Assistant Professor of Geology

The Department of Geology and Geological Engineering invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor whose expertise broadly encompasses tectonics and structural geology.  Applicants with a teaching approach that provides engaging and field-based learning opportunities combined with an interdisciplinary approach to address outstanding research questions are encouraged to apply.  Our proximity to the geology of the nearby Black Hills provides a unique opportunity to provide field-based teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate instruction in structural geology as well as other undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of expertise.  Effective research mentoring of BS, MS, and PhD students also is expected.  Successful applicants should demonstrate the ability to collaborate with related strengths in the department including geophysics, field geology, petrology, and engineering to build a robust externally funded research program.  An earned doctorate in Earth sciences or related discipline is required by the anticipated Fall 2021 starting date.  Postdoctoral research and/or college-level teaching experience is preferred.

Questions about this position may be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Kevin Ward (kevin.ward@sdsmt.edu).

Established in 1885, the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a science and engineering research university located in Rapid City, South Dakota.  South Dakota Mines is a public university offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in engineering and science.

Known for our academic rigor, we maintain an average class size of 24.  Our students benefit from immersive learning experiences including undergraduate research, co-ops/internships, and numerous nationally competitive engineering teams.  Our Research Programs are concentrated in four areas: energy and environment; materials and manufacturing; STEM education; and underground science and engineering.

South Dakota Mines is a growing university that enrolls around 2,550 students from 46 states and 41 countries and is ranked as the best engineering school for return on investment out of 302 similar institutions across the United States.  The SD Mines placement rate for recent graduates is 97 percent.

Rapid City is the state's second largest city (with an urban population of 75,443 and metropolitan population of 148,749) and is nestled at the foot of the beautiful Black Hills.  Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park and Crazy Horse Memorial are all within an hour of the University.  Rapid City enjoys a relatively mild climate and offers year-round recreational opportunities, including, hiking, bicycling, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, and hunting, to name a few.  For more information about South Dakota Mines and Rapid City, visit:   http://sdsmt.edu/The-Rushmore-Region/.

South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including paid medical and life insurance for our employees, as well as medical, dental and vision coverage for spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance.  Individuals interested in this position must apply online at http://www.sdsmt.edu/employment.  Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203.  Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.  Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.