Job Opportunities

DEPARTMENT HEAD – VETERINARY & BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES,
DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL DISEASE RESEARCH AND DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY, PROFESSOR
VETERINARY & BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
The Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Department (VBSD) in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) at South Dakota State University (SDSU) invites applications for the position of Department Head of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and Director of the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ADRDL). The University seeks a dynamic individual to provide strong and effective vision and leadership for the department and laboratory. This is a 12-month, administrative appointment that carries an academic rank of Professor in the VBSD. This position is full-time, benefit-eligible, and supervised by the Dean of CAFES. The desired start date is August 2021.
SDSU is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to and/or coordinate course offerings that address the experiences of underrepresented minorities in organizations. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Department Head of the VBSD is the academic and administrative leader of the faculty and staff, and also serves as the Director of the South Dakota ADRDL. The VBSD and ADRDL complement one another in mission and staffing is integrated and includes 62 total FTE. The ADRDL conducts over 500,000 diagnostic test procedures annually, serves all species, and is fully accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD). The preponderance of the workload comes from the food animal production industry. The position also oversees the new Professional (DVM) Program in Veterinary Medicine (PPVM) in collaboration with the Director of the PPVM. The PPVM is a joint program with the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine whereby 20 veterinary students per class are taught the first two years of the veterinary school curriculum at SDSU. Students then transfer to the University of Minnesota to finish the DVM degree program. The Department Head and Director must provide leadership for strong and relevant programming in research, teaching, Extension, and animal health diagnostic services; maintain AAVLD laboratory accreditation for the ADRDL; communicate effectively; provide leadership to establish goals and objectives for the department and build strong working relationships in the department and across campus and the state; recruit, evaluate, and retain faculty, Extension Field Specialists, staff, and students; develop and manage budgets; coordinate department fundraising and revenue streams; oversee management of departmental facilities; facilitate research and intellectual property development opportunities; represent the department in all official communications with the college and university; and foster and build strong working relationships with other disciplines and stakeholders.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• DVM degree and advanced degree (M.S., M.S. equivalent, or higher) in relevant field of study, both completed by date of application;
• At least five years of experience in veterinary diagnostic laboratory medicine or relevant work;
• At least five years of directing/supervising experience (could include practice management, regulatory policy, finance, or quality management);
• Broad knowledge of laboratory disciplines;
• Eligible for the rank of Professor at SDSU in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences or a closely related field;
• Productive history in research, teaching, diagnostic medicine, or outreach;
• Skilled in oral, written, and interpersonal communication;
• Ability to advocate the unit’s programs to and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders and allied industries;
• Show a commitment to and understanding of animal agriculture, public service, and the university’s mission and goals;
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• DVM degree and an advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in relevant field of study;
• Specialty Board Certification;
• Ability to provide leadership at the interface between diagnostic laboratory services and research;
• Experience in an AAVLD accredited laboratory;
• Experience in a USDA National Animal Health Laboratory Network member laboratory;
• Large animal or combined large and small animal veterinary practice experience;
• Ability to manage personnel and budgets;
• Recognized nationally or internationally in their field;
• Ability to work with the faculty and staff to secure funding to support and expand departmental programs and services;
• Commitment to public service;
• Commitment to the Land Grant University philosophy and system.
SALARY
Commensurate with qualifications.
BENEFITS
SDSU offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. 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.
UNIVERSITY AND THE BROOKINGS COMMUNITY
SDSU is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students.
SDSU offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation, and the world. Its employees embrace the university’s core values
of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity, and excellence through continuous improvement.
The VBSD includes 20 faculty members, 44 staff members, ~10 graduate students, and ~130 undergraduate pre-veterinary medicine students, and will soon include ~40 DVM students (20 per cohort). Graduate degrees are offered under the Biological Sciences umbrella. M.S. and Ph.D. specializations are Veterinary Microbiology and Veterinary Pathology. Details about the department can be found at http://www.sdstate.edu/veterinary-biomedical-sciences. CAFES and the VBSD have well-equipped research laboratories, along with a functional genomics core facility and animal research facilities. In addition, the VBSD administrates the ADRDL, which is a full-service animal diagnostic lab, accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD). The ADRDL is also a member of the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN), FDA GenomeTrakr, FDA National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS), FDA Veterinary Laboratory Investigation Response Network (VET LIRN) and the USDA National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). The ADRDL includes Food Safety, Molecular Diagnostics, DNA Sequencing, Virology, Bacteriology, Clinical Pathology, Histopathology, Parasitology, Pathology/Necropsy, and Serology Laboratory Sections. A recently completed $60 million ADRDL/VBSD construction and renovation project provided 144,000 gross square feet of facility space including BSL-2, BSL-2 enhanced and BSL-3 laboratory areas. Other units within the college include the Swine Education and Research Facility, Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility, Ruminant Nutrition Center, Sheep Research and Teaching Unit, and Equine Teaching Facility, all under the Department of Animal Science, and the Dairy Research and Teaching Facility of the Dairy and Food Science Department.
As the state’s 1862 Morrill Act Land-Grant institution, the work of the university is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at learning sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, and Rapid City, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.
SDSU was recognized as one of 54 institutions in the United States as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities in 2014. The university’s total research expenditures are greater than $60 million. SDSU is the state’s first High Research Activity institution as classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Jackrabbits Athletics competes as an NCAA Division I member with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League, and the Big XII for wrestling.
Brookings is home to approximately 24,000 residents and is located 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. Livability.com rates Brookings as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees. It considers Brookings among the safest and most vibrant cities in South Dakota.
The Brookings Public School District educates approximately 3,300 K-12 students and ranks among the state’s highest academic achieving school districts. The district includes three elementary schools, an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade, one middle school, and a high school.
The city also boasts an abundance of attractions and activities, including the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Dakota Nature Park, South Dakota Art Museum, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Outdoor Adventure Center, and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by June 7, 2021.
APPLICATION PROCESS
SDSU 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.” The direct link to the posting is https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu/postings/23084. This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of the following:
1) A Cover Letter which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement;
2) Curriculum Vitae;
3) Statement of leadership and management philosophy (5MB maximum) including a description of your professional experiences and expertise, service to stakeholders, and collaborative efforts and how those align with this position (attached as ‘portfolio.’ A document with an online link to a PDF or website is an acceptable substitute);
4) A reference page with the contact information for three professional or academic references who can speak thoroughly to the candidate’s qualities relative to the qualifications of this advertisement delivered with appropriate contact information (name, position, phone number, mailing and email address).
Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU 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.
SDSU 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 SDSU’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.
For questions on the position, contact Dr. Vikram Mistry, Search Chair, at vikram.mistry@sdstate.edu or (605) 688-5133.

Posted: May 19, 2021