Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Position Details

University of Colorado | Denver
Faculty Level/Title: Assistant Professor
Working Title: Assistant Professor – Criminal Justice
FTE: Full-Time
Salary Range: $76,000 - $87,000
Position #00008187– Requisition #41345

Join the University of Colorado Denver

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Job Description

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers

The University of Colorado Denver seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.

The nationally-ranked, NASPAA accredited School of Public Affairs (SPA) at the University of Colorado Denver seeks a full-time 9-month/academic year Assistant Professor for the CJ programs within SPA, starting fall of 2027. The standard teaching load is four courses over the academic year in person and online (2 in each semester). There may be additional summer teaching opportunities available as a separate contract as well.

The candidate must be able to teach in our BACJ and MCJ cores, as well as some elective courses within the CJ programs.

A strong research trajectory is required. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and sustain an active program of high-quality research, including actively pursuing external funding. Experience with externally funded research, including participation in or leadership of grant proposals, is highly desirable.

We are seeking a very collegial scholar, who feels comfortable doing CJ research/teaching within a broader applied social science/public affairs school setting.

Experience working with scholars from other related fields is a plus.

Assistant Professor – Criminal Justice

What you will do:

Teaching:

• Teach courses online and in-person as needed by SPA
• Teach courses at both the Undergraduate and Graduate (master’s) level as needed by SPA
• May teach cross-listed courses with Public Administration, and Public Policy programs as needed by SPA
• Areas of expertise and teaching areas that we are looking for could include, but are not limited to:
  • Criminological Theory, Interpersonal or Community Violence, Courts, Victimology, Statistics and Research Methods, Data Visualization, GIS, Mixed Method Design, and Practice-Informed Analysis.

Service & Leadership

• Contribute to the ongoing growth of the Criminal Justice program through committee service, student mentorship (formal academic advising provided by professional advisors in the School), serving as a second reader on capstone projects, and positively contributing to SPA programs

Research

• To help us achieve our campus goal to become internationally known for our research and creative work, the successful candidate will be expected to develop and sustain a strong program of high-quality research and contribute to the overall research agenda of the School of Public Affairs. Expectations include producing peer-reviewed scholarship and actively pursuing external funding. Interest and experience in collaborative and interdisciplinary research are desirable.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• PhD in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Public Affairs, Sociology, or a closely related field.
• Applicants must have teaching experience and effectiveness in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Public Affairs/Public Policy, and/or Sociology programs.
• A strong research trajectory.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

• Demonstrated ability/experience teaching online classes
• Success and/or experience with grant funded research
• Experience designing and teaching courses with a university learning management system (preferably Canvas)
• Ability and experience teaching at the graduate and undergraduate level.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Willingness to contribute to the holistic growth of the Criminal Justice Program
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Outstanding student service skills and a student-centered attitude
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.

Conditions of Employment

• This position follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office, as needed, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. Working from the office is encouraged when working on tasks that require a high degree of collaboration.
• The search committee may conduct a limited number of preliminary interviews during the ASC Annual Meeting. These interviews may be scheduled through and conducted in the ASC Employment Exchange designated interview area. Participation in conference-based interviews is optional and will not adversely affect consideration for this position. Applicants who are not attending the conference will have alternative interview opportunities available.

Mental, Physical, and/or Environmental Requirements

• This position may be performed in a hybrid or remote environment, requiring the ability to work effectively in a remote setting. This includes maintaining a dedicated workspace free of excessive noise or distractions, reliable internet connectivity, and the ability to participate in virtual meetings for extended periods. Employees must be able to independently manage time, remain stationary for prolonged computer-based work, and transport necessary equipment (such as a laptop and peripherals) between their remote work location and the office as needed.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu .

Employment Sponsorship

Please be advised that this position is eligible now and in the future for visa sponsorship. While the hiring unit is willing to pursue visa sponsorship, an offer of employment will be contingent on the candidate having a visa status that allows employment with the University as of the start date for the position or the University’s petition being approved and on the candidate being able to obtain the appropriate visa status.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE: $76,000 - $87,000 per academic year depending on experience and other qualifications.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training. The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

This position not eligible for overtime compensation.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Benefits statement to include in all benefits-eligible positions. See Eligibility Matrix.

Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits
Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline

• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by Monday, November 9, 2026 a 11:59:00 PM. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:

To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:

• For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
  • A letter of interest describing relevant teaching experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and specifying any experience or abilities that you meet in our preferred qualifications list. The letter should speak to your ability and/or experience teaching students across different modalities (in-person, online, hybrid, etc).
  • Curriculum vitae / Resume
  • List of three to five professional references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references)
  • Any FCQs or student evaluations for the last 2 years, if available.

Questions should be directed to: Chris Smith at chris.smith@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Policy

The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.