Job Description

Job Description:
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.


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.