Assistant or Associate Professor of Criminology

HigherEdJobs; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

American University in Washington, DC invites applications for a full-time, tenure-line Assistant or Associate Professor in the School of Public Affairs. The successful candidate will conduct research on criminological theory and race, teach courses such as Criminology Theory and Race and Justice, mentor doctoral students, and contribute to program development and department leadership.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in criminology, sociology, or related field by August 2027; JD/LL.M.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in criminology, sociology, or related field.
• Excellence in scholarly research and teaching.
• Sustained publication record in peer‑reviewed outlets.
• Ability to mentor doctoral students and contribute to program development and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Teach required and elective courses (e.g., Criminology Theory, Race and Justice, research methods).
• Maintain an active research agenda and publish in peer-reviewed outlets.
• Engage in department, school, and university service and leadership.

Skills

Scholarly research

Teaching experience

Mentoring doctoral students

Academic leadership

Education

Ph.D. in criminology or sociology

Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

School of Public Affairs

Time Type:

Full time

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Job Description:

The Department of Justice, Law, Criminology & Security in the School of Public Affairs at American University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-line Assistant or Associate Professor position, beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year. The department seeks an established scholar with substantive expertise in criminological theory and a demonstrated research agenda examining race, structural inequality, and social production of crime and justice outcomes. The successful candidate will strengthen the department's capacity in foundational criminological theory while contributing to contemporary scholarship and debate that advances understanding of inequality within the criminal justice system.

Applicantsmusthold a Ph.D.in criminology, sociology, or other closely related discipline;aJ.D. or LL.M.alone does not satisfy this requirement.Candidates mustdemonstrateexcellence in scholarly research, effective teaching, and professional accomplishment commensurate with appointment atthe Assistant or Associate Professor rank.Competitivecandidateswillhave a sustained record of publication in high-quality peer-reviewed outlets,expertiseinsocialscienceresearch methods,andthe capacity tocontributetomentoring doctoral students,program development,andother forms of academic leadership.Allfacultyareexpectedtoholdofficehoursandparticipateindepartment,school,anduniversity activities and service.

Teaching responsibilities will include required and elective courses.Possible coursesincludeCriminology Theory,Race and Justice,researchmethods,and other areas aligned with theapplicant'sexpertise.The Department is home to a range of disciplines, approaches, and methods.The search committee isespecially interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service,will contribute to the inclusive excellence of the academic community.

Salary and benefits arecompetitive,withan expected salary range of$90,000-$120,000.

ReviewofapplicationswillbeginonSeptember28,2026,andwillcontinueuntilthepositionisfilled, subject to ongoing budgetary approval.The position beginsonAugust 1, 2027.Applicants should have a PhD oran anticipatedPhD completion date by August 2027.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.