Assistant Professor - Criminology & Criminal Justice

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The area is open, with preference for research on courts, mental health, substance use, or corrections.

The successful candidate will pursue a high-quality research agenda, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, and contribute to program growth. Salary is competitive; appointment begins August 18, 2027.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Criminal Justice/Criminology or related field required or ABD with PhD in hand before start.
• Ability to establish a high-quality research agenda and effective teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Demonstrated potential for publication and external funding.

Responsibilities

• Begin on or about August 18, 2027, in a tenure-track capacity.
• Teach two courses per semester (fall/winter).
• Develop and sustain an active research program and contribute to the department.

Skills

Teaching

Research

Education

Ph.D. in Criminal Justice/Criminology or related field

Job description

Assistant Professor - Criminology & Criminal Justice

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Assistant Professor - Criminology & Criminal Justice at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Wayne State University (WSU) invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position to begin on or about August 18, 2027. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, tenure-track, academic-year (9-month) faculty position. The area of specialization is open, but preference will be given to an evaluation-oriented researcher whose work focuses on courts/legal systems, mental health and criminal justice, substance use and crime, or corrections

The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers B.S. and M.S. degrees to approximately 450 undergraduate and 40 graduate students. Applicants are expected to pursue a high-quality research agenda and to be effective teachers at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The salary is highly competitive, and the teaching load is two courses per semester (fall/winter semesters). More information about the Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice can be found here: https://clas.wayne.edu/cj. WSU is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a RU/VH (Research University, Very High research activity) institution and serves more than 24,000 students across 370 academic programs, making it a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities preparing students for success in a diverse, global society. WSU is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications:

Applicants are expected to hold a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice/Criminology or related field. ABDs will be considered with evidence of PhD in hand prior to the beginning of the appointment. A J.D. alone is not sufficient qualification for this position.

Review of applications will begin October 19, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

School/College/Division:

H12 - College of Liberal Arts & Science

Primary department:

H0319 - Criminology & Criminal Justice

Employment type:

• Regular Employee


• Job type: Full Time


• Job category: Academic/Faculty

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary

Working conditions:

This position must be filled pursuant to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, and as such may be filled by a qualified bargaining unit member, should one apply.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.