Assistant Professor, Biology (Genetics or Genomics)

Institution: Black Hills State University

Posting Number: F01868P

Department: BHSU-School of Natural Sciences

Physical Location of Position (City): Spearfish

Posting Text

Assistant Professor, Biology (Genetics or Genomics)

Black Hills State University (BHSU) invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Biology with expertise in Genetics or Genomics, beginning August 2026. BHSU is a regional university located in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota that emphasizes experiential learning and focuses upon serving undergraduate and Master's students enrolled in a wide variety of programs. The School of Natural Sciences at BHSU houses the Western South Dakota Genetics & Genomics Core Facility (WestCore) and the Center for the Conservation of Biological Resources (CCBR) which are equipped with the NGS instrument Illumina NextSeq 2000, as well as qPCR (QuantStudio 3), dPCR (QuantStudio Absolute Q), 3500 genetic analyzer, and other instruments. This provides faculty and students with opportunities to access a wide range of state-of-the-art genetic, epigenetic, and gene expression technologies and applications for teaching and research.

The successful candidate will join a diverse group of Natural Science faculty and will complement ongoing research in areas such as botany, biochemistry, cell & molecular biology, microbiology, genomics, avian physiology, and environmental biology, ecology, and environmental geology. The successful candidate will also demonstrate enthusiasm for employing effective teaching methods, show potential for developing funded research programs involving graduate and undergraduate students, and possess a strong interest in engaging with the students, faculty, and community members of BHSU and Spearfish, South Dakota.

Duties:

• Develop and teach genetics and genomics as well as other courses related to the applicant's area(s) of expertise at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Establish a research program utilizing the resources of BHSU that inspires and engages undergraduate and graduate students.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate research.
• Participate in student advising.
• Participate in activities that serve the School of Natural Sciences, the University, the scientific community, and the community at large.

The successful applicant will have the following:

• Interest in employing evidence-based teaching strategies in the classroom
• Enthusiasm for working with a diverse group of students, staff, and faculty
• Excellent interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for community service and engagement
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
• Strong collegial and collaborative skills
• A strong interest in mentoring student research
• Potential to publish in peer-reviewed journals

Required qualifications:

• A PhD in genetics, genomics, molecular biology or a related field. ABD candidates will be considered only if the degree will be completed prior to the position start date

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge/experience in population or functional genetics/genomics
• Experience teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels
• Experience with analysis of NGS datasets
• A record of successful publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in grant writing

Comments:
The School of Natural Sciences at Black Hills State University is a vibrant, growing division with approximately 23 faculty members in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. Faculty emphasize undergraduate teaching and mentoring, and conduct research, involving students in multiple biological and environmental disciplines. Projects are funded through a variety of state wildlife, federal agency, and partnership grants. Research resources include the largest Herbarium in the state, and well-equipped laboratories including a scanning electron microscopy lab. The Center for the Conservation of Biological Resources (CCBR) is a shared research laboratory containing research space and commonly used equipment required for genetics and genomics research. WestCore is a Genetics/Genomics sequencing core facility that provides services including NextGen genome, transcriptome, and Sanger sequencing, genotyping, quantitative real-time PCR and digital PCR services; WestCore also houses a cell culture area and an RNA isolation room. the Black Hills State University Underground Campus (BHUC) at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, SD The BHUC houses Sanford Lab's low-background counting facility, a class-1,000 cleanroom, and an adjoining workspace available for use in a variety of disciplines. Managed by BHSU, the underground campus partners with groups around the globe to create unique opportunities for collaborative research in physics, chemistry, biology, and geophysics.

For further information on the campus and program, applicants are invited to visit our website at http://www.bhsu.edu.

• The successful applicant must be authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

To apply:
Applications must be made online at http://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, statement of proposed research, transcripts, and names and contact information for at least three professional references. Letters of reference/recommendation are not accepted. (Please note, you may need to combine documents into one file to upload into the system.) This position is open until filled with a first review date of May 15, 2026 at 11:00PM (mountain time). For application assistance, contact Human Resources at 605.642.6549. Please direct all inquiries regarding the position to Dr. Yun Seok Choi, search committee chair, at YunSeok.Choi@bhsu.edu.

Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Cassie Maser at 605-642-6545 or Cassie.Maser@bhsu.edu. Employment is dependent upon a satisfactory background check.

Open Until Filled: Yes

First Consideration Date: 05/15/2026

Advertised Salary: $68,000

Duration of the Term: 9 months

Tenure Status
Tenure Track

Proposed Rank
Assistant Professor

Appointment Type: Regular

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

Black Hills State University is a masters-level state university with more than 3,600 students. The campus leads the region in sustainability efforts and maintains top academic programs in business (AACSB Accredited), exercise science, natural sciences, social sciences, the arts, mass communication, health sciences and education. The University, founded in 1883, is located in the northern Black Hills, a region abundant with outdoor activity and culture. Spearfish, S.D., is recognized as one of the top 10 most livable small towns in the USA and has also been recognized nationally for outdoor recreational opportunities. A second location, BHSU-RC, is in Rapid City, the state's second-largest city. BHSU, a member of NCAA Division II athletics, offers 14 sports, and has a legacy of champion rodeo teams.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Black Hills State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Black Hills State University and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.