Department Chair of Statistics

About the role

Appointment Type: Faculty

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University seeks nominations and applications for the position of Professor and Chair. The department is jointly administered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS).

The Department of Statistics at Iowa State University is a nationally recognized leader in statistical education and research, with a graduate program highly ranked nationally.

The department offers strong undergraduate and graduate programs and conducts innovative research in statistical theory, methodology, and applications, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing statistical expertise to advance scientific discovery and address societal challenges.

Applications are sought for a visionary leader with demonstrated statistics and/or related experience. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to continued excellence in discipline-leading education of undergraduate and graduate students, and interdisciplinary and international research programs.

As leader of a jointly administered department, the Chair reports to the Dean of CALS and the Dean of LAS and serves as a collaborative member of both college leadership teams. The Chair works closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni, industry partners, community stakeholders, and university administrators to advance the department's strategic priorities and contribute to the missions of Iowa State University and both colleges.

Primary responsibilities of the department chair are to

• Provide visionary leadership for the department to serve the needs of faculty, staff, students, stakeholders and citizens to fulfill the land-grant mission of the department, the college and university;
• Serve both the department and the dean's office, including serving as a collaborative member of the colleges' leadership teams;
• Communicate effectively the mission, vision and strengths of the department and colleges across Iowa State University and to external stakeholders and collaborators in the public and private sectors;
• Encourage and foster interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments, centers, and institutes within and external to the university;
• Foster a culture of collegiality, trust, empowerment, and shared responsibility that supports the success of all faculty, staff, and students, encourages individual initiative and professional growth, and promotes leadership development;
• Promote a culture of professionalism and accountability in achieving the department's goals;
• Facilitate recruitment and retention of the best possible faculty and staff in all department positions;
• Stimulate and facilitate excellence and impact in all aspects of research, teaching, outreach, and service;
• Facilitate recruitment, retention, and enabling the academic and career success of students;
• Ensure sound fiscal and budgetary management of all departmental funds to achieve the mission of the department and comply with college and university-level policies and practices related to fiscal responsibility and management;
• Nurture and maintain good alumni relations and build alumni support; and
• Participate in activities on behalf of the department and the college, which may include after-hours events and travel.

Additional information

Initial Department Chair appointment is for five years, with formal review during year four. This appointment serves as an at-will position at the pleasure of the Deans. This position will be filled as a 9-month appointment with two months of summer salary while serving as Chair. Proposed start date July 1, 2027.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. or academic equivalent in Statistics or a closely aligned field
• Must meet the university, college, and department requirements for appointment as tenured full professor

Preferred Qualifications

• A clear vision and commitment for the growth and development of the department, including its contributions to the college and university mission, and appreciation of the broad spectrum of areas of statistical research and practice;
• Record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service consistent with a tenured faculty member, including evidence of generating sustained external funding;
• Evidence of effective and collaborative leadership, such as administrative experience in higher education and demonstrated ability to advance shared goals and priorities;
• Capability for building and maintaining relationships with internal, external and international stakeholders and partners.

Department Unit/Website

• Proposed Start Date: July 1, 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:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter
• Contact Information for Three References

• For guaranteed consideration, please apply before January 15, 2027. Position is open until filled.
• If you have questions regarding this application process, please email or call or Toll Free:.

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: November 9, 2026

Job Requisition Number: R20218

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.