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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Position Title:
Department of Interior Design - Assistant ProfessorAppointment Type:
FacultyJob Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Interior Design in the College of Design at Iowa State University (ISU) invites applicants for the position of a tenure-track Assistant Professor with an anticipated start date on August 16, 2027. We seek exceptional candidates with commensurate experience and a proven track record with nationally, or the potential for, nationally and internationally recognized scholarship.
The department seeks an enthusiastic and dedicated design educator with innovative, creative, and emerging approaches to design pedagogy and research. Successful candidates will demonstrate an understanding of contemporary topics in interior design and related fields, informed by diverse and forward-thinking perspectives. We seek educators who create and foster design excellence and value interdisciplinary collaboration. This role requires maintaining an active record of creative research and/or scholarship in interior design related areas, with a focus on how these explorations inform and shape the future of design education and the profession.
We especially seek individuals with experience and knowledge in low-impact, environmentally responsible design and interior lighting design, as well as interest in critical and ethical use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Applicants will also be expected to contribute to advancing initiatives that align with the department’s core values and its mission of examining how design can support a holistic approach to individual well-being.
Candidates will have the opportunity to teach design studios, seminars, and lecture courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels and mentor graduate students. Additionally, participation in service activities within the department, college, university, and the broader ISU community is expected. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, a commitment to teaching excellence, and exhibit the potential for long-term scholarship in supporting the mission of the department, college, and university.
The Department of Interior Design is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and the collective benefit of all. All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within department, college, and university activities, and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Terminal Degree in Interior Design/Interior Architecture or Design-Related Discipline (Ph.D., M.F.A., M. Arch., or equivalent)
- At least one degree in Interior Design/Interior Architecture
Preferred Qualifications:
- NCIDQ certified or ability to become qualified within one year of appointment.
- Demonstrated evidence or potential for national and/or international scholarship.
- Evidence of teaching experience or professional practice and management across the program curricula.
- Experience with relevant industry-standard software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, SketchUp, Unreal Engine). LEED, WELL, EDAC, CAPS certification, or other relevant certification(s).
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Interior Design is a vibrant program in the College of Design at Iowa State University, along with Architecture, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Art and Visual Culture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning and Development. The Department of Interior Design is a CIDA accredited program that offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design (BFA). The Department also offers a Master of Arts in Interior Design (MA), a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design (MFA), and an interdisciplinary double degree with the Department of Architecture (MA-MArch). The department also offers experiential learning in immersive study abroad programs, encourages professional internships, and pursues student outreach projects in support of the Land Grant mission. There are many interdisciplinary opportunities, and strategic collaborations with other highly ranked colleges and departments.
More than 200 undergraduate students, 15 graduate students, and 12 faculty members make up the Department of Interior Design, united by a shared commitment to excellence. Over the past decade, ISU interior design students have won multiple national and international awards, and students have participated in several Venice Biennale sessions. The department is recognized for its development of interdisciplinary collaborations.
Department Unit/Website:
For more information about our department’s design program, see https://www.design.iastate.edu/interior-design/
Proposed Start Date:
August 16, 2027Number of Months Employed Per Year:
09 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timeApplication Instructions:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by January 31, 2027 . All interested, qualified persons must apply for this position online at jobs.iastate.edu to Job Requisition Number R20159 .
The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format:
1) Letter of application that briefly discusses how the candidate meets each of the preferred qualifications
2) A curriculum vitae (include a list of courses taught, if available)
3) Contact information for at least three references, including name, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information. References will not be contacted until the campus interview phase.
4) Other documents, as relevant:
- Teaching philosophy (1-2 pages)
- Statement of research/creative scholarship (1-2 pages) Portfolio of creative work and student work (up to 20 samples)
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
- Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date:
October 30, 2026Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R20159Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Position Title:
Department of Interior Design - Assistant ProfessorAppointment Type:
FacultyJob Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Interior Design in the College of Design at Iowa State University (ISU) invites applicants for the position of a tenure-track Assistant Professor with an anticipated start date on August 16, 2027. We seek exceptional candidates with commensurate experience and a proven track record with nationally, or the potential for, nationally and internationally recognized scholarship.
