Assistant Criminal Justice Professor

JOB TITLE:

Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice

CLASSIFICATION:

Faculty

DIVISION:

Academic Affairs

DEPARTMENT:

Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice

LOCATION:

Lincoln University, PA, Main Campus

FLSA STATUS:

Exempt

REPORTS TO:

SALARY

Chair, Anthropology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice

PER CBA

OVERVIEW:

Lincoln University (LU), a historically Black, regional, comprehensive, liberal arts university is one of the 17 state-related institutions within the Pennsylvania Higher Education System. The university enrolls over 2,000 students, employs more than 100 full-time faculty members, and offers more than 30 undergraduate programs, and selected graduate programs.

Diversity is at the core of LU's history, mission, and values. We understand the value of diversifying our faculty and pursue that standard of excellence by focusing our recruitment efforts to attract candidates with rich and varied backgrounds, scholarship, and experience.

JOB SUMMARY:

Lincoln University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in Criminal Justice. The successful candidate will be an engaging teacher of undergraduate students and an active scholar with a developing research and publication agenda. Candidates should demonstrate thoughtful intellectual engagement with the field of Criminal Justice, expertise in law and the legal system, and a commitment to student success.

The teaching load is five courses per academic year and includes in-person instruction in courses such as Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Courts and Corrections, Research Methods, and upper-level Criminal Justice electives. Candidates must have demonstrated expertise in law, courts, legal studies, or a closely related area. The department is particularly interested in candidates who will contribute to experiential learning opportunities and collaborate with faculty and students in developing a mock trial team.

The successful candidate must possess a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or a closely related field by the date of appointment. Candidates who also hold a J.D. are especially encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will:

• Offer dynamic, engaging, and student-centered pedagogy utilizing up-to-date expertise in Criminal Justice and the best pedagogical practices.
• Will teach a normal load, typically five courses in-person a year, including general education classes, Criminological Theory, Criminal Law, Courts, Corrections, Criminal Investigation, and Crime Scene Investigation.
• Actively mentor and advise students.
• Will be a contributing member of departmental and university required meetings and initiatives including departmental meetings events, course and curriculum development, and university-wide initiatives.
• Maintain active professional engagement and research, which are required for promotion and tenure consideration.
• Will share the University's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and anti-racist pedagogy and be prepared to join an active cohort of faculty who teach undergraduate courses and advise/mentor students.

EDUCATION:

• A Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Law, or a closely related field by the time of appointment. ABDs will be considered if the Ph.D. is completed by the time of hire.

EXPERIENCE:

• Evidence of 1+ years of teaching at undergraduate level
• Proven agenda of research and professional engagement
• Communication skills consistent with effective teaching, mentoring and motivating Criminal Justice majors from a broad range of cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds and actively participating in the department and broader university.
• Experience in course design, development, and assessment of student learning outcomes.
• Experience utilizing LMS such as Canvas

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Moderate lifting up to 20 pounds as frequently as needed to move objects; dexterity to write and manipulate computer keyboard and mouse; ability to hear and speak clearly; and body mobility to stoop, kneel, bend and reach.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a university campus environment. All classes are currently taught in-person and faculty are required to be present on campus to teach their courses. The employee is subject to environmental conditions and protection from weather conditions.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

All applications should be submitted through the online portal. Only complete applications will be considered. Applicants must submit the following:

• A letter of application
• A current curriculum vita
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts [unofficial copies will suffice for initial screening].
• Three [3] references or three [3] current and relevant letters of recommendation

Review of applications will begin September 20th, 2026, and continue until position is filled. Women and underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Lincoln University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. The University is committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff.