Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

The School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Sociology position with a start date in August 2024. This is a full-time, benefit-eligible, nine-month position. We are seeking applicants in environmental sociology with a preferred focus on issues broadly related to rural communities (see qualifications below). Principle responsibilities are teaching, research, mentorship of undergraduate students, and service. This faculty member is supervised by the Director of the School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies.

The School of Psychology, Sociology & Rural Studies offers undergraduate majors in Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology; undergraduate minors in Criminal Justice, Mental Health Services, Psychology, and Sociology; and a Master’s degree in Community 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teaching undergraduate courses in sociology in various formats (on campus, online, hybrid) as well as developing curriculum. Typical teaching workload is three courses in the fall term and three courses in the spring term; summer teaching is optional and is based on availability as well as the need of the School.
• Mentor undergraduate students in research.
• Establish and maintain an active research program.
• Provide service to the School, College, and University as well as service to the profession.

SALARY: Commensurate with qualifications.

BENEFITS:

We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion 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:

• Completion of Ph.D. in Sociology, with a focus on environmental sociology.
• Evidence of a promising research program.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong preference for research focus on issues broadly related to rural communities.
• Additional consideration will be given to candidates who complement the curricular needs of the undergraduate Sociology and the graduate Great Plains IDEA Community Development programs.
• Experience teaching at the university level.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate research.
• Potential for or experience in attaining extramural funding.

UNIVERSITY AND THE BROOKINGS COMMUNITY:

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.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by January 5, 2024.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

South Dakota State University accepts applications through an online 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, a teaching philosophy statement (3-page limit, attached as other), a statement of research interests (3-page limit, attached as work sample), and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact South Dakota State University Human Resources at 605-688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon 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 university policy 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 Dr. Weiwei Zhang, Search Committee Chair, at weiwei.zhang@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 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 identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. 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, 605-688-4128.