Department Head - Biology & Microbiology

South Dakota Board of Regents; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Retirement plans

Relocation benefits

Tuition reduction

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Job summary

South Dakota State University seeks an innovative Department Head of Biology and Microbiology in Brookings, SD. This 12‑month, full‑time, tenure‑track leadership appointment carries the rank of Associate or Full Professor and reports to the Dean of the College of Natural Sciences.

The role leads academic programs, supports student recruitment and success, and directs research enterprise while advancing externally funded initiatives and collaboration with faculty and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Evidence of effective leadership and administrative skills within an academic setting.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of the land‑grant mission.

Responsibilities

• Guide the department in developing and maintaining strong academic programs.
• Support student recruitment and success across undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Provide leadership for the department’s research enterprise and grant development.
• Mentor early‑career faculty and promote collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Communication skills

Interpersonal relations

Strategic planning

Education

Ph.D. in Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology or closely related field

Job description

Posting Number

Posting Number F01913P

Department

Physical Location of Position (City)

Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings

Posting Text

South Dakota State University (SDState) seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as Department Head of the Department of Biology and Microbiology within the College of Natural Sciences. This is a 12-month, full-time, tenure-track, benefits-eligible appointment with the academic rank of either Associate or Full Professor. This leadership position is located in Brookings, SD , serves as the executive officer of the department and reports directly to the Dean of the College of Natural Sciences.

This Department of Biology and Microbiology offers a variety of undergraduate degree programs including Human Biology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology. Together these majors train over 500 undergraduates for admission to professional programs in healthcare domains, graduate school, careers in industry, and a variety of other career paths. The Department is a key driver of South Dakota State University’s R1 Our Way mission to expand federally funded research and has active research and graduate programs focused on mammalian physiology and cell biology, microbial biology, plant physiology and molecular biology, and bioprocessing biotechnology. Department members lead or contribute to large research programs including multiple federally-funded research centers and engage in STEM outreach and workforce 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.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Department of Biology and Microbiology seeks an innovative and collaborative leader with the vision, communication skills, and administrative capacity to guide the department. The successful candidate should be committed to establishing collaborative relationships, fostering an environment in which faculty and stakeholders are engaged partners, and communicating consistently and effectively. The Department Head is responsible for leading the development and maintenance of strong academic programs, supporting student recruitment and success across undergraduate and graduate programs, and ensuring that curricula remain rigorous, current, and responsive to workforce needs. The Department Head also provides leadership for the department’s research enterprise by supporting faculty grant development, managing research infrastructure and operations, mentoring early‑career faculty, promoting collaboration, and cultivating a culture of high‑quality, externally funded research.

BENEFITS

• medical
• dental
• flexible benefits
• retirement plans
• compensation packages
• paid holidays
• vacation leave
• 6% matching retirement plan
• 10 hours of annual leave each month
• 9.34 hours of sick leave each month
• eleven paid holidays
• internal and state-sponsored training
• reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions
• relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Biology, Microbiology Biotechnology or closely related field by application date.
• Meets the standards for tenure and rank within the department. Standards documents are available upon request to the search committee chair.
• Evidence of effective leadership and administrative skills including management of academic and research programs, managing complex budgets, fiscal matters, and/or personnel within an academic setting.
• Effective interpersonal relations, consensus building, professionalism, and motivational skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Understanding of the land‑grant mission.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in academic administration, including the development, evaluation and oversight of undergraduate academic programs, curricula and/or instructional operations.
• Ability to support and advance research program success, strategic planning, and departmental initiatives.
• Familiarity with student success best practices
• Familiarity with recruitment and retention best practices for students, faculty, and staff
• Experience with collaboration across disciplines and/or with multiple stakeholders
• Evidence of cultivating entrepreneurial opportunities

COMPENSATION

Advertised Salary The salary and rank for this position are commensurate with qualifications, minimum of $150,000 for Associate Professor.

LOCATION & HOURS

Duration of the Term 12 months

Appointment Percent 100%

Proposed Rank Professor

Appointment Type Regular

Scope of Search External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

Work Hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION & 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].

Posting Date 07/23/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

First Consideration Date 08/31/2026

Posting Number F01913P

Department

Physical Location of Position (City)

Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings

South Dakota Board of Regents
306 E. Capital Ave, Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-3455