Posting Details
Posting Details
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Institution
South Dakota State University
Working Title
Department Head for Mathematics and Statistics and Professor
Posting Number
F01929P
Department
SDSU-Mathematics & Statistics
Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings
Posting Text
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics (Math & Stat) at South Dakota State University ( SDSU ) invites applicants for the Department Head and Professor position. We are looking for a dynamic and collaborative leader who is committed to providing a rigorous and practical educational experience with an emphasis on expanding federally funded research and graduate programs to support South Dakota State University’s R1 Our Way mission, as well as establishing and providing scientific support to local industry and government. This position is 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position, located in Brookings SD and reports to the Dean of the Jerome J. Johr College of Engineering ( JJLCOE ). Anticipated start of January 2027.
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers the following undergraduate programs: AS in Data Science, BS in Data Science, and BS in Mathematics. The BS in Mathematics includes the following specialty areas: Actuarial/Financial Concentration, Applied Mathematics Concentration, Data Science Concentration, and Teaching Specialization. Graduate programs include the following: Data Science Certificate, MS in Data Science, MS in Mathematics, MS in Statistics, and PhD in Computational Science and Statistics. Many students in our vibrant graduate program serve in GTA and GRA positions. Currently, the department has approximately 180 undergraduate majors, 60 graduate students, 17 tenure-track faculty, and 9 full-time lecturers. Two of the tenured faculty serve as Assistant Department Head and Graduate Coordinator.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :
The Department Head will work closely with the Dean and the leadership team of the JJLCOE to promote the land-grant mission and an ambitious agenda to address the world’s grand challenges in the areas of mathematics, statistics, and data science. The selected candidate is expected to be the leader in identifying future areas of growth and investment while providing organizational and administrative expertise to the Department and the College. The candidate is expected to steer the growth of the department consistent with SDSU’s refreshed strategic plan titled “Pathway to Premier 2030”. The strategic plan includes a goal to elevate SDSU as a research university and pursue a pathway to achieve designation as an R1 Research University by Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
It is imperative that this position maintains an understanding of current and emerging needs in mathematics, statistics, and data science to guide both research and teaching initiatives. It is the Department Head’s responsibility to lead the faculty in their efforts to provide high-quality service courses at all levels, engage with client departments to determine their course needs, monitor trends in general education and service courses, and implement high-impact teaching and learning strategies. Along with leadership, the Department Head is an advocate for the Department of Mathematics and Statistics both within and outside the University, fostering a commitment to interdisciplinary and interagency collaboration
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, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
- Ph.D. in mathematics, statistics, data science, or closely related field by date of application.
- A distinguished record of teaching, research, scholarship, and service consistent with eligibility for tenure and rank of Professor at SDSU in the Math & Stat Department. Standards documents are available upon request.
- 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.
- Experience securing competitive grants for research from federal, industry, and/or corporate sources.
- An understanding of the land-grant mission.
- Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
- Experience mentoring faculty in developing strategies for pursuing external funding and in creating strong research programs.
- Experience in academic administration, including the development, evaluation and oversight of undergraduate academic programs, curricula and/or instructional operations.
- Experience interacting and cultivating relationships with businesses in the medical, insurance, and financial sectors in the region.
- Familiarity with ABET accreditation process.
- Engagement in professional organizations for mathematics & statistics (e.g., SIAM, AMS, MAA, ASA, etc.)
APPLICATION PROCESS :
SDState 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 1). cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, 2.) curriculum vitae, 3.) teaching statement (3-page limit, attached as “other”), 4.) research statement (3-page limit, attached as “writing or work sample”) and a 5.) reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState 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.
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.
Posting Date
08/10/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
First Consideration Date
09/07/2026
Advertised Salary
The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications, minimum of $175,000.
Duration of the Term
12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent
100
Tenure Status
Tenure Track
Proposed Rank
Professor
Work Hours
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type
Regular
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 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 Information
For questions on the position, contact Sanjeev Kumar at Sanjeev.Kumar@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-fast, 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.
If other protection is used please identify
Physical Requirements
Please designate the physical requirements of this position
Describe any of the conditions selected
Sensory Requirements
Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.
Working Conditions & Exposures
Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.
Please 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, Office Environment
If 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.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Where did you hear about this position?
- SDBOR Employment Site
- South Dakota Department of Labor
- Employee Referral
- Department Announcement / Inside State
- Handshake
- Job Board (Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter) - Please specify
- Industry Conference
- Search Engine - Please specify
- Employment Agency - Please specify
- Newspaper - Please specify
- HigherEdJobs.com
- Chronicle of Higher Education
- Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Please specify
- Radio - Please specify
- APLU
- List Servs - Please specify
- Alumni
- Other - Please specify
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Other
- Work or Writing Sample
- Reference List
Optional Documents
