Assistant Professor of Crop Physiology

Posting Details

Posting Details

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Institution
South Dakota State University

Working Title
Assistant Professor of Crop Physiology

Posting Number
F01441P

Department
SDSU-Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text

Are you ready to cultivate breakthroughs in agricultural research? Join our team at South Dakota State University (SDSU) department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science, where we're on a mission to revolutionize crop production. We're seeking a visionary Assistant Professor faculty member to lead the charge in enhancing the resilience and productivity of our region's crops. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track, benefits-eligible position with research, teaching and service responsibilities.

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.

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 mission of access.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a nationally recognized, externally funded research program aimed at enhancing the abiotic stress tolerance and resource use efficiency of agricultural crops within the region.
• Conduct in-depth investigations into the physiological traits crucial for improving crop production, including identifying limitations, adaptations, and genetic diversity exploitation.
• Lead efforts in screening, identifying genotypes, and enhancing germplasm for varietal improvement programs across a spectrum of economically important crops such as wheat, oat, corn, soybean, grapevine, and others.
• Integrate whole-plant level research with modern production practices to address fundamental and practical questions concerning abiotic constraints, nutrient use efficiency, and photosynthesis capacity impacting crop yield.
• Take charge of planning, designing, initiating, and executing mission-focused research initiatives independently and in collaboration with internal and external scientific partners.
• Contribute to student training and education at both undergraduate and graduate levels, serving as the instructor for PS 103 Crop Production and delivering advanced courses at the graduate level.

SALARY RANGE:

The salary range for this position is commensurate with qualifications. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Plant Science, or closely related discipline by first day of employment.
• Potential to pursue and obtain competitive funding.
• Potential to publish in peer reviewed academic journals.
• Experience in University level teaching.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Postdoctoral experience, or international equivalent, with independent or team-focused research is preferred.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU 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, most recent transcripts, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU 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.

South Dakota State University 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.

Posting Date
05/03/2024

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

First Consideration Date
06/07/2024

Advertised Salary
Commensurate

Duration of the Term
9 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100

Tenure Status
Tenure Track

Proposed Rank
Assistant Professor

Work Hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type
Regular

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

South Dakota State University is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 academic programs, an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students, and over $60 million annual research expenditures.

South Dakota State University offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation and the world. Its employees embrace the university's core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity of thought, and excellence through continuous improvement.

As the state's 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of South Dakota State University is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.

Jackrabbits Athletics competes as an NCAA Division I member with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling.

Brookings is home to approximately 24,000 residents and is located 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. Brookings is listed as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals and retirees, and is rated among the safest and most vibrant cities in South Dakota.

The Brookings Public School District educates approximately 3,300 K-12 students and ranks among the state's highest academic achieving school districts. The district includes three elementary schools, an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade, one middle school, and a high school.

The city also boasts an abundance of attractions and activities, including the Children's Museum of South Dakota, Dakota Nature Park, South Dakota Art Museum, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Outdoor Adventure Center and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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 identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Thandiwe Nleya at Thandiwe.Nleya@SDSTATE.EDU or 605-688-6828.

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.
Analyzing, Comprehend, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Pace-average

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment.

If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position
Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking

Describe any of the conditions selected

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.
Color Vision, Depth Perception, Distant Vision, Hearing, Speaking

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.
Exposure to Dust, Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc)

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Field research is expected.

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.
Classroom Environment, Farm or Grassland Environment

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

• Public Job Posting
• Internal Job Posting
• Agency Referral
• Advertisement/Publication
• Personal Referral
• Website
• Other

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

Cover Letter

Curriculum Vitae

Reference List

Graduate Transcripts

Optional Documents