Research Manager – Davis Dairy Plant

The Dairy & Food Science department at SDSU is looking to hire a Research Manager for the Davis Dairy Plant. This position will work with faculty, students (graduate and undergraduate), and industry to coordinate and manage day-to-day research activities and enable the successful completion of research projects in the SDSU Davis Dairy Plant. The research projects may be research projects that a company wants to accomplish, or may be research conducted by SDSU faculty and students. This position is located in Brookings. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. The Dairy Food and Science program has 9 faculty members, approximately 7 staff members, and 25 graduate research assistants. The faculty and staff within the department bring a wealth of experience, recognized expertise, and a strong dedication to teaching, research, and service. The Davis Dairy Plant was expanded and renovated in 2011 in a $9.3 million project.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Successfully coordinate and execute sponsored research within the Davis Dairy Plant in a safe and quality manner, in coordination with Davis Dairy Plant Manager.
• Plan, communicate on, and implement research projects from start to completion. This includes analyzing project feasibility, communication, providing a price quotation to the client, legal documentation (non-disclosure agreement and/or service agreement), etc.
• Ensure that appropriate invoices are sent within one month of completion of the project and payment is collected for any research conducted in the Davis Dairy Plant, in coordination with SDSU Shared Services Center.
• Have properly functioning research equipment that is ready to use on project work.
• Written formal reports of sponsored research projects upon completion. Communicating project summaries with stakeholders. Also ensure that invoices are sent for projects within one month of project completion.
• Submit monthly reports to supervisor and relevant departmental personnel.

SALARY RANGE:

The salary range for the Research Manager – Davis Dairy Plant is $54,446- $68,720 depending on qualifications.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters of Science in Dairy, Food Science, Microbiology, Dairy Manufacturing, or related field.
• 1 to 3 years of related experience.
• A valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, reverse osmosis.
• Experience in research and development and experimental design.
• Experience in hands-on manufacture of dairy or food products.
• Knowledge of food safety protocols and regulations (Good Manufacturing Practices, Food Safety Modernization Act) and occupational health and safety protocols.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position closes 03/12/2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact Londa Nwadike at (605) 688-5731 or Londa.Nwadike@sdstate.edu. 

Tagged as: Employment