Assistant Professor of Data Science

South Dakota Board Of Regents

Brookings, SD

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Background Investigation, College Level Faculty, Communication Skills, Data Science, Disability Accommodations, Funding, Human Resources, Information/Data Security (InfoSec), Interpersonal Skills, Legal, LinkedIn, Mathematics, Mentoring, Organizational Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Safety/Work Safety, Statistics, Training/Teaching, Training/Teaching Curriculum, Training/Teaching Materials, University/School Policies
LOCATION
Brookings, SD
POSTED
26 days ago

Posting Details

Posting Details

Logo Institution South Dakota State University Working Title Assistant Professor of Data Science Posting Number F01865P Department SDSU-Mathematics & Statistics Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings Posting Text

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at South Dakota State University (SDState) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Data Science position. We are seeking innovative and dynamic future leaders whose research bridges mathematical or statistical foundations with emerging challenges in data science, data security, and/or agentic AI systems. Successful candidates will build and lead an independent research program, secure extramural funding, and contribute to our graduate programs in Data Science and Computational Mathematics. This position is 9-month, tenure-track, full-time, benefits-eligible and located in Brookings, South Dakota.

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is part of the College of Engineering, which promotes culturally rich, interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and research centers. The department is committed to providing a student-centered learning environment that supports excellence in teaching, research, and scholarly activity. Faculty prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully to their professions and communities while providing mathematical and statistical expertise that enhances quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation, and beyond.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities include research, teaching for both undergraduate and graduate curricula, advising and mentoring in graduate and undergraduate programs, and service and outreach to the campus and the community. Regular teaching load for research active faculty is 50% (at least 6 units per semester). However, new hires will teach three units per semester of undergraduate or graduate courses (a one-one load) for the first two years. Future teaching loads will be commensurate with research productivity. Research duties include developing and maintaining a cutting-edge research program, securing external research funding and graduate student support, and developing external collaboration and outreach. Excellence in teaching and mentoring students is expected.

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, 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 universitys guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ph.D. in Mathematics, Statistics or closely related field with emphasis on Data Science, Data Security, or AI systems by the start date of appointment.
  • Potential to develop a research program on mathematical sciences.
  • Potential to publish research in peer-reviewed journals and secure external funding
  • Ability or potential to teach courses and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Ability or potential to develop curriculum and course content in relevant subject areas.
  • Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

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 cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, Curriculum Vitae, research statement (3-page limit, attached as work or writing sample), teaching statement (3-page limit, attached as other), and a 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 universitys 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 Universitys Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Posting Date 05/22/2026 Closing Date 07/06/2026 Open Until Filled First Consideration Date Advertised Salary The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications, starting at $90,000. Duration of the Term 9 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100% Tenure Status Tenure Track Proposed Rank Assistant 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 states 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 Dr. Matt Biesecker at Matt.Biesecker@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-average, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

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Physical Requirements

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Sensory Requirements

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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?
  • LinkedIn
  • 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
  • Work or Writing Sample
  • Other
  • Reference List

Optional Documents

About the Company

S

South Dakota Board Of Regents