Visiting Assistant Professor of Criminology

Position Summary:

The Department of Sociology, Criminology, & Anthropology in the College of Arts and Sciences at North Central College invites enthusiastic educators for a 1-year, visiting position in Criminology, to begin in Fall 2027. Applicants will be considered regardless of field of specialization. This collegial and highly collaborative department is a supportive environment that promotes experiential and engaged learning. Teaching excellence is paramount, and the experience instructing a range of undergraduate courses in the criminology curriculum is required. The contract is for 9.5 months and carries a teaching load of 24 credits per academic year, typically fulfilled through six 4-credit courses spread over two semesters. This is an on-campus position.

The duties in this role include:

• Instruct a range of undergraduate courses in the criminology curriculum.
• Assess students' work and provide detailed feedback on how to improve their content knowledge, critical thinking skills, oral and written communication skills, etc.
• Mentor undergraduate students through one-on-one and group interactions, including senior capstone theses and internships.
• Create inclusive spaces in and outside the classroom.
• Develop opportunities for community-engaged learning.
• Prepare departmental reports as requested.
• Attend conferences and workshops as necessary to remain active in the field(s) of study; engage with campus resources and professional organizations to further develop teaching, pedagogical, and mentoring skills; and complete campus-wide training as required by the Offices of Academic Affairs and Human Resources.
• Perform other departmental duties and attend activities as necessary, including attending department and college meetings and participating in committees, task forces, and others as required.

Basic qualifications are required at the time of application.

• Ph.D. in Criminology, Sociology, or a very closely related discipline by August 2026. A J.D. alone is not appropriate for this position.
• Ability to bridge the disciplines of sociology and criminology.
• Evidence of excellence in teaching undergraduate students.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate students.
• Commitment to excellence in teaching, mentoring, and research.

Preferred qualifications:

• Teaching proficiencies in critical or comparative criminology.
• Record of fostering an environment that stimulates intellectual growth and engagement.
• Experience with designing and teaching innovative courses.

Salary Range:
The budgeted salary range for this position is: $52,000 – $55,000

North Central College values diversity, equity and inclusion and strongly encourages candidates who would enrich the diversity of the campus community to apply. Experience working with diverse student populations and communities is highly desirable. As a department, we are committed to enhancing the diversity of our campus and creating inclusive spaces both in and outside the classroom. We are seeking candidates who share this commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and will partner with us as we advance our efforts in this area.

Founded in 1861, North Central College is a nationally recognized institution of about 3000 students, located in Naperville, IL, a thriving suburb just west of Chicago. The College is in a period of growth with the addition of a $60 million Science Center (2017), and a new Health Sciences and Engineering building (2020). North Central College is within walking distance of the Naperville Metra station and is next to downtown Naperville. The Naperville area is home to many excellent school districts and Naperville, IL has been ranked as one of the best places to live by Money magazine. For more information, please visit: http://www.noctrl.edu. North Central College is an EEO Employer.

Application Window:
Open date: April 25, 2026
Initial review date: May 2, 2026
*Applications will continue to be accepted after initial review date, those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.*

For more information, please visit: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/academic-affairs/prospective-and-incoming-faculty

Interested candidates should complete and submit an application with all required documentation online at: https://northcentralcollege.peopleadmin.com/postings/15622

For further information, contact Dr. Raleigh Blasdell, Chair, Department and Search Committee, at rblasdell@noctrl.edu.