Research Scientist III

South Dakota Board of Regents
Rapid City, South Dakota
Full Time

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Posting Details

Logo Institution South Dakota Mines Working Title Research Scientist III Posting Number NFE03006P Department SDSMT-Civil & Environmental Engineering 1 Physical Location of Position (City) Rapid City Posting Text

Position Overview:

The Civil & Environmental Engineering Department at South Dakota Mines invites applications for a Research Scientist III to support externally funded, convergence research at the intersection of polymer chemistry, surface science, sensor technologies, environmental engineering, with Omics-driven approaches for materials discovery. This is a regular, benefited, part-time position at 77.5% effort, with continuation subject to sustained success in securing external research funding.

Project Description:

The Research Scientist will play a central role in advancing federally funded research initiatives, including NSF- and NIH-aligned projects, focused on developing next-generation microsensors and polymer-based material platforms. The position emphasizes functional polymers, hybrid materials, and interfacial chemistry for environmental sensing, contaminant detection, environmental and health applications, and decision-support systems. The successful candidate will contribute to a multi-institutional research network integrating polymer chemistry, surface characterization, molecular-level sensing, and AI/ML tools across environmental, biomedical, and sustainability-focused portfolios. Research activities will broadly focus on understanding contaminant-water-polymer interactions and material-microbe interactions at the molecular and interfacial levels, identifying molecular signatures, and translating these insights into robust, affordable devices, including sensors for real-time deployment and scalable materials for environmental and health applications. The position also aligns with initiatives in critical mineral and rare earth element recovery from water systems, as well as NIH-relevant polymer and electrospun scaffold research for antimicrobial and wound-healing applications, reinforcing cross-cutting NSF-type and NIH-type translational research pathways.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities emphasize research development and funding generation, including:

Design, synthesis, and optimization of polymer-based and hybrid sensor materials for environmental and biomedical applications
Application of surface, structural, and electronic characterization techniques to study material interfaces and optimize sensor performance
Laboratory, modeling, and field-scale validation of sensor and material systems
Significant contributions to competitive grant proposal development and externally funded research initiatives
Mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students and participation in traineeship programs
Leadership in research group coordination, preparation of technical reports, and dissemination through high-impact peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
Engagement in community outreach and interactions with industry, government, and Indigenous partners
Facilitation of inter-institutional and international research collaborations

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Chemistry (with emphasis in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, physical chemistry, or surface chemistry) or related field completed by the start date
Strong postdoctoral training in polymer-based materials, surface characterization, or sensor technologies
Demonstrated expertise in polymer interfaces, nanostructured or functional polymer systems, and surface chemistry
Experience in fabrication, characterization, and performance optimization of chemical, environmental, or biosensors
Evidence of interdisciplinary research experience and collaborative work
Excellent written and oral communication skills across academic, industry, and government settings

Required Application Materials:

Applicants should upload:

Curriculum vitae
Cover letter describing interest in the position, alignment of expertise, and career goals
Research statement outlining relevant experience and ideas for competitive grant proposals aligned with the position
PDF files of three representative publications
Three professional reference letters addressing fit with the position

To Apply:

Applications must be made online at . 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. Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at ... or .... The review of applications will begin March 31, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Posting Date 03/17/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 03/31/2026 Advertised Salary $54,348 dependent on education and experience (at 77.5% effort) Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 77.5% 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, No Requirement 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

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Logic, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. Ear Protection (including earplugs), Eye Protection, Latex Gloves, Other, Protective Clothing If other protection is used please identify

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Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this position Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Grasping, Lifting light, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Standing for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating) Describe any of the conditions selected

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Biohazard, Chemical Hazards Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Classroom Environment, Lab Environment, Office Environment, Other Environment (Please explain below) If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

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Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

- How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
Public Job Posting
Internal Job Posting
Agency Referral
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Personal Referral
Website
Other
Applicants should upload: 1. Curriculum vitae 2. Cover letter describing interest in the position, alignment of expertise, and career goals 3. Research statement outlining relevant experience and ideas for competitive grant proposals aligned with the position (upload as other) 4. PDF files of three representative publications (upload as work or writing sample) 5. Three professional reference letters addressing fit with the position (upload as letter of recommendation)

(Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents