Electrical and Computer Engineering - Department Chair

Position Title:
Electrical and Computer Engineering - Department Chair

Appointment Type:
Faculty

Job Description:
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 Department's 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 department's 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.

Required Qualifications:

• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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

Department/Program & College Description:

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 8,600 students, 540 faculty and staff, 15 undergraduate majors, 20 doctoral and 25 master's 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.

Department Unit/Website:
For more information about our department's engineering program, see

Proposed Start Date:
July 1, 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 August 15, 2026 with a priority consideration of 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 View email address on click.appcast.io

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

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