Assistant Professor – Data Systems and Refining

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is offering an exciting career opportunity as an Assistant Professor with 75% research and 25% teaching appointments. This is a 9-month, benefits eligible, tenure-track position within the Department of Animal Science. This position is expected to develop an independent research program focused on generation and use of large agricultural data sets to inform rangelands management for livestock grazing and ecosystems services.  The successful candidate will work alongside an integrated team of faculty located at SDSU’s West River Research & Extension center in Rapid City, SD. 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. Responsibilities:The successful candidate is expected to develop a highly recognized, externally funded research program that uses and leverages large data sets to improve understanding and management of livestock grazing systems, including both beef and bison potentially. This includes testing and using novel and emerging technology for data collection and developing protocols for data refinement, processing pipelines, and security and bioinformatic analysis. This position will be an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team working collectively on climate resilient and climate smart practices on rangelands across the state and the Northern Great Plains. This includes additional engagement in soil and rangeland health research. Opportunities exist for this position to seek collaborations with faculty across multiple disciplines and departments, located both on- and off-campus. Additionally, this position may seek collaborations with industry partners to explore novel technologies for grazing and range lands application. This position will be expected to develop coursework in data systems, management, and analysis applicable to students across many disciplines including but not limited to, precision agriculture, animal, veterinary and plant sciences, natural resource management and data science. The position will also develop coursework (graduate and/or undergraduate) specific to his/her own focus area that aligns with departmental and/or College teaching needs. The position will be located at SDSU’s West River Research & Extension Center in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The West River Research & Extension center houses faculty, staff and students in the departments of Animal Science, Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Sciences, and Natural Resource Management. Distance technologies connect off-site faculty with the SDSU campus and other sites across the state. Sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicant must be authorized to work in the U.S. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Ph.D. degree in Agriculture, Biological Science, Statistics, Data Science, or closely related field by the start of the appointment.Demonstrated experience working with large/complex datasets.Ability/potential to develop and deliver level-appropriate coursework.Ability/potential to develop (inter)nationally recognized research program.Successful publication and research record commensurate with experience.Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. Demonstrated organizational and time management skills. Demonstrated ability to work as a team member.A valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire and a willingness to travel. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Relevant postdoctoral experience.Demonstrated teaching experience.Demonstrated experience with writing and submitting external grants.Understanding of range livestock systems.BENEFITS:South Dakota State University offers a wide range of 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.APPLICATION PROCESS:South Dakota State University accepts applications through an online 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 South Dakota State University Human Resources at 605-688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.   Any offer of employment is conditioned upon 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 university policy 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.