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Associate Professor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Professor information

See Iowa salary details

$40.9K

$96.2K

$133.8K

How much do associate professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate professor in Iowa is $96,210.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $118,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Associate Professors when balancing research, teaching, and service responsibilities?

Associate Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including conducting research, teaching courses, mentoring students, and participating in departmental or university service. Balancing these can be challenging, especially when research expectations remain high while teaching loads and committee work increase after promotion. Successful Associate Professors typically develop strong time-management skills, collaborate with colleagues to share best practices, and seek mentorship or support from their academic community. Proactive planning and clear communication with department leadership can also help manage these competing demands.

What is the difference between Associate Professor vs Assistant Professor?

AspectAssociate ProfessorAssistant Professor
Required CredentialsDoctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent), significant research and teaching experienceDoctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent), typically early in academic career
Work EnvironmentUniversity faculty, involved in teaching, research, and serviceUniversity faculty, primarily focused on teaching and beginning research
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, research universitiesHigher education institutions, research universities

In summary, an Associate Professor is a more senior academic role with extensive research and teaching experience, while an Assistant Professor is an entry-level faculty position focused on developing research and teaching skills.

What are Associate Professors?

Associate Professors are mid-level faculty members at colleges and universities who have typically earned tenure and demonstrated significant achievements in teaching, research, and service. They rank above Assistant Professors but below full Professors. Associate Professors are responsible for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, conducting research, publishing scholarly work, and contributing to their academic department and institution. Promotion to this rank usually requires several years of experience and a proven record of academic excellence.

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

To thrive as an Associate Professor, you need advanced subject matter expertise, a doctoral degree in your field, and a record of research and scholarly publication. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), academic databases, and research software is typically required. Strong communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and productive collegial relationships. These competencies are essential for effective teaching, impactful research, and meaningful contributions to academic communities.

What Is an Associate Professor?

An associate professor teaches at a college or university campus and ranks below a full professor. As an associate professor, you still perform the primary job duties of a full professor, such as interacting with students, grading classroom assignments, assisting students with study techniques, and developing lesson plans. You may also spend part of your career working on research projects and writing articles for academic journals.

What is the lowest rank of a professor?

The lowest academic rank of a professor is typically Assistant Professor. This entry-level position usually requires a doctoral degree and involves teaching, research, and service responsibilities before promotion to higher ranks like Associate Professor and Full Professor.
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 Associate Professor jobs in Iowa? For Associate Professor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Associate Professor jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Associate Professor job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Professor job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,210 per year, or $46.3 per hour.
Assistant Professor of German Studies One-Year Term (Start Fall 2026)

Assistant Professor of German Studies One-Year Term (Start Fall 2026)

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Grinnell College rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 534 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Department of German Studies invites applications for a 1-year term appointment with the possibility of renewal in any area of German Studies, beginning Fall 2026. Near-native fluency in German is required. Assistant Professor (Ph.D.) preferred; Instructor (ABD) or Associate Professor possible. Research and teaching interests might include but are not limited to: 20th-21st century German-language literature, film, visual culture, theater, or other media; interdisciplinary connections to African Diaspora Studies, Jewish Studies, Gender and Women's studies, LGBTQ+ studies, (post)colonial studies, or a focus on other minoritized communities in the German-speaking world. The teaching load is five courses over two semesters. Additional information about our curriculum and faculty can be found at HTTPS://WWW.GRINNELL.EDU/ACADEMICS/MAJORS-CONCENTRATIONS/GERMAN.
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 February 15, 2026.
To apply, candidates will need to upload the following materials:
  • A letter of application
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Graduate transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)
  • Names and email contact information for three professional references
  • Writing Sample (article, seminar paper, book chapter, etc.) in English or German

Questions about this search should be directed to the search chair, Professor DANIEL REYNOLDS at [GermanStudiesSearch@grinnell.edu] or 641-269-3097.