Job Description

Posting Details
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Institution South Dakota Mines
Working Title Vice President for Research
Posting Number NFE02905P
Department SDSMT-Research Affairs
Physical Location of Position (City) Rapid City
Posting Text
Position Overview
South Dakota Mines invites applications for the position of Vice President for Research (VPR). Reporting directly to the President, the VPR serves as a key member of the President's Executive Council and University Cabinet and provides strategic vision and operational leadership for the university's research enterprise.
As the institution's chief research officer, the VPR is responsible for advancing a culture of discovery, innovation, and entrepreneurship while ensuring compliance, integrity, and growth across all research activities. The VPR represents Mines to federal, state, and industry partners; fosters collaborations that expand the university's economic and societal impact; and positions Mines as a national leader in research and technology innovation.
Key priorities include:

• Partnering with industry, government, and federal agencies to strengthen research collaborations and regional economic development;
• Advancing research-based innovation, technology transfer, and venture creation;
• Supporting entrepreneurial pathways for faculty and students; and
• Aligning research strengths with emerging strategic sectors that drive talent, innovation, and national competitiveness.

The VPR oversees the Office of Sponsored Programs, the Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, and the Director of Industry, Government, and Community Engagement. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with research and export control regulations, leading corporate partnerships and licensing activities, managing royalties and intellectual property, and advancing federal and industry-sponsored initiatives that enhance the university's research profile and economic impact.
Qualifications and Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following qualifications, experience, and personal qualities:

• Education:

A terminal degree in a science, engineering, or closely related discipline.

• Leadership:

A record of progressive professional achievement, including success in research leadership and mentoring. Proven ability to identify emerging opportunities, build interdisciplinary and interinstitutional partnerships, and foster collaboration across departments, industry, and government. Demonstrated effectiveness in engaging with state and federal officials to advance institutional and regional priorities.

• Administrative Excellence:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrated success in managing budgets and personnel, and a commitment to service and continuous improvement. A collaborative, forward-thinking, and transparent management style with a focus on empowering teams and delivering results for research sponsors and stakeholders.

• Research Development:

A proven record of success in developing and implementing strategies that expand external research funding from federal, state, corporate, and philanthropic sources. Experience cultivating partnerships beyond academia-such as with industry, national laboratories, military organizations, or non-profit research entities-is highly desirable.

• Research Management:

Demonstrated experience overseeing a substantial research portfolio within a university, national laboratory, or private-sector organization. Familiarity with federal research administration, compliance, and regulatory frameworks is essential.

• Citizenship Requirement:

Must meet eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance and access to classified or controlled information. U.S. Citizenship is required.

• Facilities and Infrastructure:

Experience planning, developing, or modernizing research facilities and laboratories is preferred but not required.
To Apply:
South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage options for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. While applications will be accepted until the position is filled, for best consideration interested parties are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, contact information for three professional references and curriculum vitae online at by December 15, 2025. Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
Posting Date 11/14/2025
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
First Consideration Date 12/15/2025
Advertised Salary Salary will be commensurate with education and experience
Duration of the Term 12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent 100
Work Hours
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type Regular
Faculty Status No
Scope of Search External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires Travel, Overnight stays, Valid Drivers License
If other, please indicate
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 at the intersection of innovation and tradition. Renowned for hands-on learning and pioneering research, Mines educates future leaders in STEM fields who will make a meaningful impact on the world. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success.
Nearly 2,500 students from every state and over 40 countries are represented on the Mines campus. The university is recognized for its rigorous curriculum and boasts a strong return on investment for its graduates. With an average class size of 24 and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Mines is committed to delivering an education that equips students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
At Mines, student life is vibrant and welcoming, offering more than 80 clubs and organizations that foster a sense of community and provide leadership opportunities. Co-curricular activities, such as internships, cooperative education opportunities, and professional development programs, ensure that students gain practical, hands-on experience in their fields while enhancing their academic learning. Students can explore their passions outside the classroom, from competitive athletics, music programs, and intramural sports to professional societies, competitive engineering teams, and cultural clubs.
South Dakota Mines faculty, staff, and students drive groundbreaking research across five main areas: advanced materials and manufacturing, deep underground science and engineering, critical and sustainable resources, smart and resilient cyber-infrastructure, and data science and numerical modeling. This research advances technology and innovation and offers students hands-on opportunities to address real-world challenges, preparing them for leadership roles in their careers and beyond. With a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, South Dakota Mines provides programming that empowers students and faculty to transform scientific and technological innovations into viable products and startups.
Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state's second-largest city, with an MSA population of over 158,000. The city sees an average of 226 days of sunshine annually and is surrounded by many things to see and do. The region has roughly 1.2 million acres of breathtaking scenery in the Black Hills National Forest, 700 miles of motorized trails, nearly 500 miles of hiking trails as well as top attractions like historic Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, Terry Peak Ski Area, and Reptile Gardens.
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.
Contact Information

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