Assistant or Associate Professor of Criminology

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

School of Public Affairs

Full time

Exempt

The Department of Justice, Law, Criminology & Security in the School of Public Affairs at American University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-line Assistant or Associate Professor position, beginning in the  academic year. The department seeks an established scholar with substantive expertise in criminological theory and a demonstrated research agenda examining race, structural inequality, and social production of crime and justice outcomes.

The successful candidate will strengthen the department's capacity in foundational criminological theory while contributing to contemporary scholarship and debate that advances understanding of inequality within the criminal justice system.

Applicantsmusthold a  criminology, sociology, or other closely related discipline;aJ.D. or LL.M.alone does not satisfy this requirement.

Candidates mustdemonstrateexcellence in scholarly research, effective teaching, and professional accomplishment commensurate with appointment atthe Assistant or Associate Professor rank.

Competitivecandidateswillhave a sustained record of publication in high-quality peer-reviewed outlets,expertiseinsocialscienceresearch methods,andthe capacity tocontributetomentoring doctoral students,program development,andother forms of academic leadership.

Allfacultyareexpectedtoholdofficehoursandparticipateindepartment,school,and university activities and service.

Teaching responsibilities will include required and elective courses.

Possible courses include

Criminology Theory,Race and Justice,research methods,and other areas aligned with the applicant'sexpertise.

The Department is home to a range of disciplines, approaches, and methods.

The search committee is especially interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service,will contribute to the inclusive excellence of the academic community.

Salary and benefits are competitive,withan expected salary range of $90,000-$120,000.

Reviewofapplicationswillbeginon September
28,2026,andwillcontinueuntilthepositionisfilled, subject to ongoing budgetary approval.

The position beginson

August 1, 2027.Applicants should have a PhD oran anticipated

PhD completion date by August 2027.

AU offers a competitive benefits package.

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.