Job description

The Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Department in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at South Dakota State University is seeking a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Forage, Biofuel and Cover Crop Breeding (80% research appointment in the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station; 20% teaching). Candidates are sought who bring a background in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, and field-scale breeding/analytics (i.e. precision agricultural techniques). The successful applicant will be expected to develop a nationally recognized research program in forage, biofuel and cover crop breeding that improves sustainability and agroecosystem resiliency. This position is located in Brookings. 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 Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science includes over 40 faculty whose expertise spans the fields of Agronomy, Entomology, Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Precision Agriculture, Seed Science, Soil Science, and Weed Science. The Department has a robust research program that consistently ranks at the top of departments at SDSU. Discovery and dissemination of science-based knowledge are core missions of the department. Our faculty Extension Specialists and Field Specialists provide an effective structure for meeting this mission. In academic programs, the department provides nationally competitive training for undergraduate students leading to B.S. degrees in Agronomy, Horticulture and Precision Agriculture. Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science also offers a strong graduate training environment leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Plant Science and Biological Sciences.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will be a critical member of a collaborative plant breeding research team. The incumbent is expected to explore crop variety development with the goal to improve the resiliency and diversity of crop production in South Dakota. The incumbent will develop science-based, region specific, crop varieties for forage, cover crop and biofuel applications and is expected to work closely with crop improvement and foundation seed. Publication of scholarly work in peer-reviewed journals and graduate student mentoring is expected of the successful candidate. The incumbent will be positioned on the Brookings, SD, main campus.

SALARY RANGE:

The minimum salary for this position is $85,000 at Assistant 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, 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 plant science, agronomy, crop science, plant breeding or a closely related field with a focus on plant breeding, genetics, and agronomy.
• Demonstrated experience in an applied plant breeding program.
• Familiarity with agronomic cropping systems relevant to forage, biofuel, or cover crop production.
• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed journal articles and presentations at scientific meetings.
• The selected individual should have experience teaching (either as TA or instructor of record) at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in developing competitive external grant proposals.
• Knowledge of modern teaching methods in plant breeding, genetics, and genomics, including experimental design, statistical analysis, and effective delivery of scientific data.
• Expertise in utilizing novel technologies, including but not limited to genomics, phenomics, and AI to enhance breeding efforts.
• A proven track record of collaborative research efforts.
• Consistent excellence in both written and oral communication.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills for engaging with varied audiences.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position closes 04/13/2026.

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, statement of research (3-page limit, attached as work sample), statement of teaching philosophy (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 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, Melanie Caffe at (605) 688-5950 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.