Job Details

Institution: South Dakota Mines
Department: Karen M. Swindler Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Location: Rapid City, South Dakota
Type: Full-Time (12-Month Tenured Appointment)
Posting Number: F01735P
Category: Chemical Engineering; Biological Engineering
Posted: October 8, 2025
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled (First consideration on November 7, 2025)
Appointment Type: Regular, Tenured (Professor or Associate Professor Rank)

Position Overview

The Karen M. Swindler Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) at South Dakota Mines invites applications for a Department Head position at the Associate Professor or Full Professor rank.

The successful candidate will:

• Provide leadership in undergraduate education, faculty development, and strategic research.

• Manage faculty and staff within the department.

• Promote fundraising, industry partnerships, and collaboration with other academic programs.

• Report directly to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Desired Start Date: June 2026

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.

• Proven record of teaching, research funding, and service sufficient for a tenured appointment.

• Strong leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.

About the Department

The CBE Department offers:

• ABET-accredited B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical and Biological Engineering.

• A strong record of research funding (average $3.5M annually over the past five years).

• Research strengths in renewable energy, advanced materials, bioprocessing, energetic materials, and polymer science.

Facilities & Initiatives Include:

• Composites and Polymer Engineering (CAPE) Lab

• CNAM-Bio Center

• Tissue Engineering and Cell Culture Lab (TECCL)

• Soft Matter Characterization Facility (SoMa)

• Strategic partnerships with Poet Bioproducts Institute, Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), and Rapid City’s Innovation District

About South Dakota Mines

Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is a top STEM university with:

• ~2,500 students from 40+ countries

• 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio

• Strong ROI for graduates

• 80+ student organizations and active research culture

Research Areas Include:

• Advanced Materials & Manufacturing

• Deep Underground Science & Engineering

• Critical & Sustainable Resources

• Smart & Resilient Cyber-Infrastructure

• Data Science & Numerical Modeling

Location

Rapid City, South Dakota — population ~158,000 (MSA)

• 226 days of sunshine per year

• Near Black Hills National Forest, Mount Rushmore, and Badlands National Park

• Outdoor recreation and vibrant community

Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

• Retirement plans and generous vacation/sick leave

• Paid holidays

• Relocation and housing assistance (subject to university policy)

Application Process

Apply online via:
Careers at Mines (sdsmt.edu)

Review of applications begins November 7, 2025, and continues until the position is filled.

For questions:
Prof. Lori Groven (Search Committee Chair) — lori.groven@sdsmt.edu
Human Resources: (605) 394-1203

Equal Employment Opportunity

South Dakota Mines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment practices are free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.