Job Description

Posting Text
The McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) in the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering at South Dakota State University invites applications for two 9-month, full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in Computer Science, beginning August 2026. These benefits-eligible roles, based on our vibrant main campus in Brookings, South Dakota, offer the opportunity to join a dynamic department committed to innovation, student success, and impactful research. The positions report to the EECS Department Head.

The McComish 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position will teach and conduct research in one or more preferred areas of computer science, including: cybersecurity, software security, artificial intelligence with an emphasis on explainable and trustworthy AI, robotics, cybersecurity, quantum computing, biomedical imaging, natural language processing, or closely related fields.

The successful candidate will develop and maintain an independent, active research program, secure external funding from diverse sources, and share findings through leading journals and conference presentations. The role includes mentoring undergraduate students in computer science/software engineering and related university research programs, as well as supervising graduate students through their research projects.

Teaching responsibilities span in-person, online, and hybrid formats, covering undergraduate lecture and lab courses, curriculum development, and creating advanced courses in the candidate’s area of expertise.

Service expectations include contributing to professional societies, fostering diversity of thought, and collaborating on research within the EECS department, the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, and across the University.

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 university’s guidelines.

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 preferred areas of computer science (Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence emphasizing explainable and trustworthy AI, Robotics, Quantum computing, and/or Natural Language processing) or closely related area that will complement the current research agenda in the department.
Ability or potential to secure extramural funding.
Ability or potential to publish research.
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 and responsibilities of the position as outlined in the advertisement, Curriculum Vitae, research statement (maximum 2 pages, attached as work or writing sample), teaching statement (maximum 2 pages, 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 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.