Assistant Professor – Criminal Justice

University of Colorado•Denver, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Colorado Denver’s School of Public Affairs seeks a full-time, 9-month/academic-year Assistant Professor for its Criminal Justice programs, starting in fall 2027. The position has a standard teaching load of four courses over the academic year, with two courses in each semester, delivered in person and online. Separate summer teaching opportunities may be available under an additional contract. The successful candidate will teach in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Master of Criminal Justice core curricula and may teach electives and cross-listed courses with Public Administration and Public Policy. The appointee is expected to develop and sustain an active program of high-quality research, produce peer-reviewed scholarship, contribute to the School of Public Affairs’ research agenda, and actively pursue external funding. Experience with externally funded research and grant proposals is highly desirable. The role also contributes to Criminal Justice program growth through committee service, student mentorship, capstone second-reader duties, and support for SPA programs. The School seeks a collegial scholar comfortable working in an applied social science and public affairs setting; interdisciplinary collaboration is desirable. The position follows a hybrid work structure, allowing work remotely or from the office as appropriate to tasks and work preferences. Office work is encouraged for tasks requiring substantial collaboration. The role may also be performed in a hybrid or remote environment, requiring a suitable workspace, reliable internet, participation in extended virtual meetings, independent time management, prolonged computer-based work, and the ability to transport necessary equipment between home and office as needed. The position is eligible for visa sponsorship, subject to the candidate having appropriate work authorization by the start date or approval of the University’s petition. The role is not eligible for overtime compensation. The University of Colorado Denver is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.

Requirements

PhD in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Public Affairs, Sociology, or a closely related field by the time of hire.
Teaching experience and effectiveness in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Public Affairs/Public Policy, and/or Sociology programs.
A strong research trajectory.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees throughout the institution.
Outstanding student service skills and a student-centered attitude.
Commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.
Ability to work effectively in a remote setting, including independent time management, reliable internet access, participation in virtual meetings, and prolonged computer-based work.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability or experience teaching online classes.
Success or experience with grant-funded research.
Experience designing and teaching courses with a university learning management system, preferably Canvas.
Ability and experience teaching at both graduate and undergraduate levels.
Experience with externally funded research, including participation in or leadership of grant proposals.
Interest and experience in collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
Experience working with scholars from related fields.
Expertise or teaching experience in areas such as Criminological Theory, Interpersonal or Community Violence, Courts, Victimology, Statistics and Research Methods, Data Visualization, GIS, Mixed Method Design, or Practice-Informed Analysis.

Responsibilities

Teach Criminal Justice courses online and in person as needed by the School of Public Affairs.
Teach undergraduate and master’s-level courses, including courses in the BACJ and MCJ core curricula and Criminal Justice electives.
Teach cross-listed courses with Public Administration and Public Policy programs as needed.
Develop and sustain an active program of high-quality research and contribute to the School of Public Affairs’ research agenda.
Produce peer-reviewed scholarship and actively pursue external research funding.
Contribute to Criminal Justice program growth through committee service, student mentorship, serving as a second reader on capstone projects, and positively contributing to SPA programs.
Establish effective working relationships and contribute to an inclusive, student-centered academic environment.