Assistant Professor of Forensic Science, Tenure Track

Salary/Position Classification

• $76,000+, Dependent on Experience, 9-month contract, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite at UND Grand Forks, ND campus

Purpose of Position

The Forensic Science Program in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of North Dakota invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Forensic Science.

We seek candidates with an active, forensic science-focused research agenda, demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at professional conferences (e.g., AAFS), and the pursuit of external funding through submissions to state, federal, and other funding agencies.

The successful candidate will be expected to have a 2/2 teaching load in the B.S. and M.S. Forensic Science programs, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and submit at least one federal grant proposal within the first two years of employment. By Year 3, the teaching load will increase to a 2/3 depending on the level of external grant support. The successful hire will be expected to establish and sustain an externally funded research program focused primarily on forensic biology, contributing to the continued growth and national prominence of the Forensic Science Program.

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in North Dakota. Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, it is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having very high research activity. UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study and enrolls nearly 16,000 students. It is the home of the state’s only School of Law and School of Medicine. The School of Medicine and Health Sciences has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.

UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 57,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Short commutes, a great public-school system, high quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages. Ranked as one of the top 5 Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the B.S. and M.S. Forensic Science programs (typically a 2/2 or 2/3 teaching load) and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Develop and maintain an active research program in forensic biology, including the publication of scholarly work and involvement of students in research activities.
• Pursue external funding to support research initiatives, including submission of at least one federal grant proposal within the first two years of employment.
• Maintain active engagement with the forensic science profession through scholarly presentations, professional service, and participation in organizations such as AAFS and ASCLD; promote the highest standards of scientific integrity, ethical practice, and professional conduct; and contribute to program, college, and university service.

Required Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to teach, inspire, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Demonstrated commitment to scientific integrity, ethical practice, professionalism, and responsible conduct in research, teaching, service, and student mentorship.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and research management skills, including the ability to meet deadlines, and provide timely, professional, and constructive communication and feedback to students, colleagues, and program stakeholders.
• Proficiency with computer technologies and software applications relevant to teaching, research, and professional activities.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Forensic Science or a closely related field with a focus on Forensic Biology, completed by August 15, 2027.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise and experience in forensic biology, including research, applied forensic science practice, and/or experience in a forensic science laboratory.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications demonstrating scholarly contributions to forensic biology / forensic science.
• Evidence of an active research agenda with the potential to establish and sustain an externally funded research program, demonstrated through successful acquisition of external funding and/or strong potential to secure funding in support of scholarly research activities.
• Evidence of scholarly dissemination through presentations at regional, national, or international scientific conferences (e.g., American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Scientific Conference).
• Active membership and engagement in professional organizations relevant to forensic science (e.g., AAFS, ASCLD, or related professional societies).
• Research interests that align with UND's Rural Health & Communities Grand Challenge (https://und.edu/research/grand-challenges/).

To Apply

To assure full consideration, applications must be received by 11/02/2026 and include the following materials:

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum Vitae, including academic credentials, professional experience, peer-reviewed publications, scholarly presentations, extramural funding, and professional activities and memberships (e.g., American Academy of Forensic Sciences).
• Research statement describing current research activities, future research plans, and potential opportunities for student involvement.
• Teaching philosophy statement.
• Contact information for three professional references.
• Unofficial transcripts. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts upon hire.

Position is open until filled.

Questions can be directed to the Forensic Science Program Director, Lavinia Iancu at lavinia.iancu@und.edu.

Please note, all employment postings close at 11:55pm CST.

Position Benefits

Benefits include single or family health care coverage (UND pays the full premium), life insurance, employee assistance program, retirement plans with generous employer contributions, sick leave in addition to paid holidays.

Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.

UND also offers an employee tuition waiver and a variety of professional development opportunities.

Find out more about UND's great benefits and perks!

Additional Information

All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and Civil Rights & Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Need help?

Please email the Human Resources Department at UND.humanresources@UND.edu or contact us by phone at 701-777-4226. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation to participate in any portion of the University's employment process, including completion of the online application process, please contact our office in advance of your participation or visit.

Veteran’s Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or a copy of NGB 22 from National Guard or Reserve (with a unit located in ND) or certification from the applicant's unit command that the individual is expected to be discharged or released from active duty in the uniformed services under other than dishonorable conditions not later than one hundred twenty days after the date of the submission of the certification. If claiming disabled veteran status, proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and a current letter of disability dated within the past year.

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three or more finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement

The University of North Dakota is an equal opportunity employer (veteran/disability). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin (including shared ancestry/ethnicity), religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, genetic information, marital or parental status, veteran's status, or other protected characteristic. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.