Assistant Professor in Criminal Justice

PhD in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Social Work or related field ( ABD will be considered)

Required Related Experience

Strong potential for securing external funding and producing high-quality scholarship. Ability to foster, develop, and/or maintain positive professional relationships with local, state, federal, and private criminal justice focused agencies/organizations/associations.

Required License/Registration/Certification

n/a

Job Summary

THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY , COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK (CoSW) is a renowned leader in higher education. Our mission is clear:
Through rigorous research, excellence in instruction, and steadfast service, the CoSW works to improve the human condition. Always, in all ways.

As the state’s flagship university, CoSW is committed to actualizing our mission through innovative, accessible academic programming. CoSW is home to several undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, including:
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (traditional and online), Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (traditional and online), Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (traditional and online), Master of Science in Criminal Justice (online), Master of Social Work (hybrid and online), Doctorate of Social Work (online), Ph.D. in Social Work (traditional), and multiple certificate programs. In addition to Lexington’s main campus, we have a satellite campus at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

To continue to advance our support infrastructure for CoSW, we invite applicants for a 9-month, tenure eligible, Assistant Professor in Criminal Justice position in the Regular Title Series to begin as early as Spring or Fall 2027.

The University’s mission involves three primary functions across our faculty cohort: instruction, research, and service. Each year, various ranking faculty work with the Office of the Dean to delineate their distribution of effort ( DOE ). This DOE outlines how faculty will spend their time. In general, DOE for faculty members in the Regular Title Series typically includes allocations in the areas of instruction, research, and service.

Of course, the DOE can fluctuate depending on an array of factors (e.g., grant funding, new course development, service to the college, etc.). While the DOE is reviewed on an ongoing basis, faculty are expected to develop and maintain a dynamic, externally funded research program and strong record of high-impact scholarship (e.g., publications, presentations, etc.). In addition, successful candidates are expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses.

It is expected that work in this faculty appointment, including but not limited to course instruction, office hours, administrative meetings, and attending college-wide events such as faculty meetings, will occur on‑site.

• PhD in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Social Work or related field ( ABD will be considered)
• Strong potential for securing external funding and producing high‑quality scholarship
• Ability to foster, develop, and/or maintain positive professional relationships with local, state, federal, and private criminal justice focused agencies/organizations/associations

Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with many rewards, focusing on your total well‑being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more.

We anticipate this search will run from October through December 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until positions are filled.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Final date to receive applications

Open Until Filled Yes

Our University Community

We value the well‑being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment…