"Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Wokini Mentor - F01460P"

InstitutionSouth Dakota State UniversityWorking TitleAssistant Professor of Chemistry and Wokini MentorPosting NumberF01460PDepartmentSDSU-Chemistry & BiochemistryPhysical Location of Position (City)BrookingsPosting TextThe Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry & Physics and the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Wokini Initiative have come together to offer an exciting career opportunity for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Chemistry who can serve as a mentor for Wokini Scholars. We invite applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor. We seek a dynamic and dedicated individual with expertise in chemistry, a commitment to excellence in teaching, and a passion for student success. This position includes a unique opportunity for the incumbent to contribute 20-30% of their time to professional service in student success mentoring of Wokini Scholars. Located on our main campus in Brookings, South Dakota, this is a 9-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position. 

The Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics provides students with a solid foundation in scientific disciplines through challenging coursework, laboratory explorations and research opportunities. Our recent graduates are going on to work at local or national companies and research laboratories, attending medical schools, pursuing graduate degrees and teaching at the high school and university levels. 

The Wokini Initiative is SDSU’s collaborative and holistic framework to support American Indian student success and Indigenous Nation-building. Ongoing collaboration between key campus and tribal stakeholders is central to the Wokini framework. SDSU is located on the ancestral territory of the Oceti Sakowin [oh-CHEH-tee SHAW-koh-we], the Seven Council Fires, which is the proper name for the Lakota (Teton), Dakota (Santee), and Nakota (Yankton) peoples (hence L/D/N). This acknowledgment serves as a reminder that before this site was called SDSU, it was called home to American Indian Nations Indigenous to this location. It is with profound respect that we acknowledge the Indigenous peoples of this land.

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.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching and Curriculum Development:

• Develop and deliver undergraduate and graduate courses in Analytical/Environmental chemistry.
• Contribute to curriculum development, ensuring alignment with industry standards and emerging trends in the field.

Research and Scholarship:

• Create and maintain an independent research program in the area of Analytical Environmental Chemistry with a focus on the evaluation of ice cores for probing paleo climate and expanding into other areas of environmental concern as emerging trends in the field arise. 
• Perform impactful research and scholarship activities, pursue external funding to maintain a strong research program, and publish in refereed journals.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students and collaborate with other faculty locally, nationally, and internationally in research projects.

Student Success Mentoring:

• Work with the Wokini initiative to mentor incoming and current students by encouraging the development of skills and strategies to successfully navigate higher education through academic advice and resource sharing.
• Develop and implement best practice strategies to enhance student retention, persistence, and overall academic success. 
• Collaborate with academic advisors and support services to provide holistic guidance to students. 

Service to the Department and University:

• The faculty member will be expected to actively participate in departmental meetings, committees, and other service activities and contribute to the broader academic community through involvement in university-wide initiatives.

SALARY RANGE:

The salary range for this position is comensurate 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:

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. 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 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 Chemistry or closely related field by start date.
• Ability or potential to teach graduate and undergraduate courses at the collegiate level. 
• Ability or potential to mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the areas of academics and research development.
• Ability or potential to develop an independent research program in the area of Analytical/Environmental Chemistry and publish results in refereed journals.
• Ability or potential to successfully obtain extramural funding through grant writing.
• Ability or potential to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on research, teaching and student initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with the Wokini Initiative.
• Post doctoral research experience.
• Experience developing and delivering course content using emerging technologies and innovative teaching strategies
• Familiarity with strategies for promoting student success and retention.
• Publication and research record commensurate with current career trajectory.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU 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, CV, a Research Statement (3 page limit, attached as work or writing sample), a Teaching Statement (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 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 Date06/14/2024Closing DateOpen Until FilledYesFirst Consideration Date07/15/2024Advertised SalaryCommensurate with qualificationsDuration of the Term9 monthsIf Other, describe durationAppointment Percent100Tenure StatusTenure TrackProposed RankAssistant ProfessorWork HoursStandard with some nights and weekendsTypical Hours Worked Per Week45Appointment TypeRegularScope of SearchExternal (includes Internal)If internal, define scope of searchDepartment Description and Cultural ExpectationsSouth 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 StatementSouth 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 InformationFor questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Dr. Jay Shore at 605-688-6356 or Jay.Shore@sdstate.edu. 

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, 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, Latex Gloves, Protective ClothingIf other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this positionBending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Lifting light, Lifting moderate, Reaching, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Standing for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc)Describe any of the conditions selectedFine Finger Manipulation – basica keyboarding and computer skills.

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.Depth Perception, Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.Chemical HazardsPlease describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.Classroom Environment, Lab Environment, Office EnvironmentIf 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.