Assistant Professor of Political Science

Position description

The School of American & Global Studies (AGS) at South Dakota State University (SDSU) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Political Science. The School of AGS seeks a dynamic scholar whose field areas include public administration or public policy. Located on our main campus in Brookings, South Dakota, this position is nine months, full time, benefits eligible, and tenure track, with the possibility of supplemental summer salary. The position is supervised by the Director of the School of American & Global Studies. We anticipate a start date of August 22, 2025.

The School of American & Global Studies is a vibrant, interdisciplinary unit, offering B.A./B.S. degrees in American Indian & Indigenous Studies, Global Studies, History, Modern Languages (French, German, Lakota, Spanish), and Political Science as well as standalone minors in Legal Studies, Philosophy, and Religion. Over 300 students major in AGS programs, with another 400 from programs across campus who pursue AGS minors. The school’s current composition of 21 tenured and tenure-track faculty and 6 non-tenure track faculty value interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration across its research, teaching, and outreach efforts. In alignment with the university’s land-grant mission, the schoolhouses four public-facing research and outreach centers: The Ethics Lab, The PHI tendersglobal.net Public Humanities Institute, the South Dakota Polling Project, and the recently launched Mike Huether Public Service Academy.

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:

The successful candidate will teach three classes per semester in consultation with the director based on student needs and school/program strategic priorities. This faculty member will mentor students in the Political Science program and the Huether Public Service Academy and contribute to the overall academic environment of the School. The new member of the SDSU faculty will conduct scholarly research consistent with their field. Candidates are expected to be excellent classroom instructors with an active research agenda.

SALARY RANGE:

The salary is commensurate with qualifications. 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:

• Hold a Ph.D. in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science or closely related field by start date.
• Ability to teach public policy (open specialization) and/or public administration courses as well as state and local government.
• Ability or potential to develop and teach undergraduate elective courses in the candidate’s area of specialization.
• Ability or potential to develop and sustain an active research agenda.
• Ability to contribute to program and school initiatives through general service.
• Effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

THE UNIVERSITY:

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 academic programs, an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students, and over $60 million annual research expenditures.

South Dakota State University 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 of thought, and excellence through continuous improvement.

Application instructions

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