Assistant Professor, Justice Studies

The School of Justice Studies at Eastern Kentucky University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor for Academic Year 2026-27. Applicants should hold an earned Ph.D. in Criminology and/or Criminal Justice or related field from an accredited institution at time of appointment. ABD applicants may be considered with evidence of a scheduled doctoral defense that occurs no later than May prior to a Fall appointment. The position begins August 2026.

The position serves the Criminal Justice, Police Studies, Corrections & Juvenile Justice Studies undergraduate programs and our Criminology and Criminal Justice graduate program. Research specialization is open but an ability to teach courses in/related to homicide, domestic violence, violence against women, victimology, and/or human trafficking is preferred. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in a 4/4 annual teaching load, develop and maintain an active scholarly agenda, and participate in service to the department, university, and community. In addition, membership and participation in state, regional, national, or international professional organizations is recommended.

The University places a high priority on being leaders in the responsible use of artificial intelligence and in building such capacity in our students. The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of artificial intelligence pertinent to the discipline and/or a willingness to pursue professional development to acquire such expertise.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Earned Ph.D. in Criminology and/or Criminal Justice or related field from an accredited institution at time of appointment. ABD applicants may be considered with evidence of a scheduled doctoral defense that occurs no later than May prior to a Fall appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

Research specialization is open but an ability to teach courses in/related to homicide, domestic violence, violence against women, victimology, and/or human trafficking is preferred.

Job Duties

• Maintain a 4/4 teaching load, teaching courses as assigned at the times and in the locations necessary to meet the needs of EKU students.
• Demonstrate the ability to teach, develop, and implement courses related to one's curricular area.
• Develop and maintain an active research agenda.
• Keep up to date with one's field and curricular areas by reading and reviewing current scholarly or creative works and by attending conferences, seminars, workshops, courses, and faculty development activities.
• Advise students in fulfilling program, departmental, college, and university committee assignments.