Criminology (GIS and Spatial Analysis), Assistant Professor

Opt For Healthy Living; Pomona (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cal Poly Pomona invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Criminology specializing in GIS and spatial analysis. The successful candidate will teach, advise, and contribute to scholarship, curriculum development, and service within the Sociology department.

The role emphasizes spatial analysis of criminal justice issues and community‑engaged research, with responsibilities including teaching courses, advising students, conducting GIS‑driven research, and pursuing external

Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed by start of appointment.
• Specialization in GIS/spatial analysis applied to criminology or related social science questions.
• Active or developing scholarly agenda employing GIS or spatial methods.
• University teaching experience as instructor of record or TA.
• Ability to work with diverse student, staff, and faculty populations.

Responsibilities

• Teach up to four courses per semester, with a one-course release for the first two years.
• Develop GIS-based modules within existing courses.
• Advise undergraduate and graduate students and mentor research.
• Conduct GIS-connected criminology research and publish in peer-reviewed outlets; pursue external funding.
• Participate in departmental, university, and professional service activities.

Skills

GIS

Spatial analysis

Teaching

Mentoring

Curriculum development

Education

Ph.D. in Criminology or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

R

Python

GeoDa

Spatial SQL

Job description

Criminology (GIS and Spatial Analysis) – Assistant Professor

Job No: 560370
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure‑Track
Location: Pomona

Position Summary

The Department of Sociology seeks a tenure‑track Assistant Professor of Criminology specializing in GIS and spatial analysis. The successful candidate will support the Criminology major and broader Sociology curriculum through teaching, advising, scholarship, curriculum development, and service. The role emphasizes spatial analysis of criminal justice issues and community‑engaged research.

Responsibilities

• Teach up to four courses per semester, with a one‑course release each semester for the first two years.
• Develop and integrate GIS‑based modules into existing courses such as Crime Analysis, Research Methods, Statistics, Urban Sociology, and Introduction to Criminology.
• Advise undergraduate and graduate students, and serve as an academic advisor and research mentor.
• Conduct original research in GIS‑connected criminology, publish in peer‑reviewed outlets, and pursue external funding.
• Participate in departmental, university, and professional service activities, including committees and outreach.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Sociology, or a closely related field, completed by the start of the appointment.
• Specialization in GIS, spatial analysis, or geospatial methods applied to criminology or related social science questions.
• Evidence of an active or developing scholarly agenda in criminology or a related field that employs GIS, spatial analysis, quantitative, or mixed methods.
• University teaching experience as instructor of record or teaching assistant.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse student, staff, and faculty populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching GIS, crime mapping, spatial data analysis, research methods, statistics, or quantitative courses.
• Track record of teaching excellence, including student evaluations, peer observations, or pedagogical innovations.
• Proficiency in GIS or spatial analysis tools (ArcGIS, QGIS, R, Python, GeoDa, spatial SQL, etc.).
• Experience mentoring undergraduate research and engagement with community‑based or policy‑relevant research.
• Curriculum development experience in applied methods, GIS, data science, or career‑readiness programs.
• Potential for interdisciplinary collaboration with Geography, Political Science, Economics, Urban Planning, or Architecture.

Application Process

• Cover letter (2 pages max) describing interest, experience, and alignment with requirements.
• Unofficial transcripts (undergraduate and graduate; official transcripts required for finalists).
• Names and contact info for three references.

Finalists will participate in a 1‑day on‑campus interview, provide official transcripts, three letters of reference, and deliver a teaching demonstration and research presentation.

Contact: Dr. Peter Hanink, [e-mail]

The position is open until filled. First consideration of applications received no later than September 30, 2026.

Conditions of Employment

Background check required.

EEO Statement

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Cal Poly Pomona provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on protected status. The university complies with federal and state civil rights laws and supports an inclusive environment.