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Department Head of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and Professor
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What they do
A Computer Science Professor teaches foundational computer science ideas, truths, and methods to students through a combination of classroom instruction, lab experience, and assignments at colleges, trade schools or other institutes. May assist or lead in the creation of the computer science curriculum to be taught. In addition to instruction, they may assist or lead in research initiatives relating to their field.
$86,020 / year median in South Dakota
+2% projected growth
Job Description
- CAREER or equivalent awards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
: The Department Head will work closely with the Dean and the leadership team of the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering ( JJLCOE ) to promote the land-grant mission and an ambitious agenda to address the world's grand challenges in the areas of computer science, computer engineering, artificial intelligence, and electrical engineering. The selected candidate is expected to lead the EECS Department in identifying future areas of growth and investment while providing organizational and administrative expertise to the Department and the JJLCOE . The candidate is expected to steer the growth of the department consistent with SDSU's refreshed strategic plan titled "Pathway to Premier 2030". The strategic plan includes a goal to elevate SDSU as a research university and pursue a pathway to achieve designation as an R1 Research University by Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. It is imperative that this position maintains an understanding of current and emerging issues in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Electrical Engineering as defined by rapidly changing workforce needs as well as applied and fundamental research needs in varied yet integrated areas related to cloud computing, machine learning, materials and sensor development, IOT, embedded software, high-performance computing, and the power industry. This knowledge will guide both research and teaching initiatives within the department. It is the Department Head's responsibility to lead the faculty in their efforts to provide high-quality service courses at all levels, engage with client departments to determine their course needs, monitor trends in general education and service courses, and implement high-impact teaching and learning strategies. Along with leadership, the Department Head is an advocate for the McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science both within and outside the University, fostering a commitment to interdisciplinary and interagency collaboration.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, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 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.QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a closely related field by date of application. A distinguished record of teaching, research, scholarship, and service consistent with being eligible for tenure and rank of Professor at SDSU in EECS . Standards documents are available upon request. Evidence of effective leadership and administrative skills including management of academic and research programs, managing complex budgets, fiscal matters, and/or personnel within an academic setting. Experience securing nationally competitive grants for research from federal, industry, and/or corporate sources. An understanding of the land-grant mission. Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Familiarity with ABET accreditation processes and procedures, or experience as an ABET Program Evaluator/Team Chair.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
: Experience mentoring faculty in developing strategies for pursuing external funding and in creating strong research programs. Experience in academic administration, including the development, evaluation and oversight of undergraduate academic programs, curricula and/or instructional operations. Active engagement in technical societies such as the IEEE and ACM . Experience with collaboration across disciplines and/or with multiple stakeholders Experience with recruitment, retention, and success of faculty, staff and students from a variety of backgrounds. Experience with successfully leading a department through an ABET accreditation visit.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 1.) cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, 2.) curriculum vitae, 3.) teaching statement (3-page limit, attached as "other"), 4.) research statement (3-page limit, attached as "writing or work sample") and a 5.) 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. Posting Date 08/10/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 09/07/2026 Advertised Salary The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications, minimum of $190,000. Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Tenure Status Tenure Track Proposed Rank Professor Work Hours Typically 8-5, M-F, Variable evening and weekend hours Typical Hours Worked Per Week 45-50 Appointment Type Regular Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search Department Description and Cultural Expectations SDState is the state's 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 search committee chair, Yucheng Liu at Yucheng.Liu@sdstate.edu . Working Conditions Cognitive Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication Protective Clothing/Equipment Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. If other protection is used please identify Physical Requirements Please designate the physical requirements of this position Describe any of the conditions selected Sensory Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses) 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. Office Environment, Classroom 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)
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- Please specify Documents Needed to Apply Required Documents Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae Other Work or Writing Sample Reference List Optional Documents