Department of Interior Design - Assistant Professor

About the role

Appointment Type: Faculty

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

The Department of Interior Design in the College of Design at Iowa State University (ISU) invites applicants for the position of a tenure-track Assistant Professor with an anticipated start date on August 16, 2027. We seek exceptional candidates with commensurate experience and a proven track record with nationally, or the potential for, nationally and internationally recognized scholarship.

The department seeks an enthusiastic and dedicated design educator with innovative, creative, and emerging approaches to design pedagogy and research. Successful candidates will demonstrate an understanding of contemporary topics in interior design and related fields, informed by diverse and forward-thinking perspectives. We seek educators who create and foster design excellence and value interdisciplinary collaboration.

This role requires maintaining an active record of creative research and/or scholarship in interior design related areas, with a focus on how these explorations inform and shape the future of design education and the profession.

We especially seek individuals with experience and knowledge in low-impact, environmentally responsible design and interior lighting design, as well as interest in critical and ethical use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Applicants will also be expected to contribute to advancing initiatives that align with the department’s core values and its mission of examining how design can support a holistic approach to individual well-being.

Candidates will have the opportunity to teach design studios, seminars, and lecture courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels and mentor graduate students. Additionally, participation in service activities within the department, college, university, and the broader ISU community is expected. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, a commitment to teaching excellence, and exhibit the potential for long-term scholarship in supporting the mission of the department, college, and university.

The Department of Interior Design is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and the collective benefit of all. All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within department, college, and university activities, and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.

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

• Terminal Degree in Interior Design/Interior Architecture or Design-Related Discipline (Ph.D., M.F.A., M. Arch., or equivalent)
• At least one degree in Interior Design/Interior Architecture

Preferred Qualifications

• NCIDQ certified or ability to become qualified within one year of appointment.
• Demonstrated evidence or potential for national and/or international scholarship.
• Evidence of teaching experience or professional practice and management across the program curricula.
• Experience with relevant industry-standard software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, SketchUp, Unreal Engine).
• LEED, WELL, EDAC, CAPS certification, or other relevant certification(s).

Department/Program & College Description

The Department of Interior Design is a vibrant program in the College of Design at Iowa State University, along with Architecture, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Art and Visual Culture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning and Development. The Department of Interior Design is a CIDA accredited program that offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design (BFA).

The Department also offers a Master of Arts in Interior Design (MA), a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design (MFA), and an interdisciplinary double degree with the Department of Architecture (MA-MArch). The department also offers experiential learning in immersive study abroad programs, encourages professional internships, and pursues student outreach projects in support of the Land Grant mission.

There are many interdisciplinary opportunities, and strategic collaborations with other highly ranked colleges and departments.

More than 200 undergraduate students, 15 graduate students, and 12 faculty members make up the Department of Interior Design, united by a shared commitment to excellence. Over the past decade, ISU interior design students have won multiple national and international awards, and students have participated in several Venice Biennale sessions. The department is recognized for its development of interdisciplinary collaborations.

Department Unit/Website

• Proposed Start Date: August 16, 2027
• Number of Months Employed Per Year: 09 Month Work Period
• Time Type: Full time

Application Instructions

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by January 31, 2027. All interested, qualified persons must apply for this position online at jobs.iastate.edu to Job Requisition Number R20159.

The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format

• Letter of application that briefly discusses how the candidate meets each of the preferred qualifications
• A curriculum vitae (include a list of courses taught, if available)
• Contact information for at least three references, including name, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information. References will not be contacted until the campus interview phase.
• Other documents, as relevant:
• Teaching philosophy (1-2 pages)
• Statement of research/creative scholarship (1-2 pages)
• Portfolio of creative work and student work (up to 20 samples)

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: October 30, 2026

Job Requisition Number: R20159

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.