Assistant Professor of Controlled Environment Agriculture

Working Title

Assistant Professor of Controlled Environment Agriculture

Posting Number

F01417P

Department

SDSU-Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science

Physical Location of Position (City)

Brookings

Posting Text

The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science seeks outstanding applicants for a full-time tenure-track assistant professor faculty position in controlled environment agriculture. The successful applicant will be responsible for developing a strong research program utilizing controlled environments to develop sustainable and economically viable production systems that support the selection, culture, and marketing of specialty crops. This position will focus on the use, adaptation, and modification of high tunnels, automated greenhouses, container farming, vertical farming, hydroponics, or aquaponics to promote high-value food production. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track, benefit eligible position with research, teaching, and service responsibilities. The anticipated start date is August 22, 2024.

The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science includes over 40 faculty whose expertise spans the fields of Agronomy, Entomology, Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Precision Agriculture, Seed Science, Soil Science, and Weed Science. The Department has a robust research program that consistently ranks at the top of departments at SDSU. Discovery and dissemination of science-based knowledge are core missions of the department. Our faculty Extension Specialists and Field Specialists provide an effective structure for meeting this mission. In academic programs, the department provides nationally competitive training for undergraduate students leading to B.S. degrees in Agronomy, Horticulture and Precision Agriculture. Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science also offers a strong graduate training environment leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Plant Science and Biological Sciences.

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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The selected applicant will develop a nationally and internationally recognized, extramurally funded research program that integrates basic and applied horticulture to develop and optimize controlled environment production systems for various horticultural specialty crops. This candidate is expected to work independently, and collaboratively, with researchers at SDSU and at other research institutions. The incumbent is encouraged to contribute to stakeholder education and outreach as part of their scientific communication program. The individual is expected to train graduate students and publish regularly in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to the discipline.

The selected applicant will participate in student training and education at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The individual will be the instructor of record for HO 311/311L Herbaceous Plants, HO 413 Greenhouse and High Tunnel Management, HO 414 Plant Propagation, and HO 475 Teaching Capstone. The incumbent also will develop and deliver a course on controlled environment agriculture. The incumbent will advise the Horticulture and Urban Agriculture club and participate on the Student Scholarship Committee as part of expected service to the department.

SALARY RANGE:

The salary range for this position is commensurate with qualifications. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

BENEFITS:

We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, or closely related discipline by first day of employment.
Potential to pursue and obtain competitive funding.
Potential to publish in peer reviewed academic journals.
Experience in university level teaching.
Experience in plant research focused on using controlled environments to optimize plant production & quality.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Postdoctoral experience, or international equivalent, with independent or team-focused research is preferred.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

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, a statement of research (attached as work sample), a statement of teaching philosophy (attached as other), most recent transcripts, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU 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.

South Dakota State University 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

04/22/2024

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

First Consideration Date

05/24/2024

Advertised Salary

Commensurate

Duration of the Term

9 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent

100

Tenure Status

Tenure Track

Proposed Rank

Assistant Professor

Work Hours

variable

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

40 to 60

Appointment Type

Regular

Scope of Search

External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 academic programs, an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students, and over $60 million annual research expenditures.

South Dakota State University offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation and the world. Its employees embrace the university’s core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity of thought, and excellence through continuous improvement.

As the state’s 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of South Dakota State University is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.

Jackrabbits Athletics competes as an NCAA Division I member with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling.

Brookings is home to approximately 24,000 residents and is located 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. Brookings is listed as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals and retirees, and is rated among the safest and most vibrant cities in South Dakota.

The Brookings Public School District educates approximately 3,300 K-12 students and ranks among the state’s highest academic achieving school districts. The district includes three elementary schools, an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade, one middle school, and a high school.

The city also boasts an abundance of attractions and activities, including the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Dakota Nature Park, South Dakota Art Museum, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Outdoor Adventure Center and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival.

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 affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other status that may become protected 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, Dr. Rhoda Burrows at Rhoda.Burrows@SDSTATE.EDU or 605-394-2236.