Job description

South Dakota State University’s (SDSU) Department of Animal Science is excited to announce a unique opportunity as an Associate or Full Professor/Extension Swine Specialist. Position may be eligible for endowment if the specifications are met. This position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact through innovative Extension programming and research. Reporting to the Department Head of Animal Science, the individual in this role will have the support and resources to thrive. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota. This position is a 9 Month, full-time, tenure-track, benefits-eligible position. An opportunity for summer salary may be available and will be negotiated under a separate contract.

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 and our focuses on the three primary missions which are learning, discovery and engagement. Our award-winning faculty, meat science lab and livestock teaching and research 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 leading an applied swine production Extension program to address the pressing needs and production challenges of pig producers.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This role is 100% Extension. The incumbent will be an integral team member of a nationally recognized Swine Extension and research program that is relevant to swine producers in South Dakota, the region, and the United States. Extension responsibilities include being a significant contributor to our web-based Extension platform and working directly with producers to identify their needs and developing programs to meet those needs. Strong collaboration with Extension personnel from Animal Science, Ag & Biosystems Engineering, Veterinary Science, and the Ness School of Management and Economics is expected, as is establishing a very close relationship with the SD Pork Producers Council. Collaboration with industry members and faculty from other states is encouraged. The successful candidate will be expected to establish an applied, extramurally funded research program focused on pork producer needs and attract top-tier graduate students to participate in this endeavor. As is with the Extension component, strong research collaboration with faculty in Animal Science, other SDSU departments, other universities, and allied industry is expected.

SALARY RANGE:

Salary and rank for this position are commensurate with qualifications, starting at $90,000 for Associate 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, 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:

• Earned Ph.D. in Animal Science with an emphasis in swine nutrition or a closely related field is required.
• Eligible for the rank of Associate Professor within the Department of Animal Science at South Dakota State University.
• An in-depth understanding of practical swine nutrition and/or management of the modern swine industry is essential.
• Proven Extension experience and a demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative, high-impact outreach programs for producers.
• Experience successfully securing extramural funding through grant writing.
• Ability to interact and communicate (verbally and written) effectively with colleagues, staff, students, producer groups, and other clientele.
• Ability to identify and solve issues in modern pork production as demonstrated by research activities and past experiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Evidence of a sustained, high quality publication record equivalent to expectations for tenure and promotion to Associate Professor.
• Evidence of previous collaboration with industry members and faculty from universities in other states.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position closes 03/23/2026.

How to apply

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, 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, Russ Daly, [email protected] or 605-688-6589.

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.