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Assistant Professor Materials Science Jobs in Iowa

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Assistant Professor Materials Science information

See Iowa salary details

$20K

$65.5K

$120.1K

How much do assistant professor materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor materials science in Iowa is $65,478.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,766.00 and $87,352.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant professor materials science do?

An Assistant Professor of Materials Science is an early-career academic who teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, conducts research in materials science, and publishes scholarly articles. They typically supervise student research, apply for research grants, and contribute to their department’s service activities. These professors often specialize in areas such as nanomaterials, polymers, ceramics, or metallurgy, helping advance scientific understanding and technological innovation. They also mentor students and collaborate with industry or government on research projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant professor materials science?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor in Materials Science, you need a Ph.D. in materials science or a related field, a strong record of research, and experience in teaching or mentoring students. Familiarity with advanced characterization techniques, computational modeling software, and laboratory management systems is typical, along with publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills help foster productive relationships with students, colleagues, and industry partners. These competencies are vital for advancing research, securing funding, providing high-quality education, and contributing to departmental and institutional goals.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant professors materials science during their early years, and how can they effectively manage them?

Assistant Professors in Materials Science often encounter challenges such as balancing teaching responsibilities with establishing a research program and securing external funding. Managing time between classroom instruction, mentoring students, and publishing research can be demanding, especially in the initial years. Building collaborations within and outside the department, seeking mentorship from senior faculty, and applying for early-career grants are effective strategies to overcome these hurdles. Proactive communication and organization can also help in managing administrative and service commitments, allowing for a successful start in academia.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Materials Science vs Research Scientist Materials Science?

AspectAssistant Professor Materials ScienceResearch Scientist Materials Science
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Materials Science or related field; postdoctoral experience often preferredDoctorate in Materials Science or related field; relevant research experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic setting, teaching, research, grant writingResearch laboratory, industry or academic research teams
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic research institutionsResearch labs, industry R&D departments, government agencies

Assistant Professor Materials Science primarily focuses on teaching, publishing, and securing research funding in academia. Research Scientist Materials Science emphasizes conducting research projects, developing new materials, and publishing findings, often within industry or research institutions. While both roles require a PhD and research experience, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Professor Materials Science jobs in Iowa?

For Assistant Professor Materials Science jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Materials Science job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,478 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Department of Computer Science (Tenure Track, Start Fall 2027)

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Grinnell College rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

489th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Department of Computer Science invites applications for a tenure-track appointment beginning Fall 2027. Assistant Professor (Ph.D.) preferred; Instructor (ABD) or Associate Professor possible. We are eager to consider candidates whose scholarly agenda expands the department's existing breadth in Computer Science. Candidates with degrees in closely related fields will also be considered. The teaching load is five courses (or equivalent; some classes with a significant lab component are credited as 1.5 courses) over two semesters; periodically one course will be Tutorial (a topical writing/critical thinking course for first-year students, the only College-wide requirement beyond the completion of a major in an individually-advised curriculum). The successful candidate will be prepared and willing to teach two of the department's three introductory courses (and eventually all three), as well as at least two of the upper-level required (non-elective) courses for the major. Additional information about our curriculum and faculty can be found at https://www.cs.grinnell.edu.
Qualifications
Assistant Professor (Ph.D.) preferred; Instructor (ABD) or Associate Professor possible.
Application Instructions
In letters of application, candidates should discuss their interest in developing as a teacher and scholar in a highly selective undergraduate liberal arts college that emphasizes close student-faculty interaction. They should also discuss their potential to contribute to a college community that maintains a diversity of people and perspectives as one of its core values. To be assured of full consideration, all application materials should be received by October 2, 2026.
To apply, candidates will need to upload the following materials:
A letter of application
Curriculum vitae
Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)
Teaching statement
Research statement
Names and email contact information for three professional references
The teaching statement should describe the candidate's pedagogical philosophy and approaches and indicate teaching interests. The research statement should discuss the candidate's scholarly work and agenda for a general computing audience.
Questions about this search should be directed to the search chair, Professor Jerod Weinman, at cssearch@grinnell.edu or 641-269-3172.

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