Assistant Professor Jobs in Iowa
Assistant Professor jobs in Iowa concentrate in higher education across the state's public university system, liberal arts colleges, and community colleges, with strong demand in STEM fields, education, nursing, and business administration. Most of the hiring is in Iowa City, Ames, and Cedar Rapids, where institutions like the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and Kirkwood Community College anchor the academic labor market. Tenure-track and visiting positions open regularly, with the most active searches in engineering, health sciences, and agricultural sciences reflecting Iowa's research and workforce priorities. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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If you are a current University of Northern Iowa employee and would like to apply for this position, login to UNI Works and type “Find Jobs” in the search bar to view and apply for open positions.
Full Consideration Date:
10/16/2026Job Description:
The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Nursing & Public Health seeks applications for a two-year term Clinical Assistant Professor position, starting in August 2027. This position involves teaching within a cutting-edge curriculum, delivering lectures, and serving as the key facilitator for simulation activities. This position is crucial for imparting clinical judgment to aspiring nursing professionals.
Responsibilities include teaching and co-teaching didactic lectures as needed in the areas of nursing foundations, physical assessment, and medical-surgical nursing; designing, implementing, and evaluating the curriculum in accordance with the program evaluation plan; participating in student evaluations and peer evaluation of teaching effectiveness; participating in teaching and learning activities to ensure competency in area(s) of responsibility; participates in simulation exercises using standards of best practice in simulation education delivery; and performs appropriate service to the department and university.
Education Requirements:
Master's degree in nursing required. A bachelor’s degree with a major in nursing will be considered for an exceptional candidate who would agree to complete an MSN within a prescribed time frame (annual progress toward the attainment of a master’s or doctoral degree with a major in nursing as per Iowa Board of Nursing requirements).
Required Qualifications:
Current licensure as a registered nurse in Iowa plus at least two years of experience in clinical nursing required. An individual is currently licensed when licensed in another state and recognized for licensure in Iowa pursuant to the nurse licensure compact contained in Iowa Code chapter 152E will be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
DNP, PhD in Nursing, or EdD; simulation or related experience; experience in medical-surgical nursing; and teaching experience in nursing education or a clinical setting preferred.
Position Details:
Job Category: Faculty
Type of Position: Term
Service Schedule: Academic Year
For more information, please contact Nancy Kertz, Search Committee Chair, at nancy.kertz@uni.edu. Pre-employment background checks required.
Application Instructions:
All application materials received by October 16, 2026, will be given full consideration. To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. The following materials must be attached when applying:
1) Curriculum Vita or Resume
2) Cover letter addressing qualifications
You will be presented with the opportunity to attach multiple documents when completing the application. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL required materials listed above have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email careers-support@uni.edu or call 319-273-2422.
Iowa's cost of living is among the lowest in the nation and the Common Sense Institute ranks Iowa #1 for paycheck stretch. UNI enhances this advantage with an excellent benefits package for eligible non-temporary positions. Visit our Compensation Tools page to explore your estimated total compensation, compare Waterloo-Cedar Falls cost of living to other major cities or review the paycheck stretch ranking details. Learn more about the Cedar Valley at https://livethevalley.com/.
If you would like general assistance with the application process or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resource Services at hrs-employment@uni.edu or call (319) 273-2422.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
UNI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by federal and/or state law.
Campus Security & Crime Statistics, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, information on crime statistics for recent years, Public Safety personnel and programs, building access, reporting crimes, safety suggestions, and policies, programs, and services regarding alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse, is available in the UNI Annual Security and Fire Report. A paper copy is available from the Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.
Welcome Message
The University of Northern Iowa is hiring!
Our continued success depends on hiring the most talented people we can. Please explore our current open positions and apply to those you feel best suit you, track your progress in the selection process, and continue to view new postings that may be of interest to you.
Thank you for your interest in employment at UNI!
About Us
The University of Northern Iowa provides a high-quality and diverse educational experience, purposefully guiding students to find and develop their strengths and prepare them for success after college. The university's attractive size, approximately 9,400 students, allows UNI to offer faculty, facilities and academic choices characteristic of a much larger university while retaining a friendly, small-college atmosphere on a park-like campus. UNI has been consistently recognized as one of the "Best Midwest Universities" by U.S. News & World Report. Located in Cedar Falls/Waterloo, the campus is comprised of more than 40 buildings on 940 acres.
Designated as a Best Place for Working Parents, UNI supports all individuals through family-friendly policies, practices and benefits. The University provides a comprehensive benefits package, enabling us to be highly competitive within the Cedar Valley and across the state.
If you are a current University of Northern Iowa employee and would like to apply for this position, login to UNI Works and type “Find Jobs” in the search bar to view and apply for open positions.
Full Consideration Date:
10/16/2026Job Description:
The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Nursing & Public Health seeks applications for a two-year term Clinical Assistant Professor position, starting in August 2027. This position involves teaching within a cutting-edge curriculum, delivering lectures, and serving as the key facilitator for simulation activities. This position is crucial for imparting clinical judgment to aspiring nursing professionals.
Responsibilities include teaching and co-teaching didactic lectures as needed in the areas of nursing foundations, physical assessment, and medical-surgical nursing; designing, implementing, and evaluating the curriculum in accordance with the program evaluation plan; participating in student evaluations and peer evaluation of teaching effectiveness; participating in teaching and learning activities to ensure competency in area(s) of responsibility; participates in simulation exercises using standards of best practice in simulation education delivery; and performs appropriate service to the department and university.
