Job description

The School of Health and Consumer Sciences in the College of Education and Human Sciences is inviting applications for a 9-month, full-time, benefits-eligible, tenure-track position with rank of Assistant Professor in Nutrition. This position is supervised by the Director of the School of Health and Consumer Sciences. The role of this faculty member will be to establish an independent, externally funded research program that complements the nutrition research in the school. The faculty will teach nutrition courses in the graduate Nutrition and Exercise Science program and may teach undergraduate Nutrition and Dietetics program, as well as mentor student research, and participate in service responsibilities at the university and national levels.

This position is located in Brookings, SD. This position is a 9 Month, full-time, 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 School of Health and Human Sciences consists of undergraduate and graduate programs in Athletic Training; Health Studies, Community and Public Health; Exercise Science; Physical Education Teacher Education; Sports Management; Nutrition and Dietetics; Leadership and Management of Non-Profit Organizations, Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management; Aviation Education, and Fashion Studies and Retail Merchandising. The department serves approximately 950 undergraduate majors, 120 graduate majors and 40 faculty/staff.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and sustain a high-impact, externally funded research program aligned with federal funding priorities.
• Contribute to growth in research expenditures and doctoral student mentorship consistent with SDSU’s R1 trajectory.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in nutrition and dietetics.
• Mentor MS and PhD students.
• Engage in service to the university, profession, and community.

SALARY RANGE:

Minimum salary of $70,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in Nutrition or closely related field completed by appointment date, not later than August 22, 2026.
• Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential or eligibility.
• Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate nutrition courses.
• Record of research publications proportionate with experience.
• Record of grantsmanship proportionate with experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Teaching experience in higher education.
• Post-doctoral research experience.
• Clearly defined research agenda in nutrition science with strong potential for competitive federal funding (e.g., NIH, USDA-NIFA, CDC).
• Experience with community-engaged or Extension-based research.
• Evidence of professional service.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position closes on 05/08/2026.

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 Chair, Sam Dhakal at 605-688-5465 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.