Assistant Research Professor

Assistant Research Professor

The Center for Education Innovation department at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology invites applications for a non-tenure track Assistant Research Professor within the Innovation-Based Learning (IBL) Hub. This position is a 9-month, benefited position in the Center for Education Innovation at the rank of Assistant Research Professor, with the anticipated start date of August 2026. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about preparing students to solve real-world problems through hands-on, project-centered, industry-engaged learning. Faculty in the IBL Hub work at the intersection of engineering education, innovation, entrepreneurship, industry collaboration, and workforce development. The successful candidate will mentor multidisciplinary student teams, engage with industry and community partners, support innovation and commercialization activities, and help build a vibrant innovation ecosystem that connects education, research, and economic development.

Key Responsibilities

• Mentor student teams working on industry-sponsored, entrepreneurial, and innovation-driven projects.
• Facilitate Innovation-Based Learning experiences across undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Collaborate with industry, government, nonprofit, and community partners.
• Support project development, problem framing, prototyping, testing, and translation of ideas into practical solutions.
• Contribute to the growth of the Innovation-Based Learning Hub and related strategic initiatives.
• Participate in ecosystem-building activities that connect students, faculty, industry, startups, and investors.
• Foster student leadership, professional development, and innovation capability.
• Contribute to curriculum development and continuous improvement of experiential learning programs.

Required Qualifications

• PhD degree in engineering or a closely related technical field.
• Demonstrated experience with Innovation-Based Learning.
• Strong commitment to student mentorship and professional development.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry experience in engineering, technology, product development, innovation, entrepreneurship, or related fields.
• Experience in project-based learning, experiential learning, design-based learning, entrepreneurial education, or closely related educational models.
• Project management experience, including planning, coordination, budgeting, scheduling, or team leadership.
• Leadership experience in academic, industry, military, nonprofit, startup, or community settings.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience engaging external partners, sponsors, clients, or stakeholders.
• Experience supporting innovation, technology translation, commercialization, entrepreneurship, intellectual property, or startup activities.
• Experience securing external funding, sponsorships, grants, or strategic partnerships.

Desired Attributes

Successful candidates will demonstrate initiative, adaptability, creativity, and a passion for helping students learn through authentic engineering and innovation experiences. Individuals who thrive in collaborative, fast-moving, interdisciplinary environments are particularly encouraged to apply.

This is a renewable professional faculty appointment within the South Dakota Mines Innovation-Based Learning Hub. The position offers the opportunity to help shape an innovative educational model that integrates engineering education, industry engagement, entrepreneurship, and regional economic development.

South Dakota Mines is committed to developing the next generation of engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders through transformative educational experiences that create value for students, industry, and society. Candidates from academia, industry, startups, government laboratories, military technical organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures are encouraged 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 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Review of applications will begin June 29, 2026. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.