Job description

Institution: Black Hills State University

Posting Number: F01902P

Department: BHSU-School of Natural Sciences

Physical Location of Position (City): Spearfish

Posting Text

The School of Natural Sciences at Black Hills State University invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track, Assistant Professor position in organismal zoology, beginning August 2026. The successful candidate will join a diverse Natural Science department and complement other faculty in areas of ecology, evolution, physiology, genetics and cell-molecular biology.

DUTIES:
The successful candidate will help shape and grow the new wildlife emphasis within the Biology major by teaching upper-level courses that support wildlife students (ecology, mammalogy, herpetology, ichthyology, environmental policy, etc), as well as introductory courses in Biology as needed. We seek a broadly trained wildlife biologist or ecologist who will complement existing faculty strengths in the School of Natural Sciences and develop collaborations with local and regional agencies. Individuals with expertise in wildlife or fisheries management are especially encouraged to apply. Primary responsibilities include successful teaching and advising, development of a research program that includes undergraduate and graduate students, and service related to student professional opportunities. Other opportunities include supervision of graduate students in the Integrative Genomics MSc. program, and course instruction in the Sustainability MSc. program.

QUALIFICATIONS:
A PhD in Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Natural Resources or related field. ABD accepted.

COMMENTS:
The School of Natural Sciences at Black Hills State University is a vibrant, growing division with approximately 23 faculty members in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. Faculty emphasize undergraduate teaching and mentoring, and conduct research involving students in multiple biological and environmental disciplines. Projects are funded through a variety of state wildlife, federal agency, and partnership grants. Research resources include the largest Herbarium in the state, and well-equipped laboratories including a scanning electron microscopy lab. The Center for the Conservation of Biological Resources (CCBR) is a shared research laboratory containing research space and commonly used equipment required for genetics and genomics research. WestCore is a Genetics/Genomics sequencing core facility that provides services including NextGen genome, transcriptome, and Sanger sequencing, genotyping, and quantitative real-time PCR services. WestCore also houses a cell culture area and an RNA isolation room. The Black Hills State University Underground Campus (BHUC) at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, SD houses Sanford Lab’s low background counting facility, a class-1,000 cleanroom, and an adjoining workspace available for use in a variety of disciplines. Managed by BHSU, the underground campus partners with groups around the globe to create unique opportunities for collaborative research in physics, chemistry, biology, and geophysics.

SPECIAL COMMENTS:
The successful applicant must be authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to apply

Applications must be made online at http://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, statement of proposed research, transcripts, and names and contact information for at least three professional references. Letters of reference/recommendation are not accepted. (Please note, you may need to combine documents into one file to upload into the system.) This position is open until filled with a first review date of June 19, 2026 at 11:00 PM (mountain time). For application assistance, contact Human Resources at 605.642.6549. Please direct inquiries regarding the position to Dr. Jessica Graham, search committee chair, at [email protected].

Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Cassie Maser at 605-642-6545 or [email protected]. Employment is dependent upon a satisfactory background check.

Open Until Filled: Yes

First Consideration Date: 06/19/2026

Advertised Salary: $65,000

Duration of the Term: 9 months

Tenure Status
Tenure Track

Proposed Rank
Assistant Professor

Appointment Type: Regular

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

Black Hills State University is a masters-level state university with more than 3,600 students. The campus leads the region in sustainability efforts and maintains top academic programs in business (AACSB Accredited), exercise science, natural sciences, social sciences, the arts, mass communication, health sciences and education. The University, founded in 1883, is located in the northern Black Hills, a region abundant with outdoor activity and culture. Spearfish, S.D., is recognized as one of the top 10 most livable small towns in the USA and has also been recognized nationally for outdoor recreational opportunities. A second location, BHSU-RC, is in Rapid City, the state’s second-largest city. BHSU, a member of NCAA Division II athletics, offers 14 sports, and has a legacy of champion rodeo teams.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Black Hills State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Black Hills State University and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.