Assistant Professor Jobs in South Dakota
Assistant Professor jobs in South Dakota are steadily active, with demand concentrated in higher education, health sciences, and agriculture-related academic programs at institutions throughout the state. Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Brookings are the primary hiring hubs, anchored by employers like the University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, and South Dakota Board of Regents institutions. The most consistently sought specialties are nursing education, STEM disciplines, and agricultural sciences. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Assistant Professor JobsOverview
Open roles8
Top employerSouth Dakota Board of Regents
Top citySpearfish, SD
Cities hiring4
Top credentialHigh school experience
Showing 5 of 8+ Assistant Professor jobs
Assistant Research Professor
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Added 1w ago
South Dakota Board of Regents
Assistant Research Professor
Rapid City, South Dakota
Added 1w ago
Assistant or Associate Clinical Professor in Small Animal Veterinary Medicine
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Added 1mo ago
South Dakota Board of Regents
Assistant or Associate Clinical Professor in Small Animal Veterinary Medicine
Brookings, South Dakota
Added 1mo ago
Assistant Professor, Biology (Organismal Zoology)
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Added 1mo ago
South Dakota Board of Regents
Assistant Professor, Biology (Organismal Zoology)
Spearfish, South Dakota
Added 1mo ago
Research Assistant Professor - Chemistry
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Added 1mo ago
South Dakota Board of Regents
Research Assistant Professor - Chemistry
Vermillion, South Dakota
Added 1mo ago
Assistant Professor of Practice, Entrepreneurship
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Added 2mo ago
South Dakota Board of Regents
Assistant Professor of Practice, Entrepreneurship
Spearfish, South Dakota
Added 2mo ago
Added 1w ago
Assistant Research Professor
South Dakota Board of Regents·Rapid City, South Dakota
Job functions:
Doctoral degree in engineering
1,001-5,000 employees
Job Description
Working Title
Assistant Research Professor
Posting Number
F01899P
Department
SDSMT Provost/Academic Affairs
Physical Location of Position (City)
Rapid City
Posting Text
The Center for Education Innovation department at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology invites applications for a non-tenure track Assistant Research Professor within the Innovation-Based Learning (IBL) Hub. This position is a 9-month, benefited position in the Center for Education Innovation at the rank of Assistant Research Professor, with the anticipated start date of August 2026.
This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about preparing students to solve real-world problems through hands-on, project-centered, industry-engaged learning. Faculty in the IBL Hub work at the intersection of engineering education, innovation, entrepreneurship, industry collaboration, and workforce development.
The successful candidate will mentor multidisciplinary student teams, engage with industry and community partners, support innovation and commercialization activities, and help build a vibrant innovation ecosystem that connects education, research, and economic development.
Key Responsibilities
- Mentor student teams working on industry-sponsored, entrepreneurial, and innovation-driven projects.
- Facilitate Innovation-Based Learning experiences across undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Collaborate with industry, government, nonprofit, and community partners.
- Support project development, problem framing, prototyping, testing, and translation of ideas into practical solutions.
- Contribute to the growth of the Innovation-Based Learning Hub and related strategic initiatives.
- Participate in ecosystem-building activities that connect students, faculty, industry, startups, and investors.
- Foster student leadership, professional development, and innovation capability.
- Contribute to curriculum development and continuous improvement of experiential learning programs.
Required Qualifications
- PhD degree in engineering or a closely related technical field.
- Demonstrated experience with Innovation-Based Learning.
- Strong commitment to student mentorship and professional development.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Industry experience in engineering, technology, product development, innovation, entrepreneurship, or related fields.
- Experience in project-based learning, experiential learning, design-based learning, entrepreneurial education, or closely related educational models.
- Project management experience, including planning, coordination, budgeting, scheduling, or team leadership.
- Leadership experience in academic, industry, military, nonprofit, startup, or community settings.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience engaging external partners, sponsors, clients, or stakeholders.
- Experience supporting innovation, technology translation, commercialization, entrepreneurship, intellectual property, or startup activities.
- Experience securing external funding, sponsorships, grants, or strategic partnerships.
