Department Chair of Statistics

Iowa State University - College of Design; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Department of Statistics in Ames seeks nominations and applications for the position of Professor and Chair to lead a nationally recognized program. The Chair reports to the Deans of CALS and LAS and collaborates with college leadership to advance strategic priorities across the department and university.

The appointment is five years, with a 9‑month teaching load and summer salary, starting July 1, 2027; ongoing appointment with opportunities for growth, excellence in

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or academic equivalent in Statistics or a closely aligned field
• Must meet the university, college, and department requirements for appointment as tenured full professor

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for the department to serve the needs of faculty, staff, students, stakeholders and citizens to fulfill the land-grant mission of the department, the college and university
• Serve both the department and the dean’s office, including serving as a collaborative member of the colleges’ leadership teams
• Communicate effectively the mission, vision and strengths of the department and colleges across Iowa State University and to external stakeholders and collaborators in the public and private sectors
• Encourage and foster interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments, centers, and institutes within and external to the university
• Foster a culture of collegiality, trust, empowerment, and shared responsibility that supports the success of all faculty, staff, and students, encourages individual initiative and professional growth, and promotes leadership development
• Promote a culture of professionalism and accountability in achieving the department’s goals
• Facilitate recruitment and retention of the best possible faculty and staff in all department positions
• Stimulate and facilitate excellence and impact in all aspects of research, teaching, outreach, and service
• Facilitate recruitment, retention, and enabling the academic and career success of students
• Ensure sound fiscal and budgetary management of all departmental funds to achieve the mission of the department and comply with college and university-level policies and practices related to fiscal responsibility and management
• Nurture and maintain good alumni relations and build alumni support
• Participate in activities on behalf of the department and the college, which may include after-hours events and travel

Education

Ph.D. or academic equivalent in Statistics or a closely aligned field

Job description

Position Title: Department Chair of Statistics

Appointment Type: Faculty

Job Description: Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University seeks nominations and applications for the position of Professor and Chair. The department is jointly administered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University is a nationally recognized leader in statistical education and research, with a graduate program highly ranked nationally. The department offers strong undergraduate and graduate programs and conducts innovative research in statistical theory, methodology, and applications, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing statistical expertise to advance scientific discovery and address societal challenges. Applications are sought for a visionary leader with demonstrated statistics and/or related experience. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to continued excellence in discipline-leading education of undergraduate and graduate students, and interdisciplinary and international research programs. As leader of a jointly administered department, the Chair reports to the Dean of CALS and the Dean of LAS and serves as a collaborative member of both college leadership teams. The Chair works closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni, industry partners, community stakeholders, and university administrators to advance the department’s strategic priorities and contribute to the missions of Iowa State University and both colleges.

Primary responsibilities of the department chair are to:

• Provide visionary leadership for the department to serve the needs of faculty, staff, students, stakeholders and citizens to fulfill the land-grant mission of the department, the college and university;
• Serve both the department and the dean’s office, including serving as a collaborative member of the colleges’ leadership teams;
• Communicate effectively the mission, vision and strengths of the department and colleges across Iowa State University and to external stakeholders and collaborators in the public and private sectors;
• Encourage and foster interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments, centers, and institutes within and external to the university;
• Foster a culture of collegiality, trust, empowerment, and shared responsibility that supports the success of all faculty, staff, and students, encourages individual initiative and professional growth, and promotes leadership development;
• Promote a culture of professionalism and accountability in achieving the department’s goals;
• Facilitate recruitment and retention of the best possible faculty and staff in all department positions;
• Stimulate and facilitate excellence and impact in all aspects of research, teaching, outreach, and service;
• Facilitate recruitment, retention, and enabling the academic and career success of students;
• Ensure sound fiscal and budgetary management of all departmental funds to achieve the mission of the department and comply with college and university-level policies and practices related to fiscal responsibility and management;
• Nurture and maintain good alumni relations and build alumni support;
• Participate in activities on behalf of the department and the college, which may include after-hours events and travel.

Initial Department Chair appointment is for five years, with formal review during year four. This appointment serves as an at-will position at the pleasure of the Deans. This position will be filled as a 9-month appointment with two months of summer salary while serving as Chair. Proposed start date July 1, 2027.

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:

• Ph.D. or academic equivalent in Statistics or a closely aligned field
• Must meet the university, college, and department requirements for appointment as tenured full professor

Preferred Qualifications:

• A clear vision and commitment for the growth and development of the department, including its contributions to the college and university mission, and appreciation of the broad spectrum of areas of statistical research and practice;
• Record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service consistent with a tenured faculty member, including evidence of generating sustained external funding;
• Evidence of effective and collaborative leadership, such as administrative experience in higher education and demonstrated ability to advance shared goals and priorities;
• Capability for building and maintaining relationships with internal, external and international stakeholders and partners.

Department Unit/Website: https://www.stat.iastate.edu

Proposed Start Date: July 1, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year: 09

Month Work Period Time Type: Full time

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: November 9, 2026

Posting Close Date: Job Requisition Number: R20218

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. [phone], email [e-mail].

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. Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub.

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive lay-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community.

Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, 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. [phone], email [e-mail].

Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [e-mail] or call [phone] or Toll-Free: [phone]. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or [phone].

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.