About this opportunity
South Dakota Board of Regents lists this Department Head - Biology & Microbiology opportunity in brookings, South Dakota. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Posting Number
Posting Number F01913P
Department
Physical Location of Position (City)
Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings
Posting Text
South Dakota State University (SDState) seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as Department Head of the Department of Biology and Microbiology within the College of Natural Sciences. This is a 12-month, full-time, tenure-track, benefits-eligible appointment with the academic rank of either Associate or Full Professor. This leadership position is located in Brookings, SD , serves as the executive officer of the department and reports directly to the Dean of the College of Natural Sciences.
This Department of Biology and Microbiology offers a variety of undergraduate degree programs including Human Biology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology. Together these majors train over 500 undergraduates for admission to professional programs in healthcare domains, graduate school, careers in industry, and a variety of other career paths. The Department is a key driver of South Dakota State University’s R1 Our Way mission to expand federally funded research and has active research and graduate programs focused on mammalian physiology and cell biology, microbial biology, plant physiology and molecular biology, and bioprocessing biotechnology. Department members lead or contribute to large research programs including multiple federally-funded research centers and engage in STEM outreach and workforce development. 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.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Department of Biology and Microbiology seeks an innovative and collaborative leader with the vision, communication skills, and administrative capacity to guide the department. The successful candidate should be committed to establishing collaborative relationships, fostering an environment in which faculty and stakeholders are engaged partners, and communicating consistently and effectively. The Department Head is responsible for leading the development and maintenance of strong academic programs, supporting student recruitment and success across undergraduate and graduate programs, and ensuring that curricula remain rigorous, current, and responsive to workforce needs. The Department Head also provides leadership for the department’s research enterprise by supporting faculty grant development, managing research infrastructure and operations, mentoring early‑career faculty, promoting collaboration, and cultivating a culture of high‑quality, externally funded research.
BENEFITS
medical
dental
flexible benefits
retirement plans
compensation packages
paid holidays
vacation leave
6% matching retirement plan
10 hours of annual leave each month
9.34 hours of sick leave each month
eleven paid holidays
internal and state-sponsored training
reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions
relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. in Biology, Microbiology Biotechnology or closely related field by application date.
Meets the standards for tenure and rank within the department. Standards documents are available upon request to the search committee chair.
Evidence of effective leadership and administrative skills including management of academic and research programs, managing complex budgets, fiscal matters, and/or personnel within an academic setting.
Effective interpersonal relations, consensus building, professionalism, and motivational skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Understanding of the land‑grant mission.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in academic administration, including the development, evaluation and oversight of undergraduate academic programs, curricula and/or instructional operations.
Ability to support and advance research program success, strategic planning, and departmental initiatives.
Familiarity with student success best practices
Familiarity with recruitment and retention best practices for students, faculty, and staff
Experience with collaboration across disciplines and/or with multiple stakeholders
Evidence of cultivating entrepreneurial opportunities
COMPENSATION
Advertised Salary The salary and rank for this position are commensurate with qualifications, minimum of $150,000 for Associate Professor.
LOCATION & HOURS
Duration of the Term 12 months
Appointment Percent 100%
Proposed Rank Professor
Appointment Type Regular
Scope of Search External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
Work Hours
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION & CULTURAL EXPECTATIONS
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.
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 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 . Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU , Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: .
Posting Date 07/23/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
First Consideration Date 08/31/2026
Posting Number F01913P
Department
Physical Location of Position (City)
Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings
South Dakota Board of Regents
306 E. Capital Ave, Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Worksite address
brookings, SD, 57007, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.