Desired Attributes
Successful candidates will demonstrate initiative, adaptability, creativity, and a passion for helping students learn through authentic engineering and innovation experiences. Individuals who thrive in collaborative, fast-moving, interdisciplinary environments are particularly encouraged to apply.
This is a renewable professional faculty appointment within the South Dakota Mines Innovation-Based Learning Hub. The position offers the opportunity to help shape an innovative educational model that integrates engineering education, industry engagement, entrepreneurship, and regional economic development.
This is a renewable professional faculty appointment within the South Dakota Mines Innovation-Based Learning Hub. The position offers the opportunity to help shape an innovative educational model that integrates engineering education, industry engagement, entrepreneurship, and regional economic development.
South Dakota Mines is committed to developing the next generation of engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders through transformative educational experiences that create value for students, industry, and society.
Candidates from academia, industry, startups, government laboratories, military technical organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures are encouraged to apply.
To Apply
Applications must be made online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203 or hr@sdsmt.edu. Review of applications will begin June 29, 2026. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
Posting Date
06/23/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
First Consideration Date
06/29/2026
Advertised Salary
Duration of the Term
9 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent
100
Tenure Status
Term
Proposed Rank
Assistant Professor
Work Hours
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type
Regular
Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success. South Dakota Mines is recognized frequently for its rigorous curriculum, groundbreaking research, and return on investment.
Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state’s second-largest city with an MSA population of nearly 160,000. The city is nestled next to the beautiful Black Hills, a region boasting breathtaking scenery, hundreds of miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and attractions ranging from complex cave systems to historic towns and massive monuments.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota Mines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. South Dakota Mines and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.
South Dakota Board of Regents
Assistant Research Professor
Rapid City, South Dakota
Added 1w ago1,001-5,000 employees
Job functions:
Doctoral degree in engineering
Job Description
Working Title
Assistant Research Professor
Posting Number
F01899P
Department
SDSMT Provost/Academic Affairs
Physical Location of Position (City)
Rapid City
Posting Text
The Center for Education Innovation department at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology invites applications for a non-tenure track Assistant Research Professor within the Innovation-Based Learning (IBL) Hub. This position is a 9-month, benefited position in the Center for Education Innovation at the rank of Assistant Research Professor, with the anticipated start date of August 2026.
This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about preparing students to solve real-world problems through hands-on, project-centered, industry-engaged learning. Faculty in the IBL Hub work at the intersection of engineering education, innovation, entrepreneurship, industry collaboration, and workforce development.
The successful candidate will mentor multidisciplinary student teams, engage with industry and community partners, support innovation and commercialization activities, and help build a vibrant innovation ecosystem that connects education, research, and economic development.
Key Responsibilities
- Mentor student teams working on industry-sponsored, entrepreneurial, and innovation-driven projects.
- Facilitate Innovation-Based Learning experiences across undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Collaborate with industry, government, nonprofit, and community partners.
- Support project development, problem framing, prototyping, testing, and translation of ideas into practical solutions.
- Contribute to the growth of the Innovation-Based Learning Hub and related strategic initiatives.
- Participate in ecosystem-building activities that connect students, faculty, industry, startups, and investors.
- Foster student leadership, professional development, and innovation capability.
- Contribute to curriculum development and continuous improvement of experiential learning programs.
Required Qualifications
- PhD degree in engineering or a closely related technical field.
- Demonstrated experience with Innovation-Based Learning.
- Strong commitment to student mentorship and professional development.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Industry experience in engineering, technology, product development, innovation, entrepreneurship, or related fields.
- Experience in project-based learning, experiential learning, design-based learning, entrepreneurial education, or closely related educational models.
- Project management experience, including planning, coordination, budgeting, scheduling, or team leadership.
- Leadership experience in academic, industry, military, nonprofit, startup, or community settings.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience engaging external partners, sponsors, clients, or stakeholders.
- Experience supporting innovation, technology translation, commercialization, entrepreneurship, intellectual property, or startup activities.
- Experience securing external funding, sponsorships, grants, or strategic partnerships.
