Chemical Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Chemical Engineer jobs in Iowa are open across Charles City, Ames, and Cedar Rapids and other Iowa metros, with employers like Cambrex, Iowa State University, and IFF hiring at every experience level. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Position Title:
Chemical Engineering - Assistant/Associate/Full Professor
Appointment Type:
Faculty
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering in the College of Engineering at Iowa State University (ISU) invites applications for the position of tenure-track assistant professor. Exceptional candidates with commensurate experience and proven track record will be considered for tenure and advanced rank of associate professor and professor.
Successful candidates will be expected to establish, sustain, and grow a world-class research program that complements or aligns with the department's research strengths through both independent and collaborative efforts. Additionally, the candidate is expected to establish a record of scholarship at the highest levels, contribute to the teaching missions in chemical engineering at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and engage in institutional service as well as service to the profession. Candidates should have strong communication skills and exhibit the potential for long term leadership in supporting the mission of the department, college, and university.
The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and for the collective benefit of all. All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within department, college, and university activities, interact collegially, and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and Ph.D. or equivalent degree in chemical engineering or a closely aligned field
Associate professor candidates must also meet the university standards for appointment to the rank, including significant experience/accomplishments in the candidate's area of expertise
* Professor candidates are required to have national distinction, international recognition, and a substantial scholarly record in their area of expertise, in addition to the aforementioned requirements
Preferred Qualifications:
Evidence of collaboration and leadership in research and education
Published research expertise in fields related to chemical engineering
Potential to establish an externally funded research program
Ability to teach graduate and undergraduate courses in chemical engineering
Ability to mentor research trainees
Strong and effective communication skills to a range of audiences
Department/Program & College Description:
About the Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) Department
The CBE Department offers B.S., M.S., M.Eng., and Ph.D. degree programs in chemical engineering. CBE has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 420 students, a graduate enrollment of 100, 20 scientific staff, 12 administrative staff, and 26 faculty. CBE demonstrates a commitment to broadly supporting faculty, staff, and students in order to achieve University objectives in the areas of research, teaching, and service. With annual research expenditures exceeding $14M, the faculty are involved in a broad range of research topics.
The College of Engineering supports the Dual Career Services Program, which serves as a focal point for efforts to find career options for the partners of incoming faculty. Iowa State University and the College of Engineering are invested in increasing the participation of those traditionally under-represented among engineering faculty.
About Iowa State University and the Ames Community
Iowa State University is classified as a Carnegie Foundation Doctoral/Research University-Extensive and is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top public universities in the nation. More than 30,000 students are enrolled and are served by over 62,000 faculty and staff. The College of Engineering consists of eight departments with annual research expenditures exceeding $105 million.
Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA, a progressive community of 66,000, located approximately 30 minutes north of Des Moines, one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the Midwest, and is beaming with community pride and accolades.
Iowa State University and the College of Engineering are responsive to the needs of dual-career couples and are dedicated to work-life balance through an array of flexible work policies.
Proposed Start Date:
August 16, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
09 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Application Instructions:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by Tuesday, November 17th, 2026. All interested, qualified persons must apply for this position online at http://jobs.iastate.edu to Job Requisition Number R19314.
The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format:
1) Letter of application (including information about the desired rank) that briefly discusses how the candidate meets each of the preferred qualifications.
2) Curriculum Vitae
3) Contact information for at least three references, including name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information
4) Other documents:
One-page statement of teaching interests and expertise
Three-page research plan
Direct questions to Search Committee Chair, Dr. Andrew C. Hillier at hillier@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-7642.
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:
June 3, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R19314
Iowa 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 6 Chemical Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chemical Engineer JobsChemical Engineer Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chemical Engineer Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Cambrex3

- Iowa State University2

- IFF1

Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals3
- Education2
- Chemicals & Materials1
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chemical engineer jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in chemical engineering or a closely related discipline
- Proficiency in process simulation software such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS
- Experience with process design, scale-up, and unit operations in an industrial setting
- Familiarity with safety standards including PSM, HAZOP, and EPA risk management protocols
- Professional Engineer license or active pursuit of PE licensure preferred for senior roles
- Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, or statistical process control experience in continuous improvement
Chemical Engineer Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How many chemical engineer jobs are there in Iowa?
There are 6+ chemical engineer openings in Iowa on Migrate Mate as of June 2026, with the most roles in Charles City, Ames, and Cedar Rapids. New positions post regularly as employers across Iowa hire.
How much do chemical engineers make in Iowa?
Chemical engineers in Iowa earn a median of about $117,590 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $78,610 for the lowest 10% to over $134,030 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which Iowa cities have the most chemical engineer jobs?
Charles City, Ames, and Cedar Rapids have the most chemical engineer openings in Iowa right now, with additional roles spread across smaller metros statewide.
Which companies hire chemical engineers in Iowa?
Employers hiring chemical engineers in Iowa include Cambrex, Iowa State University, and IFF, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026.
Are there remote chemical engineer jobs in Iowa?
Yes. About 0% of chemical engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of June 2026. The rest are on-site roles based in Iowa metros.
How do I apply for chemical engineer jobs in Iowa?
You can apply to chemical engineer jobs in Iowa directly on Migrate Mate. Search the listings above, find roles that match your experience and preferred Iowa location, then apply to each one that fits.
See All 6 Chemical Engineer Jobs in Iowa
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