Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

About the job

Position Title:
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Appointment Type:
Faculty

Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Criminal Justice, as a 9-month position, starting August 16, 2027. The Department is particularly interested in candidates with research and/or teaching experience in the area of emerging technologies in criminal justice (e.g., artificial intelligence, digital forensics, surveillance, etc.), especially as used in policing and courts.

The successful candidate will have a strong research portfolio and demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate criminal justice courses, with modalities as determined by the department (in-person, hybrid, or online); developing and maintaining an excellent, nationally recognized research program; contributing service to the department and the broader discipline; and pursuing external research funding.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

• Required Minimum Qualifications:
• PhD in Criminology/Criminal Justice or a closely related discipline by the appointment start date

• Preferred Qualifications:
• Evidence of high quality, peer-reviewed publications in criminology/criminal justice
• Expertise in the area of emerging technologies in criminal justice (e.g., artificial intelligence, digital forensics, surveillance, etc.).
• Record of highly effective undergraduate teaching in criminal justice, supported by student/peer evaluations and/or applicant statement of teaching philosophy
• Potential to secure external funding from federal/state agencies, private sector, and/or foundations

Department/Program & College Description:
The Department’s ( http://www.soc-cj.iastate.edu/ ) current and future research, teaching, and extension scholarship is centered on creating new knowledge and preparing the next generation of scientists, teachers, professionals, and citizens to apply social science skills to societal challenges. The Department has a pedagogical mission to prepare undergraduate and graduate students with skills to launch professional careers that address the major challenges of society and engage in civic life as well-educated global citizens. The Criminal Justice program enrolls more than 400 majors and minors.

Department Unit/Website:
http://www.soc-cj.iastate.edu/

Proposed Start Date:
August 16, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
09 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter that briefly discusses how the applicant aligns with each of the preferred qualifications, especially a substantive focus on emerging technologies in criminal justice; specific sections should address research (e.g., research interests and publication experience, potential for grant-funding including trainings and/or experience with previous funded projects) and teaching in criminal justice (e.g., supported by student/peer evaluations and/or applicant statement of teaching philosophy)
3) Contact Information for Three References

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

For full guaranteed consideration, please apply on or before November 1, 2026. This position is open untill filled.

• Why Choose ISU?
• Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:
October 6, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:
R20044

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. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .

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.