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Assistant Professor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Professor information

See Iowa salary details

$39.9K

$75.2K

$126.8K

How much do assistant professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor in Iowa is $75,195.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,400.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor, you typically need a doctoral degree in your field, a strong publication record, and experience in teaching or research. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), academic databases, and research tools is often required, along with any relevant certifications for teaching or research ethics. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help you engage students, collaborate with colleagues, and manage academic responsibilities. These skills are crucial for fostering student success, advancing research, and contributing meaningfully to the academic community.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor vs Lecturer?

AspectAssistant ProfessorLecturer
Required CredentialsDoctorate or equivalent in fieldBachelor's or Master's, sometimes doctorate
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research, teachingPrimarily teaching, less research
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, collegesUniversities, colleges, vocational schools
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Assistant Professors typically hold a doctorate and engage in both teaching and research at universities. Lecturers usually focus on teaching, often with less emphasis on research, and may have different credential requirements. While both roles are found in academic settings, Assistant Professors often have more responsibilities related to research and academic advancement.

What are some common challenges Assistant Professors face during their early years, and how can they address them?

Assistant Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including teaching, research, and service commitments. Balancing the demands of developing a strong research portfolio with effective teaching and departmental service can be challenging, especially when working toward tenure. Building a supportive network of mentors, setting clear priorities, and managing time efficiently are critical strategies for success. Many institutions also offer professional development programs and peer collaboration opportunities to help early-career faculty navigate these challenges.

Where do professors find jobs?

Professors typically find jobs through academic job boards, university websites, professional associations, and networking at conferences. They often submit applications, CVs, and cover letters to institutions seeking faculty members, and may also use recruitment agencies specializing in higher education positions.

What is an entry level assistant professor?

An entry-level assistant professor is a faculty member who has recently obtained a doctoral degree and is beginning their academic career at a university or college. They typically focus on teaching, research, and service, and may have limited experience in higher education. This position often requires developing a research agenda and publishing scholarly work to advance to higher academic ranks.

What Does an Assistant Professor Do?

An assistant professor is an entry-level university teaching position below that of associate professor and full professor. You can find work as an assistant professor in any department at a college or university. Assistant professorships fall into either tenure-track and non-tenure track positions. Regardless of whether you are tenure or non-tenure track, your duties are similar. You conduct research, teach classes, advise students on their studies, and perform numerous administrative functions, such as attending faculty meetings and professional conferences or events.

What is the lowest rank of a professor?

The lowest academic rank of a professor is typically Assistant Professor. This is an entry-level faculty position that often requires a doctoral degree and involves teaching, research, and service responsibilities. Advancement usually progresses from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and then to Full Professor.

What qualifications do you need to be an assistant professor?

To become an assistant professor, candidates typically need a doctoral degree in their field, such as a Ph.D. or equivalent, along with research experience and teaching skills. A strong publication record and relevant academic credentials are also important for eligibility.

What is an Assistant Professor?

An Assistant Professor is an entry-level faculty position at a college or university, typically responsible for teaching, conducting research, and participating in academic service. This role is usually tenure-track, meaning the professor may eventually qualify for tenure after a probationary period. Assistant Professors often mentor students, publish scholarly work, and contribute to their department's academic community. Their work helps advance both the institution's educational mission and their own academic careers.

What do you do as an assistant professor?

An assistant professor conducts research, teaches courses, and advises students within their academic discipline. They typically engage in publishing scholarly work, participating in departmental service, and developing their expertise to advance toward tenure. The role often requires strong communication skills and proficiency with academic tools and methodologies.
What are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Professor jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Professor jobs in Iowa? For Assistant Professor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Assistant Professor jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Assistant Professor job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,195 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Physical Education

Graceland University

Lamoni, IA • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Assistant Professor of Physical Education (Tenure Track)

Graceland University
Department of Health and Movement Science
Lamoni, Iowa

Graceland University's Department of Health and Movement Science invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Physical Education position beginning August 1, 2026.

We seek a motivated, student-centered educator who is committed to excellence in teaching and mentorship and who will contribute meaningfully to our undergraduate Physical Education and Health and Movement Science programs.

Position Responsibilities

  • Teach undergraduate courses in Physical Education and Health and Movement Science (24 credit hours per academic year)
  • Contribute to curriculum development and program growth
  • Advise and mentor undergraduate students
  • Serve on departmental and university committees
  • Engage in ongoing professional development and scholarly activity 
  • Support recruitment and program outreach initiatives

Required Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Physical Education or closely related field
  • Demonstrated excellence in teaching
  • Current teaching license 
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Commitment to student engagement and inclusive learning environments

Preferred Qualifications

  • Terminal degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Physical Education or related field
  • Experience teaching in higher education
  • Experience with assessment, curriculum design, or program development

About the Department

The Department of Health and Movement Science offers dynamic undergraduate programs designed to prepare students for careers in education, allied health, and performance fields. Faculty are committed to experiential learning, student mentorship, and professional preparation.

About Graceland University

Founded in 1895 and sponsored by Community of Christ, Graceland University is a nonsectarian institution rooted in a rich Christian heritage. Graceland serves students on two campuses:

  • Lamoni, Iowa - a residential liberal arts campus located approximately 70 miles south of Des Moines
  • Independence, Missouri - focused on degree completion, adult, and graduate programs

Graceland is a community of passionate, caring, and dedicated individuals committed to student success and inclusive excellence.

Graceland offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous paid time off policy (vacation, sick leave, and holidays). A full benefits overview is available upon request.

Application Process

Upload a curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, and the names and contact information of three professional references by clicking Apply.

Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Graceland University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability status. Graceland welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Graceland University welcomes your application and interest in the open positions listed on this website. Updates are made regularly, so please check back often. Benefits overview is available here. Graceland offers a generous paid time off policy, which includes vacation, sick leave and holiday pay.
Graceland is a nonsectarian institution sponsored by Community of Christ, which provides a rich Christian heritage. Graceland has two main campuses: one located in Lamoni, Iowa, and one located in Independence, Missouri.
Founded in 1895 and sponsored by Community of Christ, Graceland University is much more than a school. Graceland is a community of passionate, caring and dedicated individuals who make up a worldwide community network that reaches far beyond the two campuses.
All applications/resumes are kept on file for one year. If you see future positions that interest you, please let us know so we may submit your application materials. Reference letters will not be accessible to applicants during the application process nor after becoming an employee.

Graceland is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Graceland welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We're looking for candidates who share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Graceland University consists of two campuses: the Lamoni campus is a residential liberal arts institution situated in south central Iowa, approximately 70 miles south of Des Moines, IA and the Independence, Missouri campus which focuses on degree completion, adult and graduate programs.