Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (VBS) Department is offering an exciting career opportunity in a tenure-track faculty position in One Health Genomics and Microbiomics. We are looking for a creative and innovative professional with expertise in whole genome sequencing-based tracking of foodborne /zoonotic bacterial pathogens, bacterial genomics, the role of the gut microbiome in health and diseases, and the development of microbiome-based therapeutics. The ideal candidate will develop and maintain an extramurally funded research program in one of the above areas and direct research activities of Ph.D. and MS students.

The faculty member hired in this position may also serve as section leader of the Food Safety Section and/or the Bacteriology Section of the South Dakota Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ADRDL).

The ADRDL is a regional whole genome sequencing laboratory for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The hired faculty will lead an existing FDA-funded whole genome sequencing-based foodborne pathogen tracking program. Excellent infrastructure is currently in place and includes multiple Illumina genome sequencers, high-performance computer systems, and systems for preparing next-generation sequencing libraries. Access to a supercomputer is also available.

Additional infrastructure is available to support research in the area of microbiomics. This includes anaerobic chambers for microbiota cultivation, systems for metabolite analysis, and a state-of-the-art facility for immunophenotyping.

This is a 12-month, 100% time, benefit eligible position. The qualifications, documented experience, and interests of the selected candidate will determine appointment rank. This position is supervised by the VBS Department Head.

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:

The primary responsibilities of this position are to develop and lead an independent, externally funded research program emphasizing veterinary/One Health genomics and microbiomics in relation to health and disease, bioinformatics, epidemiology, host/pathogen interaction, and/or probiotic development and/or effect to meet the needs of a broad range of stakeholders. This position will also contribute to training undergraduate, graduate and/or professional students, along with post-doctoral scientists and laboratory staff. This position may also contribute to diagnostic activities within either the Food Safety Section or Bacteriology Section of the ADRDL, which is dependent on the background and qualifications of the successful candidate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph. D. or DVM plus advanced degree in Biological and/or Veterinary Sciences or related field with a focus on microbiology related to animal health is required by the start date;
• Demonstrated experience in whole genome sequencing, bacterial genomics and/or microbiomics with bioinformatics;
• Refereed publications related to expertise;
• Evidence of collaborative research;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Sponsorship is not available for this position, must be authorized to work in the U.S.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-doctoral experience or equivalent and experience in microbiology, whole genome sequencing, bacterial genomics and/or microbiomics with bioinformatics;
• Experience obtaining extramural funding;
• Documentation of broadly collaborative grants and publications;
• Research laboratory leadership and mentorship of graduate students.

SALARY:

Commensurate with qualifications.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University offers a wide range of 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.

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.

The VBS Department is within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. The department includes the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ADRDL) and the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine (PPVM); a 2+2 DVM program in collaboration with the University of Minnesota. The ADRDL includes various diagnostic sections including Molecular Diagnostics, Food Safety, Virology, Bacteriology, Clinical Pathology, Histopathology and Serology. The ADRDL is a member of the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN), FDA Genome “Trakr” Program, Veterinary Laboratory Investigation Response Network (VetLIRN) and the USDA National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) as well as works collaboratively with other faculty in other disciplines. Research within the department primarly focuses on pathogenesis of infectious diseases of animals, vaccine development, and diagnostic assay development. The VBSD offers excellent new or recently renovated facilities along with a highly collaborative work environment.

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 July 3, 2023.

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, 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. Eric Nelson at (605) 688-5653 or Eric.Nelson@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.