Chair, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering

Iowa State University
Chair, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering

The Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering (IMSE) in the College of Engineering at Iowa State University invites applications for the C.G. "Turk" & Joyce A. Therkildsen Department Chair position. The endowed chair will be responsible for the scope and effectiveness of teaching, research, and outreach efforts of the IMSE department.

Candidates are expected to have an exemplary achievement record in research, teaching, and service. They will have demonstrated a commitment to achieving excellence through a proven professional leadership record, strong communication and team-building skills, and the ability to lead others by creating and facilitating a collegial environment. They must be committed to the department's outreach activities and interactions with external stakeholders and motivate others in a shared vision. An appreciation for university-industry collaborations, technology transfer and intellectual property management will be treated as an asset. We are seeking a dynamic and innovative leader with a bold vision for the future of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems 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 industrial engineering or 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
The IMSE Department offers B.S., M.S., M.Eng., and Ph.D. programs in industrial engineering, as well as M.Eng. degrees in systems engineering and engineering management. The industrial engineering graduate program was 24th (18th among public universities) in the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings. Upon completion of the Therkildsen Industrial Engineering building in summer 2025, its space will more than double to 55,000 net square feet, enhancing its enviable student hands-on laboratory experiences. The new state-of-the-art facility will increase our ability to develop industrial engineering students that design tomorrow's innovative, agile, and intelligent processes. It will further support faculty research and pedagogical efforts. IMSE maintains externally funded research expenditures of over $4 million annually and demonstrates a commitment to community among its 24 faculty, nine staff, and over 400 students.

Application Instructions
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by February 14, 2025.

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, a 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 isuimsechair@buffkinbaker.com


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