Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering - Assistant or Associate Professor

Iowa State University - College of Design; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Retirement benefits

Generous leave

Onsite childcare

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing program

Job summary

The Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering at Iowa State University invites applications for a tenured/tenure-track faculty position at the rank of assistant professor or associate professor to start in Fall 2027 in automation and robotics with foundational expertise in either advanced manufacturing or human factors and ergonomics.

Successful candidates will build a world-class, externally funded research program, contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in industrial engineering or closely aligned field.
• Associate Professor candidates must meet university standards for appointment at the rank.
• Independent research program in automation/robotics or related area.
• Ability to teach at undergraduate and graduate levels in IMSE.
• Demonstrated collaboration in research and education.

Responsibilities

• Establish a funded research program.
• Contribute to teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Engage in service to department, college, and university.
• Collaborate with other units on research and education.

Skills

Independent research program

Teaching excellence

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in industrial engineering or closely aligned field

Job description

Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering

Appointment Type: Faculty

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, in the College of Engineering at Iowa State University (ISU), invites applications for a tenured/tenure track hire at the rank of assistant professor OR associate professor to start in Fall2027 in the area of automation and robotics with foundational expertise in either advanced manufacturing or human factors and ergonomics. Successful candidates will be expected to establish, sustain and grow a world-class externally funded research program that complements or aligns with the department's areas through independent and collaborative efforts. Successful candidates will also be expected to establish a record of scholarship at the highest levels, contribute to the teaching missions at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and engage in institutional service and 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 Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering 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 withing department, college, and university activities, interact collegially and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in industrial 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of ability to establish an independent research program in either advanced manufacturing or human factors
• Evidence of ability or potential for teaching excellence in either advanced manufacturing or human factors
• Evidence of collaboration in research and education

Department/Program & College Description

The IMSE Department offers B.S, MEng, M.S., and Ph.D. degree programs in Industrial Engineering, as well as M.Eng. programs in Systems Engineering and Engineering Management. IMSE has an undergraduate enrollment of more than 450 students and graduate enrollment of approximately 100 students. IMSE has maintained externally funded research expenditures of around $4 million annually and demonstrates a commitment to diversity among faculty, staff, and students who can enrich University objectives in the areas of research, teaching, and service. In May of 2025 the IMSE department moved into the newly constructed 75,354 square feet Therkildsen Industrial Engineering Building dedicated to the department's teaching, research, and outreach activities.

Research laboratories include four human factors laboratories in a 3000-foot low- and high-bay space, the Slater Laboratory for Advanced Manufacturing, with capabilities that include Directed Energy Deposition (DED), Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), and Ultrasonic Metal 3D Printing, the Sukup Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory for automation, as well as the Laser-based Processing Lab.

State-of-the-art laboratories currently under construction include the Robot Habitat and the Immersive Lab.

Iowa State University and Central Iowa Iowa State University is a Carnegie Foundation R1 institution with a student enrollment exceeding 30,000 located in Ames, a progressive community just 30 miles north of Des Moines. Ames offers extensive parks and trails, strong public schools, a comparatively low cost of living and convenient access to the cultural and recreational opportunities of one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the Midwest.

More information about the university and city can be found here: https://www.provost.iastate.edu/faculty-success/prospective

Department Unit/Website: For more information about our department's program, see https://www.imse.iastate.edu/.

Proposed Start Date

August16,2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year

09

Month Work Period Time Type

Full time

Application Deadline (Full consideration date)

For full guaranteed consideration, please apply on or before October28,2026. This position will be open until filled.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental;

• 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

September28,2026

Job Requisition Number

R19992

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.

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.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website.

If you have questions about the application process please email [e-mail] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485.

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 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].

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.