and/or research or scholarly activity which show the capacity to provide leadership for institutional innovation.
- Hold a national and/or international reputation for scholarship in precision livestock systems and/or aligned areas of value.
- The ability to develop strong collaborative partnerships at South Dakota State University as well as other institutions of higher education, government agencies, industry and nonprofit organizations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated knowledge of Midwest agricultural livestock and crop production systems, including current practices and challenges.
- Knowledge of governmental environmental quality policies and statutes.
- Knowledge and use of innovative technologies for educational teaching of livestock manure nutrient management practices to undergraduate and graduate students.
- Registration or eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer.
- Experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment.
- Experience with biological and biotechnological effluent treatment processes.
- Demonstrated experience with innovation and technology transfer for related products.
- Related industry connections and experience.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Position closes 06/04/2026.
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. Ryan Lefers at [email protected], 605-688-5610.
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.
