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Assistant Associate Professor Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Associate Professor information

See Ames, IA salary details

$40.6K

$86.4K

$151.1K

How much do assistant associate professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant associate professor in Ames, IA is $86,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant associate professor?

An Assistant Associate Professor is a faculty member at a college or university who typically holds a tenure-track or tenured position, ranking between Assistant Professor and Associate Professor. However, the title 'Assistant Associate Professor' is uncommon and may be used differently depending on the institution. In most cases, an Assistant Professor is an entry-level position, while an Associate Professor is a mid-level position, often earned after several years of teaching, research, and service. The responsibilities generally include teaching, conducting research, publishing scholarly work, and participating in academic service. Advancement from Assistant to Associate Professor usually involves a rigorous evaluation of performance and contributions to the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant associate professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Associate Professor, you need an advanced degree (typically a Ph.D.) in your field, a strong record of research, and teaching experience. Familiarity with learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard), research databases, and academic publishing platforms is essential. Outstanding communication, mentorship, and organizational skills distinguish exceptional candidates in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to delivering quality education, advancing research, and fostering student development within the academic environment.

What are some common challenges assistant associate professors face when balancing teaching, research, and service responsibilities?

Assistant Associate Professors often juggle multiple priorities, including developing engaging courses, advancing their research agendas, and fulfilling departmental or university service duties. Managing these responsibilities can be challenging, especially during early career stages when establishing a research profile is critical for promotion. Effective time management, clear communication with colleagues, and seeking mentorship can help navigate these demands. Many institutions offer professional development resources to support faculty in balancing these core areas successfully.

What is the difference between Assistant Associate Professor vs Lecturer?

AspectAssistant Associate ProfessorLecturer
Required credentialsDoctorate or terminal degree in fieldBachelor's or Master's degree, sometimes doctorate
Work environmentAcademic institutions, research, teachingPrimarily teaching, often non-tenure track
Employer and industry usageUniversities, colleges, research institutionsColleges, universities, vocational schools
Common search intentAcademic career progression, research rolesTeaching-focused positions, adjunct or full-time

The main difference between an Assistant Associate Professor and a Lecturer lies in their roles and career paths. Assistant Associate Professors typically hold a doctorate, engage in research, and aim for tenure, while Lecturers focus primarily on teaching without necessarily pursuing research or tenure. Understanding these distinctions helps candidates identify the right position based on their credentials and career goals.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Associate Professor jobs in Ames, IA?

For Assistant Associate Professor jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Associate Professor jobs in Ames, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Associate Professor jobs in Ames, IA are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Assistant Associate Professor jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Assistant Associate Professor job openings:

Chemical Engineering - Assistant/Associate/Full Professor

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Chemical Engineering - Assistant/Associate/Full ProfessorAppointment Type:FacultyJob 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 62,00 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.

Department Unit/Website:

For more information about our department's engineering program, see www.cbe.iastate.edu.

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 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.eduor 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, 2026Posting 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.


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