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The College of Engineering at the University of Iowa seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as its next Iowa Technology Institute (ITI) Director. Building on ITI’s nearly 40 years of groundbreaking research and innovation, the Director will lead the Institute into a new era of technological advancement. Key areas of strength of ITI include: aviation/aerospace/space technologies, defense research, human modeling, and advanced manufacturing technologies. ITI activities range across the spectrum of technology readiness levels, from fundamental engineering research to technology development for industry and government agency partners. ITI’s R&D has been funded by industry, DoD, NASA, NSF, NIH, and other sponsors.

The Director will be responsible for enhancing ITI’s reputation as a national and international leader, driving sustainable growth, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in engineering or a related field, with a proven track record of successful leadership in research and development. This position is both an administrative leadership position and an opportunity to join the faculty of the University of Iowa College of Engineering. The director of the Iowa Technology Institute is expected to serve as a faculty member in the College of Engineering and will hold an academic appointment at the associate professor or professor rank with tenure. The director and faculty position will begin August 2025. 

The College of Engineering’s Strategic Hiring Initiative seeks faculty who will: create an environment in which all members of the collegiate community—students, staff, and faculty—are welcomed, supported, and able to thrive; provide a transformative and personalized educational experience that prepares our graduates to become an engineer and something more; lead signature areas of research and economic development to drive breakthroughs that have a societal impact; train graduate students to become outstanding technical leaders and innovative researchers; engage in mutually beneficial partnerships, boldly communicate our achievements, and build influence with state and federal decision-makers; and acquire and steward private investments that strengthen the college and amplify our service for the common good.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead ITI to new heights by building on the 40-year historical legacy and strengths, developing a vision for its future, and by expanding into new and emerging areas of research and innovation.


• Position ITI as a leader in research and innovation at the university, national, and international levels by raising its visibility and profile in select focus areas of leading-edge R&D.


• Sustain the growth and success of the organization through strategic visioning, building partnerships and collaborations, and financial stewardship.


• Encourage and support innovation, technology transfer, and the commercialization of ITI’s research outcomes.


• Cultivate a collaborative environment that leverages the broader university and promotes high levels of scholarship and professional excellence.


• Develop and implement strategies to increase research funding and foster strategic partnerships.


• Maintain effective communication with all ITI constituents and stakeholders.


• Promote high standards of professionalism and enhance ITI’s infrastructure to support cutting-edge research.


• Facilitate research collaborations across campus and with external partners, ensuring ITI remains at the forefront of technological advancement.


• Leverage strong partnerships with state and federal funding agencies and industry partners toward technological advancements and breakthroughs.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in engineering or a related field with qualifications that merit an appointment to Associate Professor or Professor with tenure


• A strong track record of scholarship, innovation, and successful external funding acquisition


• Demonstrated leadership experience in a research-intensive organization


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative leadership style


• Evidence of success in interdisciplinary collaboration and team-building


• Evidence of mentoring, workforce development, and success in attracting and developing early-career professional talent


• Ability to foster and promote a welcoming and respectful work/academic environment where people of all backgrounds and perspectives feel welcomed and appreciated

Desired qualifications:

• Evidence of funding record in multidisciplinary team-based research projects and leadership role in obtaining funding for such projects from a wide array of sponsors, for example from industry, DoD, NASA, and/or other federal funding agencies


• Experience with fund-raising to garner support for the unit/institution


• Evidence of a record of successful interaction with a broad range of stakeholders such as policymakers, industry, non-academic R&D institutions, National Labs, warfare centers, and other organizations


• Demonstrated success in engaging with and communicating with the public and a diverse group of external stakeholders


• Evidence of sustained contributions to broader societal impacts

Preliminary inquiries for additional information are encouraged and should be directed to the search committee chair. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2024, although applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.  Apply or learn more by visiting http://jobs.uiowa.edu and searching for requisition #75444 under the faculty section.

Application Instructions:

The application package should include:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and qualifications to lead the Iowa Technology Institute


• A current CV


• Three representative research publications


• Vision Statement - Present the vision for the future of ITI and plan for establishing and maintaining a nationally recognized, high-impact and diverse funding portfolio for ITI

Note that three references will be requested from finalist candidates at a later date.

Successful candidates will be required to disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation, including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment, along with a related release. Successful candidates will also be subject to a criminal background and credential check.