Apply now to join the CBE department

About the Position

The Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering (CBE) at the University of Iowa invites applications and nominations for an instructional-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Instruction or Practice with a start date of Fall 2027. This position is a full-time academic-year appointment. Instructional Track Faculty play an important role in advancing the teaching excellence of the College of Engineering.  

Candidates should demonstrate a passion for engineering education, excellent communication skills, and the ability to engage and inspire students. We welcome applicants from traditional academic pathways as well as experienced engineering professionals who bring substantial industry expertise and a commitment to educating the next generation of chemical and biochemical engineers. 

We seek candidates who are committed to excellence in teaching at every level of the chemical and biochemical engineering curriculum. Particular consideration will be given to candidates who demonstrate the ability to teach a broad range of core chemical and biochemical engineering courses and support the curriculum from the first-year engineering experience through senior capstone design.  

The successful candidate is expected to be an engaging and effective educator. Position responsibilities include classroom and/or laboratory teaching, undergraduate student advising and mentoring, support of student organizations, departmental and collegiate service related to education, curriculum development, assessment and accreditation activities, and collaboration with faculty on innovative teaching methods and curricular advances. Opportunities may also exist to contribute to engineering education research and other scholarly activities related to teaching and learning. 

About the Department

For more than 100 years, the University of Iowa has been preparing students for careers in chemical engineering. Today, with approximately 180 undergraduate and 32 graduate students, the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering is a thriving program focused on excellence in research and teaching. The Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering offers ABET-accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs and is recognized for excellence in chemical process safety, hands-on learning, student mentorship, and preparing graduates to address challenges in energy, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, environmental systems, and manufacturing. The department is committed to fostering a collaborative and student-centered environment. 

Review of applications will begin January 15, 2027 and continue until the position is filled. 

Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a closely related field for Assistant Professor of Instruction; or for Assistant Professor of Practice position, a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a closely related field together with substantial industrial experience demonstrating significant professional achievement. 

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills. 

Desired Qualifications

  • Commitment to teaching at every level of the chemical and biochemical engineering curriculum. 

  • Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and mentoring students. 

  • Ability to make significant teaching contributions in several of the following areas: 

    • Material and Energy Balances 

    • Thermodynamics 

    • Fluid Mechanics 

    • Heat and Mass Transfer 

    • Separations 

    • Chemical Reaction Engineering 

    • Process Control 

    • Process Design 

    • Process Safety 

    • Engineering Laboratories 

    • Engineering Computing and Data Analysis 

    • Biochemical Engineering 

    • Materials Science 

    • Industrial or research experience in chemical, biochemical, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, energy, environmental, or related fields. 

  • Experience with laboratory instruction, active learning, project-based learning, or engineering design education. 

  • Experience advising student organizations, undergraduate researchers, competition teams, or design teams. 

  • Interest in curriculum development, educational innovation, assessment, engineering education scholarship, and/or engineering education research. 

  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to a welcoming and respectful learning environment. 

Application Materials

Please submit the cover letter, curriculum vitae, and teaching statement as one single combined PDF document organized in the order listed below. Reference information should be submitted as a separate attachment. 

  • Cover letter describing qualifications and how they align with the position. 

  • Current curriculum vitae. 

  • Statement of teaching interests, experiences, teaching philosophy, courses qualified to teach, and strategies for creating an engaging and respectful learning environment. 

  • Separate attachment: Contact information for three professional references. Applicants will be notified before references are contacted. 

For questions please contact david-rethwisch@uiowa.edu

About Iowa City

Iowa City is one of the most livable cities in America, with a moderate cost of living, nationally ranked public schools and healthcare facilities, numerous recreation and leisure options, and a wide range of cultural and employment opportunities.

We are committed to recruiting and retaining the most talented faculty and staff, which involves providing opportunities for employees to “Build a Career and Build a Life” in the Iowa City area. The University offers several benefits to support faculty in achieving a healthy work/life balance including domestic partner benefits, family caregiving leave, flexible spending accounts for dependent care and health care, and an automatic tenure clock extension when a minor child is added to the family.

Apply Now to join the CBE department!

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