Research Specialist

South Dakota State University; Brookings, Rapid City (OR, SD); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Leave

Sick Leave

Job summary

South Dakota State University invites applications for a part-time Research Specialist to support nursing research and community health initiatives. The role focuses on evaluating funded projects, data analysis, and reporting, with duties including proposal assistance and budget development.

The position is 45% time, located in Brookings, SD or Rapid City, SD, and requires a bachelor’s degree in Public Health or related field.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or closely related field by date of application.
• Master’s degree with experience in program evaluation preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead funded evaluation and assessment projects within the Office of Nursing Research.
• Oversee project activities and procedures; conduct data analysis and draft reports.
• Present findings at local and/or regional events; assist with proposals and budgets.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Health

Master’s degree in program evaluation

Tools

Data analysis software

Data management

Job description

South Dakota State University is seeking to hire a part-time Research Specialist who will join our search dynamic team by helping power the discoveries that strengthen nursing, support communities, and inform the next generation of care. This is a part-time position at 45%-time and can be located either in Brookings, SD or Rapid City, SD.

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.

Shape the future of healthcare professionals by joining South Dakota State University’s College of Nursing as a research specialist. We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence in education, clinical practice, and research. Our state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative environment provide the ideal setting for innovative teaching and impactful research. Our research priorities are improvement of health outcomes, promoting health for rural and underserved populations, and transforming nursing and interprofessional health education.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Research Specialist will lead funded evaluation and assessment projects within the Office of Nursing Research including oversight of project activities and procedures; conducting data analysis; authoring project reports and other contract deliverables; presenting of findings at local and/or regional events; assist with development of contract proposals and amendments, budgets, and project procedures.

SALARY RANGE:

The starting rate of pay for this position is $26.18/hour commensurate with qualifications and experience.

BENEFITS:

Annual Leave and Sick Leave are accrued on a prorated basis.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or a closely related field by date of application.
• At least three years of experience in program evaluation relating to public health, chronic disease management principles, and/or other social sciences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree with at least 2 years of experience in program evaluation.
• Proficiency with computer software, data management, and data analysis.
• Experience in independently designing and implementing project procedures.
• Ability to collaborate between departments, agencies, and with other project staff to achieve project completion.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position closes 10/23/2026.

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.

SDState 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.

For questions on the position, please contact the supervisor, Marie Schmit, by calling [phone] or emailing [e-mail].

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 [e-mail]. 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.