Teaching Assistant Professor--Criminal Justice Institutions--Policing and Law Enforcement

Teaching Assistant Professor in Law, Criminal Justice, & Society (CJ Institutions / Policing)

The Law, Criminal Justice, and Society (LCJS) program at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for a full-time, appointment-stream Teaching Assistant Professor to begin in the 2025-26 academic year, pending budgetary approval. The teaching load is a 3-3. LCJS is seeking a teaching-oriented colleague who can help our students develop their ability to think conceptually, theoretically, and otherwise rigorously about policing in a larger social context. We are looking for a scholar with research & teaching experience/interests at the nexus of policing, society, and inequality, including those who bring a comparative approach and/or relevant professional experience. The successful candidate will teach in-person courses on policing (LCJS 1410) and the criminal justice system (LCJS 1400), as well as an introductory foundation course (LCJS 0100) and the writing-intensive capstone, ethics in criminal justice (LCJS 1700).

LCJS warmly welcomes candidates who are committed to fostering and supporting diversity in all its forms, including cultural backgrounds, educational perspectives, and experiences in relevant fields. We encourage individuals who share our values of inclusivity, equity, and innovation to join us in contributing to a vibrant and diverse community.

Essential criteria are:

(1) A PhD in criminology, criminal justice, sociology, or a related social science or public policy field by the time the appointment begins

(2) Teaching & research experience/interests at the nexus of policing, society, and inequality

(3) Strong commitment to continuous improvement as an undergraduate instructor and to working effectively with diverse undergraduate student audiences, including nontraditional and adult students

(4) Ability and willingness to assist with curriculum development for relevant online courses as needed

Desired additional criteria are:

(1) Strong evidence of successful undergraduate teaching

(2) Commitment to excellence in teaching, including the ongoing research necessary for the fulfillment of that commitment

(3) Willingness to develop/support undergraduate research and pre-professional experiences, especially through engagement with the local community

Application requirements:

(1) Cover letter of 1-2 pages addressed to Wes Hiers, Director of LCJS, that summarizes qualifications for the position and, as needed, provides additional relevant information not solicited by other application requirements

(2) Current CV, including a list and location of undergraduate courses taught

(3) Teaching Portfolio that includes a statement of teaching philosophy and/or pedagogical practices, recent evidence of teaching effectiveness, and an abbreviated syllabus for one course that includes course description, assessments/requirements, and a schedule of readings

(4) Diversity Statement (1-2 pages), sharing how your past, planned, or potential contributions or experiences relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion will advance the University of Pittsburgh's commitment to inclusive excellence

(5) Contact information (full name, title, and email) for three people able to provide confidential professional letters of recommendation (letters will be requested for candidates who advance in the search process)

To apply, visit http://join.pitt.edu.

The review of applications will begin on January 20, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to Wes Hiers (wjh16@pitt.edu).

Law, Criminal Justice, & Society (LCJS) launched in the Fall of 2021 and now has 350 majors and 240 minors across the College of General Studies (CGS) and the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences (DSAS). To learn more, start here (https://www.cgs.pitt.edu/lcjs-ba).

Appointment-stream Teaching Assistant Professors are eligible for renewal and promotion (see https://www.as.pitt.edu/faculty/governance/criteria-promotion-appointment-evaluation-and-reappointment-appointment-stream).

About the University of Pittsburgh & the City of Pittsburgh

Ranked among the top 5 percent of 1,000 universities in 65 countries and in the top 100 most innovative universities in the world, the University of Pittsburgh is home to more than 700 degrees and certificate programs, as well as more than 15,000 faculty and staff across 22 schools, colleges, and campuses. Pittsburgh is consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, offering diverse and vibrant cultural scenes with relatively affordable living costs. The city is home to renowned universities, including the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, as well as top-tier healthcare centers and research institutions like UPMC. Additionally, Pittsburgh has become a hub for tech companies such as Google, Facebook Reality Labs, Duolingo, and PNC Financial Services Group. The city boasts year-round sports enthusiasm for the Steelers (NFL), Pirates (MLB), and Penguins (NHL). Its thriving arts scene features notable cultural landmarks, including the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the Andy Warhol Museum.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.