Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology – Nematology or Epidemiology

About the role

The Department of Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science at South Dakota State University (SDState) is a multidisciplinary unit with expertise in plant pathology, plant breeding, soil science, entomology, weed science, horticulture, precision agriculture, and agronomy, supporting research and extension programs relevant to South Dakota agriculture and national priorities. The position is located in Brookings and is a 9‑month, tenure‑track, full‑time, benefits‑eligible appointment. SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university, with over $94 million in annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs, and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university offers a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, with numerous attractions and activities. The department balances theoretical principles with hands‑on experience to prepare graduates for the 21st‑century workplace, resulting in high demand for its graduates.

Responsibilities

• Establish an externally funded, well‑recognized research program in plant pathology.
• Develop niche research areas within integrative expertise in plant disease epidemiology and/or nematology that strengthen existing departmental expertise.
• Conduct fundamental and applied research that may include crop disease modeling and forecasting, disease ecology and epidemiology, and plant‑parasitic nematodes with associated field expertise.
• Maintain an interdisciplinary research program.
• Collaborate with SDSU faculty and develop partnerships with state, federal, tribal, local government, nonprofit, and private‑sector organizations.
• Support SDSU’s commitment to integrating plant pathology, agronomy, soil health, and crop breeding to address agricultural production challenges.
• Develop graduate‑level (700 level) courses in plant disease epidemiology or plant nematology, and in experimental design.
• Participate in co‑teaching other plant pathology courses at the undergraduate level as curriculum needs dictate.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and chair/serve on graduate advisory committees.
• Provide service to the department, college, university, and broader scientific community.
• Access campus‑wide shared facilities and resources, including research farms and infrastructure, high‑performance research cyberinfrastructure, genomic sequencing facilities, and advanced imaging facilities.
• Receive a competitive startup package and laboratory space.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications: Earned Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Epidemiology, Nematology, or a closely related discipline completed by the start date; record of research publications in peer‑reviewed journals; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish research collaborations and work as a contributing team member.

Preferred qualifications: Postdoctoral training and evidence of mentoring experience; experience in developing or participating in competitive federal grant proposals; ability to develop curricula and teach courses in plant pathology, nematology, or epidemiology.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and flexible benefits.
• Retirement plans with 6% matching.
• Compensation packages.
• Paid holidays and vacation leave (10 hours annual leave each month, 9.34 hours sick leave each month, eleven paid holidays).
• Access to internal and state‑sponsored training.
• Reduced tuition for state‑supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.
• Relocation benefits per university guidelines.

Schedule

9‑month, tenure‑track, full‑time, benefits‑eligible position.