Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology – Nematology or Epidemiology

Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science

South Dakota State University

The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science at South Dakota State University (SDState) is seeking an Assistant Professor Plant Pathology. The suitable candidate should have a background in the broader discipline of plant pathology, preferably with expertise in plant nematology or plant disease epidemiology and will complement the research and teaching priorities of the department. This position entails 70% research and 30% teaching responsibility. This assignment may be adjusted according to departmental needs. AHPS is a multidisciplinary department with broad expertise in plant pathology, plant breeding, soil science, entomology, weed science, horticulture, precision agriculture and agronomy, with research and extension programs relevant to South Dakota agriculture and national priorities. This position is located in Brookings. This position is a 9 Month, tenure track, 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 is a multidisciplinary department with the size and breadth to address today’s complex scientific issues while retaining the student-centered focus, an SDSU plant science hallmark. All of our programs feature a carefully designed balance of theoretical principles and hands-on experience to produce a well-rounded graduate who is prepared for the 21st century workplace. As a result, our graduates are in high demand and frequently have jobs before graduation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

SDSUs' integrated plant pathology program within AHPS includes research expertise in molecular plant-microbe-soil interactions, host-pathogen interactions, soilborne diseases, cereal crop pathology, bacteriology, soybean pathology, and extension nematology. The successful candidate is expected to establish an externally funded well-recognized research program in plant pathology and develop niche research areas within their integrative expertise in plant disease epidemiology and/or nematology that strengthen existing departmental expertise. Fundamental and applied research may include crop disease modeling and forecasting, disease ecology and epidemiology, plant-parasitic nematodes and associated field expertise. The research program is expected to be interdisciplinary. The successful candidate will have ample opportunities to collaborate with SDSU faculty and develop partnerships with state, federal, tribal, local government, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations. The position directly supports SDSU’s commitment to integrating plant pathology, agronomy, soil health, and crop breeding with research that addresses agricultural production challenges. Teaching responsibilities will include developing graduate-level courses (700 level) in plant disease epidemiology or plant nematology, and in experimental design, and participating in co-teaching other plant pathology courses at the undergraduate level as per the curriculum needs of AHPS. The successful candidate will also mentor graduate and undergraduate students and chair and serve on graduate advisory committees. The successful faculty member will be expected to provide service to the department, college, university, and broader scientific community, regardless of the position’s assignment split. The faculty member will have access to campus-wide shared facilities and resources, including research farms and infrastructure, high-performance research cyberinfrastructure, genomic sequencing facilities, and advance imaging facilities. The successful candidate will be offered a competitive startup package and laboratory space.

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:

• Earned Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Epidemiology, Nematology or a closely related discipline completed by the start date.
• Record of research publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish research collaborations and work as a contributing team member.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Postdoctoral training and evidence of mentoring experience.
• Experience in developing or participating in competitive federal grant proposals.
• Ability to develop curricula and teach courses in plant pathology, nematology, or epidemiology.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position closes11/19/2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

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, teaching statement (3-page limit, attached as “other”), research statement (3-page limit, attached as “writing or work sample”) 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, Dr. Shyam Solanki, Shyam.Solanki@sdstate.edu

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 equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes 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.