Desired Attributes
Successful candidates will demonstrate initiative, adaptability, creativity, and a passion for helping students learn through authentic engineering and innovation experiences. Individuals who thrive in collaborative, fast-moving, interdisciplinary environments are particularly encouraged to apply.
This is a renewable professional faculty appointment within the South Dakota Mines Innovation-Based Learning Hub. The position offers the opportunity to help shape an innovative educational model that integrates engineering education, industry engagement, entrepreneurship, and regional economic development.
This is a renewable professional faculty appointment within the South Dakota Mines Innovation-Based Learning Hub. The position offers the opportunity to help shape an innovative educational model that integrates engineering education, industry engagement, entrepreneurship, and regional economic development.
South Dakota Mines is committed to developing the next generation of engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders through transformative educational experiences that create value for students, industry, and society.
Candidates from academia, industry, startups, government laboratories, military technical organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures are encouraged to apply.
To Apply
Applications must be made online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203 or hr@sdsmt.edu. Review of applications will begin June 29, 2026. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
Posting Date
06/23/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
First Consideration Date
06/29/2026
Advertised Salary
Duration of the Term
9 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent
100
Tenure Status
Term
Proposed Rank
Assistant Professor
Work Hours
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type
Regular
Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success. South Dakota Mines is recognized frequently for its rigorous curriculum, groundbreaking research, and return on investment.
Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state’s second-largest city with an MSA population of nearly 160,000. The city is nestled next to the beautiful Black Hills, a region boasting breathtaking scenery, hundreds of miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and attractions ranging from complex cave systems to historic towns and massive monuments.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota Mines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. South Dakota Mines and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.
See All 8 Assistant Professor Jobs in South Dakota
Find roles in South Dakota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Assistant Professor JobsAssistant Professor Jobs by City in South Dakota
Where South Dakota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Spearfish
5 jobsBrookings
1 jobRapid City
1 jobVermillion
1 jobAssistant Professor Job Market in South Dakota
A snapshot from current South Dakota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What South Dakota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in assistant professor jobs across South Dakota.
- Terminal degree such as a PhD or MFA in the relevant academic discipline required
- Active record of peer-reviewed research, creative work, or scholarly publication
- Demonstrated teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level
- Ability to develop and deliver curriculum aligned with department standards
- Experience with grant writing or securing external research funding preferred
- Commitment to academic service including advising, committees, and community engagement
Assistant Professor Jobs in South Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an assistant professor in South Dakota?
Most assistant professor positions in South Dakota require a terminal degree in your field, typically a PhD, MFA, or equivalent professional doctorate, depending on the discipline. Public universities in South Dakota fall under the South Dakota Board of Regents, which sets faculty hiring standards across its institutions. Candidates should demonstrate teaching experience and a record of scholarly or creative work. For health sciences roles, a relevant clinical license recognized in South Dakota may also be required alongside academic credentials.
Which companies hire assistant professors in South Dakota?
Employers hiring assistant professors in South Dakota right now include South Dakota Board of Regents, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. South Dakota's public university system, overseen by the South Dakota Board of Regents, accounts for a large share of the state's faculty openings across disciplines.
Which South Dakota cities have the most assistant professor jobs?
Spearfish, Brookings, and Rapid City have the most assistant professor openings in South Dakota. Brookings leads because it is home to South Dakota State University, the state's largest public research university, while Sioux Falls draws demand through its growing health sciences programs and the University of South Dakota's medical and professional schools, and Rapid City supports faculty roles tied to the Black Hills region's expanding higher education and healthcare sectors.
How can I get hired as an assistant professor in South Dakota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a terminal degree with a strong teaching component, such as serving as a graduate teaching assistant, then applying for visiting or lecturer positions at South Dakota Board of Regents institutions before moving into tenure-track roles. South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota occasionally post postdoctoral fellowships and visiting faculty openings that provide the classroom record hiring committees expect. Candidates from adjacent roles like clinical coordinators, industry researchers, or extension specialists also transition into assistant professor positions, particularly in agriculture, nursing, and applied sciences.
Where can I find and apply to assistant professor jobs in South Dakota?
You can find and apply to assistant professor jobs in South Dakota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your field and experience, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 8 Assistant Professor Jobs in South Dakota
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