Head
Physics Department
South Dakota State University

SDSU invites nominations and applications for the Department Head of Physics, a 12-month tenure track position open as of July 1, 2008 or as negotiated.  The Department Head is responsible for the leadership and management of the department, which plays a key role in the College of Engineering.  The department is currently enjoying strong enrollments, recently renovated facilities, active ties to regional constituents, and strong program support.  Some of the important attributes of the Physics Department are:

• faculty and staff who are deeply committed to the success of students and the department
• one of seven academic departments within the College of Engineering
• strong enrollments
• recent building addition/renovation providing high quality classrooms, offices and laboratories
• opportunities for collaborative research associated with the recently approved Deep Underground Science & Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL) in Lead, SD
• South Dakota is an NSF EPSCoR state which enhances its opportunities to receive NSF grants

 RESPONSIBILITIES:
A.      Leadership and Administrative Duties and Responsibilities: The leadership and administrative duties and responsibilities for the Head of the Physics Department include:

• Coordinating all administrative functions for the Department;
• Providing leadership for the faculty in curriculum development and management, in NCA and possibly future ABET accreditation, and in strategic planning;
• Providing leadership for the development and growth of Physics Department research, scholarship and external funding;
• Hiring, supervising, mentoring and evaluating all Physics Department faculty and Career Service personnel;
• Managing and supervising the effective delivery of all Physics courses and workshops;
• Developing and implementing effective strategies for recruitment and retention of students;
• Developing and fostering industry-department and K-12 relationships through advisory boards, internships, industrial visits, short courses, workshops, consulting work, and other collaborative means;
• Assisting the College of Engineering in fulfilling its Land-Grant institutional mission, and participating in the development and application of the institution’s strategic plan;
• Assisting in fundraising and academic scholarship efforts for the department;
• Implementing and/or developing policies and procedures as required for the College of Engineering and University; and
• Working effectively with faculty, staff and administrators across department, college and institution boundaries.

 B. Teaching and Advising Duties and Responsibilities:  The teaching and advising duties and responsibilities for the Head of the Physics Department include:

• Teaching courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate level in the Physics program;
• Providing academic advising for students of the Physics programs; and
• Providing graduate level advising for Physics graduate students.

 C. Research and Scholarship Duties and Responsibilities:  The research and scholarship duties and responsibilities for the Head of the Physics Department include:

• Developing and coordinating scholarly work related to the Physics programs;
• Promoting and supporting faculty research and scholarship; and
• Identifying and securing internal and external funding for program improvements and faculty development.

 D. Service Duties and Responsibilities:  All faculty and administrators are expected to contribute to the effective operation of the institution through service work in the form of committees and task force groups.  They are also expected to actively participate in professional/technical societies.  The position also has the responsibility to participate in mandatory meetings and workshops.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Earned Ph.D. degree in Physics or closely related field
• Evidence of effective leadership and administrative skills
• Effective interpersonal relations, professionalism, and motivational skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• A record of successful undergraduate and graduate teaching
• A record of success in writing and obtaining funding for research/scholarship related to physics

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A record of high achievement in research and scholarship related to physics.
• Experience in articulating physics programs and physics offerings with Engineering programs.  This includes experience and knowledge of ABET Engineering Criteria, particularly as an ABET program reviewer or Engineering Physics program ABET assessment coordinator.
• A record of high achievement in academic administration.
• Active membership in professional societies pertinent to the Physics discipline; such as AIP and its member organizations (APS, AAPT, AAPM, etc.)
• Experience in articulating physics offerings with education programs that are NCATE accredited. This includes experience and knowledge of NCATE and NSTA Criteria.
• Experience in stimulating growth in research and program offerings in a small department.
• Experience in departments offering advanced degrees in Physics or closely related fields.
• Experience with distance delivery of courses.

 SALARY:  Commensurate with qualifications

 UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY:

SDSU is a Land-Grant university and the state's largest institution of higher education with a total enrollment of approximately 12,000 students.  It is a NCAA Division I university with Carnegie classification of RU/H (Research University-High Activity).  The College of Engineering has a current enrollment of more than 1,500 students and offers 14 undergraduate majors and seven graduate degrees including three Ph.D. programs.  It has been preparing the highest quality engineers for more than 100 years, with ABET accreditation of its engineering programs dating back to 1936.  In recent years it has enjoyed strong growth in enrollments, new academic programs, funded research and engagement with local/regional business and industry.  Each department has a program advisory board comprised of employer constituents from the region.  

 SDSU is located in Brookings, South Dakota, a community of approximately 18,000 near the east central border of South Dakota on Interstate 29.  It is 50 miles north of Sioux Falls, a city of approximately 150,000.  Brookings has an excellent K-12 education system, is accessible to major medical facilities, has an active cultural and social environment, and has numerous lakes and parks within convenient driving distance.  It is also a very safe community and one whose residents enjoy the many cultural, professional, educational and sports activities of SDSU.

 APPLICATION DEADLINE:  April 15, 2008 or until position is filled.

 APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site.  To apply, visit:  http://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this posting.  The system will guide you through the electronic application form.  The employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, resume, and reference page.  Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

 For questions on the position, contact Dr. Kurt Cogswell at (605) 688-6196 or Kurt.Cogswell@sdstate.edu.

South Dakota State University is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its faculty, staff and students.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.  Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made at TTY (605) 688-4394. SDSU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran’s status or any other protected class in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities.  Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact:  Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Administration 324, SDSU, Brookings, SD  57007.  Phone:  (605) 688-4128.

South Dakota State University College of Engineering
Department of Physics
Box 2219
Brookings, SD 57007
voice:   (605) 688-5428
fax:   (605) 688-5878