Education Requirements:
Master's degree in nursing required. A bachelor’s degree with a major in nursing will be considered for an exceptional candidate who would agree to complete an MSN within a prescribed time frame (annual progress toward the attainment of a master’s or doctoral degree with a major in nursing as per Iowa Board of Nursing requirements).
Required Qualifications:
Current licensure as a registered nurse in Iowa plus at least two years of experience in clinical nursing required. An individual is currently licensed when licensed in another state and recognized for licensure in Iowa pursuant to the nurse licensure compact contained in Iowa Code chapter 152E will be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
DNP, PhD in Nursing, or EdD; simulation or related experience; experience in medical-surgical nursing; and teaching experience in nursing education or a clinical setting preferred.
Position Details:
Job Category: Faculty
Type of Position: Term
Service Schedule: Academic Year
For more information, please contact Nancy Kertz, Search Committee Chair, at nancy.kertz@uni.edu. Pre-employment background checks required.
Application Instructions:
All application materials received by October 16, 2026, will be given full consideration. To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. The following materials must be attached when applying:
1) Curriculum Vita or Resume
2) Cover letter addressing qualifications
You will be presented with the opportunity to attach multiple documents when completing the application. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL required materials listed above have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email careers-support@uni.edu or call 319-273-2422.
Iowa's cost of living is among the lowest in the nation and the Common Sense Institute ranks Iowa #1 for paycheck stretch. UNI enhances this advantage with an excellent benefits package for eligible non-temporary positions. Visit our Compensation Tools page to explore your estimated total compensation, compare Waterloo-Cedar Falls cost of living to other major cities or review the paycheck stretch ranking details. Learn more about the Cedar Valley at https://livethevalley.com/.
If you would like general assistance with the application process or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resource Services at hrs-employment@uni.edu or call (319) 273-2422.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
UNI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by federal and/or state law.
Campus Security & Crime Statistics, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, information on crime statistics for recent years, Public Safety personnel and programs, building access, reporting crimes, safety suggestions, and policies, programs, and services regarding alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse, is available in the UNI Annual Security and Fire Report. A paper copy is available from the Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.
Welcome Message
The University of Northern Iowa is hiring!
Our continued success depends on hiring the most talented people we can. Please explore our current open positions and apply to those you feel best suit you, track your progress in the selection process, and continue to view new postings that may be of interest to you.
Thank you for your interest in employment at UNI!
About Us
The University of Northern Iowa provides a high-quality and diverse educational experience, purposefully guiding students to find and develop their strengths and prepare them for success after college. The university's attractive size, approximately 9,400 students, allows UNI to offer faculty, facilities and academic choices characteristic of a much larger university while retaining a friendly, small-college atmosphere on a park-like campus. UNI has been consistently recognized as one of the "Best Midwest Universities" by U.S. News & World Report. Located in Cedar Falls/Waterloo, the campus is comprised of more than 40 buildings on 940 acres.
Designated as a Best Place for Working Parents, UNI supports all individuals through family-friendly policies, practices and benefits. The University provides a comprehensive benefits package, enabling us to be highly competitive within the Cedar Valley and across the state.
See All 25 Assistant Professor Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Assistant Professor JobsAssistant Professor Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Assistant Professor Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Iowa State University12
- The University of Iowa5
- Graceland University2
- Loras College1
- Luther College1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in assistant professor jobs across Iowa.
- Terminal degree (PhD, MFA, or equivalent) required in the relevant discipline
- Demonstrated record of scholarly research, publication, or creative activity in the field
- Evidence of effective undergraduate or graduate-level teaching experience
- Ability to develop and maintain an active research or grant-funded program
- Commitment to departmental service, advising, and collegiate governance responsibilities
- Strong communication skills and ability to mentor students from diverse academic backgrounds
Assistant Professor Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a assistant professor in Iowa?
Becoming an assistant professor in Iowa requires completing a terminal degree in your discipline, typically a PhD or equivalent, from an accredited institution. Iowa does not issue a state license for faculty roles, so hiring is governed by institutional requirements rather than a state board. Candidates build a competitive file through peer-reviewed publications, teaching experience, and recommendation letters, then apply to open searches posted by Iowa's universities, colleges, and community colleges during the annual academic hiring cycle.
Which companies hire assistant professors in Iowa?
Employers hiring assistant professors in Iowa right now include Iowa State University, The University of Iowa, and Graceland University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Iowa's academic hiring market is anchored by large public research universities and a network of private liberal arts colleges and community colleges spread across the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most assistant professor jobs?
The Iowa cities with the most assistant professor openings are Ames, Iowa City, and Lamoni. Iowa City and Ames drive the largest share of postings because the University of Iowa and Iowa State University are major research employers, while Des Moines and Cedar Rapids generate openings through Drake University, Grand View University, Mount Mercy University, and a growing cluster of community colleges serving those metropolitan areas.
Are there remote assistant professor jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're relatively uncommon. About 0% of assistant professor openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the reality that most faculty roles involve in-person instruction, lab supervision, and campus committee work. The positions most likely to carry a remote or hybrid designation are in online program development, instructional design, or fully online degree programs run by Iowa institutions.
How can I get hired as a assistant professor in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a PhD or terminal degree with a strong teaching portfolio assembled through graduate assistantships or adjunct appointments at Iowa institutions. The University of Iowa and Iowa State University both hire graduate teaching assistants who can transition into visiting or lecturer roles after graduation. Lateral moves from postdoctoral research positions, industry roles in agriculture or bioscience, or K-12 and community college teaching can also open doors, particularly when paired with peer-reviewed work or a competitive grant record.
Where can I find and apply to assistant professor jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to assistant professor jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings across institutions and disciplines. Search for roles that match your field and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 25 Assistant Professor Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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