Biology Microbiology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details

Institution South Dakota State University

Working Title Department Head - Biology & Microbiology

Posting Number F01913P

Department SDSU-Biology & Microbiology

Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings

Posting Text South Dakota State University (SDState) seeks an innovative andcollaborative leader to serve as Department Head of the Departmentof Biology and Microbiology within the College of Natural Sciences.This is a 12-month, full-time, tenure-track, benefits-eligibleappointment with the academic rank of either Associate or FullProfessor. This leadership position is located in Brookings, SD, serves asthe executive officer of the department and reports directly to theDean of the College of Natural Sciences.

This Department of Biology and Microbiology offers a variety ofundergraduate degree programs including Human Biology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology. Together these majors train over500 undergraduates for admission to professional programs in healthcare domains, graduate school, careers in industry, and avariety of other career paths. The Department is a key driver ofSouth Dakota State University’s R1 Our Way mission to expand federally funded researchand has active research and graduate programs focused on mammalianphysiology and cell biology, microbial biology, plant physiologyand molecular biology, and bioprocessing biotechnology. Departmentmembers lead or contribute to large research programs includingmultiple federally-funded research centers and engage in STEMoutreach and workforce development. South Dakota State Universitypromotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefitof and participate in education, research, and service and isespecially interested in candidates that can contribute to thisland-grant mission of access.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not availablefor this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Department of Biology and Microbiology seeks an innovative and collaborative leader with thevision, communication skills, and administrative capacity to guidethe department. The successful candidate should be committed toestablishing collaborative relationships, fostering an environmentin which faculty and stakeholders are engaged partners, andcommunicating consistently and effectively. The Department Head isresponsible for leading the development and maintenance of strongacademic programs, supporting student recruitment and successacross undergraduate and graduate programs, and ensuring thatcurricula remain rigorous, current, and responsive to workforceneeds. The Department Head also provides leadership for thedepartment’s research enterprise by supporting faculty grantdevelopment, managing research infrastructure and operations,mentoring early-career faculty, promoting collaboration, andcultivating a culture of high-quality, externally fundedresearch.

BENEFITS SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits includingmedical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans,compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offera generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours ofannual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, andeleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal andstate-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition forstate-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academicinstitutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’sguidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Biology, Microbiology Biotechnology or closely relatedfield by application date.
• Meets the standards for tenure and rank within the department.Standards documents are available upon request to the searchcommittee chair.
• Evidence of effective leadership and administrative skillsincluding management of academic and research programs, managingcomplex budgets, fiscal matters, and/or personnel within anacademic 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 thedevelopment, evaluation and oversight of undergraduate academicprograms, 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 forstudents, faculty, and staff
• Experience with collaboration across disciplines and/or withmultiple stakeholders
• Leadership professional development experience
• Evidence of cultivating entrepreneurial opportunities

APPLICATION PROCESS SDState accepts applications through an online employment site. Toapply, visit the SDState employment site, search by the position title, view the job announcement, andclick on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you throughthe electronic application form. This site will require the attachment of a cover letter addressing how the candidate meets the qualifications, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState HumanResources for assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’sverification of credentials and other information required by lawand/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 theUniversity to maintain a drug-free environment and to therebyestablish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working andlearning environment for employees and students. This position issubject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol TestingPolicy 4:14.

Posting Date 07/23/2026

Closing Date Open Until Filled

First Consideration Date 08/31/2026

Advertised Salary The salary and rank for this position are commensurate withqualifications, minimum of $150,000 for Associate Professor.

Duration of the Term 12 months

Appointment Percent 100%

Tenure Status Tenure Track

Proposed Rank Professor

Work Hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type Regular

Scope of Search External (includes Internal)

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState isthe state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academicprograms and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. Theuniversity is part of a dynamic community for families, students, youngprofessionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance ofattractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunitiesfor all to receive the benefit of and participate in education,research, and service and is especially interested in candidatesthat can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is anequal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receiveconsideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawfuldiscrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering ofall educational programs and employment. Arrangements foraccommodations 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, BobWatrel at Robert.Watrel@sdstate.edu.

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense CustomerInteraction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli,Pace-average, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning,Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Carrying, Fine Finger Manipulation, Lifting light, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Stretching

Sensory Requirements

Hearing, Speaking, Vision

Working Conditions & Exposures

Biohazard, Chemical Hazards, Exposure to Dust, Exposure toInfectious Diseases, Extreme Cold

Biohazard – a biological substance that poses a threat to thehealth of living organisms that may be present in lab environmentsand need to be handled using proper safety protocols.

Working Environment

Classroom Environment, Lab Environment, Office Environment

As the executive administrative officer of the department thisposition is tasked with developing and fostering strong teaching,research and outreach programs so multiple working environments areapplicable.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. Where did you hear about this position?
   • LinkedIn
   • SDBOR Employment Site
   • South Dakota Department of Labor
   • Employee Referral
   • Department Announcement / Inside State
   • Handshake
   • Job Board (Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter) - Please specify
   • Industry Conference
   • Search Engine - Please specify
   • Employment Agency - Please specify
   • Newspaper - Please specify
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Pleasespecify
   • Radio - Please specify
   • APLU
   • List Servs - Please specify
   • Alumni
   • Other - Please specify

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Reference List

Optional Documents