Assistant Professor-Soil Health Research

Posting Details

Posting Details

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Institution

South Dakota State University

Working Title

Assistant Professor-Soil Health Research

Posting Number

F01933P

Department

SDSU-Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science

Physical Location of Position (City)

Pierre

Posting Text

South Dakota State University (SDState) is seeking an Assistant
Professor – Soil Health Research in the Department of Agronomy,
Horticulture & Plant Science. The incumbent will be a critical
member of a collaborative precision farming research team and is
expected to explore sustainable soil and crop management practices
that can increase soil aggregation, soil profile water storage,
reduce compaction, increase nutrient cycling, and increase
water/nutrient use efficiency to improve the resiliency of crop
production in South Dakota. This position is located in Pierre . This position
is a 9 Month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

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 :

The incumbent will be a critical member of a collaborative
precision farming research team. The incumbent is expected to
explore sustainable soil and crop management practices that can
increase soil aggregation, soil profile water storage, reduce
compaction, increase nutrient cycling, and increase water/nutrient
use efficiency to improve the resiliency of crop production in
South Dakota. The incumbent will develop science-based, region
specific, information for agricultural producers, crop specialists
and natural resource managers that enables climate-smart
decision-making that supports optimum crop yields, soil health, and
environmental stewardship. Publication of scholarly work in
peer-reviewed journals and graduate student mentoring is expected
of the successful candidate. The incumbent will be positioned in
the Pierre, South Dakota Regional Extension Center and will play a
cooperative and collaborative role in the research programing of
the Dakota Lakes Research Farm operated by the Agricultural
Experiment Station.

Scholarly/Research: This role directly aligns with SDSU’s
commitment to Science Sciences. Beyond research, this position is
vital for securing competitive grant funding that supports SDSU’s
research infrastructure and benefits the broader agricultural
community. Funding may come from various sources—including USDA
NIFA, FFAR, and SARE, state-level grants, commodity groups,
foundations, and industry collaborations.

Teaching/Advising : This individual is expected to have a
strong commitment to teaching and serving the needs of students
from AHPS . Teaching responsibilities will include a graduate level
course courses relevant to the department’s and CAFESs curriculum.
Specific course information : PS-462/562 Environmental Soil
Management and other courses as needed.

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 :

• Ph.D. in soil science, agronomy, or closely related field

successfully completed by the appointment date is required.

• Potential for scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed

journal articles and/or presentations at scientific meetings.

• Experience teaching soil science, or closely related, courses

(either as TA or instructor of record).

• Postdoctoral research experience or professional research

experience.

• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of

hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Experience in developing competitive external grant

proposals.

• Collaborative research and/or outreach efforts.

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, statement of research (3-page
limit, attached as work sample), statement of teaching philosophy
(3-page limit, attached as other), 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.

Posting Date

10/28/2026

Closing Date

12/04/2026

Open Until Filled

No

First Consideration Date

Advertised Salary

The minimum salary for this position is $85,000 at Assistant
Professor rank. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Duration of the Term

9 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent

100

Tenure Status

Tenure Track

Proposed Rank

Assistant Professor

Work Hours

40-50 hours per week, seasonal

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

50

Appointment Type

Regular

Scope of Search

External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

Department Description and 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
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,
Keerthi Mandyam, Keerthi.Mandyam@sdstate.edu.

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, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal
Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

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

Eye Protection

If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this
position

Lifting light, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Driving

Describe any of the conditions selected

This position requires using a hand-held soil probe which requires
driving to a field, pressing the probe into the ground and
collecting soil samples.

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory
requirements for this position.

Color Vision, Depth Perception, Distant Vision, Near Vision,
Peripheral Vision, 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

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

This position requires work in farm fields where light dust may or
may not be present.

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the
environment in which the primary function of the position is
performed.

Farm or Grassland Environment, Lab Environment, Office
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 (*).

• * 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) - Please

specify

• Radio - Please specify
• APLU
• List Servs - Please specify
• Alumni
• Other - Please specify

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Reference List
• Other
• Work or Writing Sample

Optional Documents