Assistant Professor of Psychology

South Dakota Board of Regents; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Tuition benefits

Job summary

South Dakota State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Psychology to begin August 2027. The 9-month, full-time position is located in Brookings and supervised by the School Director.

The School offers majors in Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, and a Ph.D. in Social Science; responsibilities include teaching, mentoring, maintaining a research program, and service to the department and profession.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Ph.D. in Psychology by start date.
• Specialization in applied behavior analysis, biological, or clinical psychology.
• Ability to teach psychology at the college/university level.
• Ability to build an independent research program.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Teach in-person and online undergraduate courses in Psychology; typical load is three courses per term (fall and spring).
• Mentor undergraduate students in research.
• Maintain an active research program with a specialization in applied behavior analysis, biological, or clinical psychology.
• Provide service to the School, College, and University, and to the profession.

Skills

Teaching

Research program development

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Mentoring undergraduates

Online teaching

Grant writing

Curriculum development

Graduate courses

Education

PhD in Psychology

Specialization: ABA/biological/clinical psychology

Job description

Department SDSU-School of Psych, Soc & Rural Studies

Physical Location of Position (City)

Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings

Posting Text

The School of Psychology, Sociology & Rural Studies invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Psychology position with a start date in August 2027. This is a full-time, benefit-eligible, nine-month position. This position is located in Brookings. This faculty member is supervised by the Director of the School.

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 Social Science Ph.D. graduate program.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teach in-person and online undergraduate courses in Psychology (typical courseload per academic year is three courses in the fall term and three courses in the spring term; summer teaching is optional and is based on availability).
• Mentor undergraduate students in research.
• Maintain an active research program with a specialization in applied behavior analysis, biological, or clinical psychology.
• Provide service to the School, College, and University as well as service to the profession.

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, 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of a Ph.D. in Psychology or closely related field by start date.
• A specialization in applied behavior analysis, biological, or clinical psychology.
• Ability or potential to teach psychology at the college/university level.
• Ability or potential to build an independent research program.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience mentoring undergraduate research.
• Online teaching experience.
• Grant-writing experience.
• Experience with curriculum development.
• Experience developing and/or teaching graduate courses.

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

Posting Date 09/18/2026

Closing Date

Closing Date 11/01/2026

Open Until Filled No

First Consideration Date

Advertised Salary

Advertised Salary The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications, minimum of $72,000.

Duration of the Term

Duration of the Term 9 months

Appointment Percent

Appointment Percent 100%

Proposed Rank

Work Hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Regular

Scope of Search

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 [e-mail]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: [phone].