The department seeks an enthusiastic and dedicated design educator with innovative, creative, and emerging approaches to design pedagogy and research. Successful candidates will demonstrate an understanding of contemporary topics in interior design and related fields, informed by diverse and forward-thinking perspectives. We seek educators who create and foster design excellence and value interdisciplinary collaboration. This role requires maintaining an active record of creative research and/or scholarship in interior design related areas, with a focus on how these explorations inform and shape the future of design education and the profession.
We especially seek individuals with experience and knowledge in low-impact, environmentally responsible design and interior lighting design, as well as interest in critical and ethical use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Applicants will also be expected to contribute to advancing initiatives that align with the department’s core values and its mission of examining how design can support a holistic approach to individual well-being.
Candidates will have the opportunity to teach design studios, seminars, and lecture courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels and mentor graduate students. Additionally, participation in service activities within the department, college, university, and the broader ISU community is expected. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, a commitment to teaching excellence, and exhibit the potential for long-term scholarship in supporting the mission of the department, college, and university.
The Department of Interior Design is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and the collective benefit of all. All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within department, college, and university activities, and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Terminal Degree in Interior Design/Interior Architecture or Design-Related Discipline (Ph.D., M.F.A., M. Arch., or equivalent)
- At least one degree in Interior Design/Interior Architecture
Preferred Qualifications:
- NCIDQ certified or ability to become qualified within one year of appointment.
- Demonstrated evidence or potential for national and/or international scholarship.
- Evidence of teaching experience or professional practice and management across the program curricula.
- Experience with relevant industry-standard software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, SketchUp, Unreal Engine). LEED, WELL, EDAC, CAPS certification, or other relevant certification(s).
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Interior Design is a vibrant program in the College of Design at Iowa State University, along with Architecture, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Art and Visual Culture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning and Development. The Department of Interior Design is a CIDA accredited program that offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design (BFA). The Department also offers a Master of Arts in Interior Design (MA), a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design (MFA), and an interdisciplinary double degree with the Department of Architecture (MA-MArch). The department also offers experiential learning in immersive study abroad programs, encourages professional internships, and pursues student outreach projects in support of the Land Grant mission. There are many interdisciplinary opportunities, and strategic collaborations with other highly ranked colleges and departments.
More than 200 undergraduate students, 15 graduate students, and 12 faculty members make up the Department of Interior Design, united by a shared commitment to excellence. Over the past decade, ISU interior design students have won multiple national and international awards, and students have participated in several Venice Biennale sessions. The department is recognized for its development of interdisciplinary collaborations.
Department Unit/Website:
For more information about our department’s design program, see https://www.design.iastate.edu/interior-design/
Proposed Start Date:
August 16, 2027Number of Months Employed Per Year:
09 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timeApplication Instructions:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by January 31, 2027 . All interested, qualified persons must apply for this position online at jobs.iastate.edu to Job Requisition Number R20159 .
The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format:
1) Letter of application that briefly discusses how the candidate meets each of the preferred qualifications
2) A curriculum vitae (include a list of courses taught, if available)
3) Contact information for at least three references, including name, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information. References will not be contacted until the campus interview phase.
4) Other documents, as relevant:
- Teaching philosophy (1-2 pages)
- Statement of research/creative scholarship (1-2 pages) Portfolio of creative work and student work (up to 20 samples)
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
- Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date:
October 30, 2026Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R20159Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
See All 47 Assistant Professor Jobs in Iowa
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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 University15
- University of Northern Iowa10
- The University of Iowa5
- COE COLLEGE4
- Graceland University4
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, University of Northern Iowa, and The University of Iowa, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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, Cedar Falls, and Iowa City. 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.
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.
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