Assistant Professor of Forensic Science

The University of Southern Mississippi•Hattiesburg, MS

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, and Security invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Forensic Science. The position is based on the Hattiesburg campus and is anticipated to begin in August 2027. The successful candidate will teach, conduct research, participate in service and professional activities, contribute to the school’s development, support student recruitment and retention, serve on committees, and advise and mentor students. The school is an interdisciplinary unit with more than 500 students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, and Criminal Justice. Its facilities include more than 30,000 square feet of teaching and research laboratories, modern classrooms, a computer laboratory, faculty and student lounges, and a mock courtroom. The position includes undergraduate forensic science instruction through online and face-to-face lectures and laboratories; student advising and mentoring; curriculum development; scholarly, funded research and peer-reviewed publication; supervision and collaboration with undergraduate researchers; professional development; participation in FEPAC accreditation and reaccreditation; and relationship-building with forensic laboratories and law enforcement agencies. The appointee will also participate in meetings, committees, and recruitment events and perform other related duties as assigned. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a closely related discipline from an accredited university. A pending Ph.D. must be completed within the first year of appointment. Applicants must demonstrate potential for undergraduate and graduate teaching, establishing a research program and obtaining external funding, and effective collaboration with students, faculty, and staff. Specialized forensic science knowledge, teaching ability in online and traditional settings, capacity for scholarship, professional development and service, advising and mentoring ability, and strong written and oral communication skills are also required. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States full-time without visa sponsorship. Applications are submitted online and should include a cover letter describing research and teaching potential, a CV, a teaching philosophy and goals statement, contact information for three professional references, and unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Official transcripts are required before a campus interview. Priority consideration is given to applications received by November 15, 2026; the position remains open until filled.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a closely related discipline from an accredited university; a pending degree must be completed within the first year of appointment.
Demonstrated potential for undergraduate and graduate teaching.
Demonstrated potential to establish a research program and acquire external funding.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
Specialized knowledge in forensic science demonstrated through graduate-level coursework, scholarly deliverables, and/or professional experience.
Ability to teach effectively online and in traditional settings at the university level in an undergraduate forensic science degree program.
Ability to engage effectively in scholarship, professional development, and service activities.
Ability to advise and mentor students effectively.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Authorization to work full-time in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of work experience in forensic science or a related field.
Ability to teach two or more undergraduate courses in forensic disciplines, such as Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Quality Management, Digital Forensics, Death Investigation, or Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction.
Work experience involving chain of custody, proficiency testing, laboratory analysis of evidence, and courtroom testimony.
Experience maintaining and troubleshooting scientific instruments used in forensic laboratories.

Responsibilities

Deliver undergraduate forensic science lectures and laboratories through online and face-to-face instruction.
Advise and mentor undergraduate students on degree progress and career preparation.
Prepare and submit syllabi, grades, and official course documentation in a timely manner.
Participate actively in curriculum and course development.
Conduct scholarly, funded research and publish findings in peer-reviewed outlets.
Supervise and collaborate with undergraduate students on research initiatives.
Engage in ongoing scholarship and professional development in keeping with school, college, and university expectations.
Participate in FEPAC accreditation and reaccreditation processes.
Build and maintain professional relationships with local, regional, and national forensic laboratories and law enforcement agencies.
Attend school, college, and university meetings, committee activities, and recruitment events.
Contribute to teaching, research, service, and professional activities and to the growth and development of the school, college, and university.
Support student recruitment and retention efforts.
Perform other related duties as assigned.