Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering - Assistant or Associate Professor

Position Title
Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering - Assistant or Associate Professor
Appointment Type
Faculty
Job Description
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 Fall 2027 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
August 16, 2027
Number Of Months Employed Per Year
09 Month Work Period
Time Type
Full time
Application Instructions
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Letter of application the briefly discusses each of the preferred qualifications
Curriculum Vitae
Contact information for at least three references, including name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information
Teaching Statement (2-page limit)
Research Statement (3-page limit)
Direct questions to Dr. Siggi Olafsson at imsesearch@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-8908.
Application Deadline (Full consideration date): For full guaranteed consideration, please apply on or before October 28, 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; 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
September 28, 2026
Posting Close Date
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. 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.

Work arrangement
No