Department Chair

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE) in the College of Engineering at Iowa State University (ISU) invites applications for the Palmer Department Chair position. The endowed department chair will be responsible for the scope and effectiveness of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Departments teaching research and outreach efforts.

Candidates are expected to have an exemplary record of achievement in teaching research and service at a level sufficient to qualify for appointment as a tenured Professor. They will have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence proven professional leadership record strong communication and team-building skills and the ability to lead others by fostering a collegial environment. They must be committed to the departments outreach activities and interactions with external stakeholders and they must motivate others toward a shared vision. An appreciation for university-industry collaborations technology transfer and intellectual property management will be treated as an asset. We seek a dynamic and innovative leader with a bold vision for the future of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

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

Ph.D. or equivalent qualifications in Electrical or Computer Engineering or a closely related field

Exemplary record of achievement in research teaching and service in a university national laboratory or industry at a level sufficient to qualify for appointment as a tenured Full Professor

Demonstrated ability to lead others to execute a shared vision

Budget and personnel management experience

Experience in fundraising donor cultivation and stewardship

Experience directing successful interdisciplinary programs in education and research

About the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE) Department

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is home to world-class faculty state-of-the-art research facilities and nationally recognized academic programs. The department offers ABET-accredited undergraduate programs in electrical engineering computer engineering software engineering and cybersecurity engineering as well as MEng MS and PhD degrees in electrical computer and cybersecurity engineering. The department is comprised of 44 full-time tenured/tenure-track faculty 12 non-tenure eligible teaching faculty and 6 non-tenure eligible research faculty 29 staff members and approximately 1727 undergraduate and 322 graduate students. Departmental annual research expenditures were in excess of $18.5 million in 2025. With a strong culture of innovation interdisciplinary collaboration and industry partnership the department leads transformative work in power and energy systems cybersecurity communications controls and emerging technologies. ECpE supports a vibrant community of students researchers and industry partners committed to solving real-world challenges and advancing the technologies that power our future.

About the College of Engineering

The Iowa State University College of Engineering offers prestigious programs that inspire future engineering leaders pursue groundbreaking research transform technology to make a difference and create solutions that make Iowa and the world a better place. Engineering is the largest college on campus with more than 8600 students 540 faculty and staff 15 undergraduate majors 20 doctoral and 25 masters degree programs multiple research centers and programs and 13 state-of-the-art buildings that comprise the engineering complex. The College of Engineering consists of eight departments with annual research expenditures exceeding $130 million.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However to receive full consideration applications should be received by September 1 2026.

The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format:

Letter of application that briefly discusses how you meet each of the preferred qualifications

Curriculum Vitae

Statement of leadership philosophy that includes your vision for the future of the department

Contact information for at least three references including name current title and affiliation mailing address email address and phone number.

Buffkin / Baker an executive search firm is assisting the university in the search. Inquiries of interest nominations and applications should be submitted electronically in confidence to:

Mr. Martin M. Baker Managing Partner and Chelsie Whitelock Associate Partner Buffkin / Baker at

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race color age ethnicity religion national origin pregnancy sexual orientation genetic information sex marital status disability or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity 2680 Beardshear Hall 515 Morrill Road Ames Iowa 50011 Tel. email .

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.