Job Description

Posting Text
The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at South Dakota State University (SDSU), within the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, is seeking candidates for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in Computer Science, with a start date in August 2025. Located on our main campus in Brookings, South Dakota, this benefits-eligible position reports to the EECS Department Head.

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) is home to a thriving research culture, with several faculty members securing NSF funding and publishing in leading venues across fields such as big data, computer networks, natural language processing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. This dedication to research excellence is further highlighted by the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, which has earned two prestigious NSF CAREER awards in the past two years, underscoring its growing prominence. The EECS department integrates all aspects of electricity, electronics, hardware, and software into a dynamic, multi-disciplinary unit, offering degree programs in electrical engineering and computer science, along with minors in computer science, biomedical engineering, and software engineering. With established research programs in materials science, nanotechnology, sensors, photovoltaics, and satellite image processing, our alumni are excelling globally. Seventeen dedicated faculty members combine their passion for research and teaching, incorporating cutting-edge advancements into the classroom to enrich both undergraduate and graduate education.

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 mission of access.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position is expected to teach and perform research in one of the following preferred areas in computer science (CS); Cybersecurity, Software security, Artificial Intelligence emphasizing explainable and trustworthy AI, Deep Reinforcement learning, and Natural Language processing, or closely related areas. The incumbent will establish and sustain an independent and vibrant research agenda that includes securing independent funding from various sources and disseminating research results in leading scientific journals and conference proceedings. Through this process, the employee will mentor undergraduate students on existing CS/SE and university research programs as well as mentor and supervisor graduate students through their graduate research program. Teaching responsibilities will include in person, online and hybrid instruction of standard undergraduate lecture and lab courses in CS, overall curriculum development and establishing upper-level courses in the incumbent’s area(s) of expertise. Contributing to professional societies through research, teaching and service for the diversity of thought and success of the next generation of computer scientists is expected as well as research collaboration within EECS, the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, and University.

SALARY RANGE:
The salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience, minimum salary is $93,000 for Assistant Professor. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

BENEFITS:
We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Earned Ph.D. in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related field by start date.
Ability or potential to create an independent and collaborative research program in the areas of computer science (CS); Cybersecurity, Software security, Artificial Intelligence emphasizing explainable and trustworthy AI, Deep Reinforcement learning, and Natural Language processing, or closely related area that will compliment the current research agenda in the department.
Ability or potential to secure extramural funding from various sources.
Ability or potential to publish research in premium journals and/or flagship conferences.
Ability or potential to develop curriculum and teach courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills

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.” 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, a teaching statement (3-page limit, attached as other), research statement (3-page limit, attached as work sample) and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. 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.

South Dakota State University 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.