Appointment Type: Tenure Track
State Title: Professor
Bargaining Unit: AFT
Employment Type: 35 hours per week/Full-time
Expected Term: Start Date: August 7, 2027 - End Date: June 7, 2030
Compensation: Range 30/Salary $133,258.36 - $143,508.70
About TCNJ
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a highly selective institution that is consistently recognized as one of the top comprehensive colleges in the nation. Founded in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, TCNJ maintains the eighth highest four-year graduation rate among all public colleges and universities. It is ranked by Money as one of the top 15 public colleges “most likely to pay off financially,” and U.S. News & World Report rates it the No. 1 public institution among regional universities in the northeast.
Position Overview:
TCNJ seeks a seasoned scholar and leader with experience effectively chairing a department or directing a program. The successful candidate will enter TCNJ at the rank of tenured full professor and assume the chairperson position in the Department of Criminology. The disciplinary areas of specialization are open, but candidates must have a Ph.D. in Criminology/Criminal Justice, or related fields with a research emphasis in Criminology/Criminal Justice. A Juris Doctorate alone is not sufficient for consideration. The successful candidate should demonstrate an ability to teach undergraduate students effectively, to maintain an active research agenda, to collaborate with undergraduate researchers, and to articulate a dynamic vision for the Department. The Department seeks a collaborative leader who values shared governance, fosters collegiality, and is committed to working with faculty to advance the Department's academic mission and shared goals. The standard teaching load is six courses per academic year (three courses per semester), but while serving as department chair, the successful candidate will teach a three-course load and receive three course releases over the academic year. In addition, they will receive a stipend for summer work in the Department while off the ten-month contract. The expectation is that the successful candidate will serve as department chairperson for a total of six years.
TCNJ articulates its requirements for faculty reappointment and promotion in the College’s Reappointment and Promotions Document and the Criminology and Justice Studies Department outlines the standards for scholarship in its Disciplinary Standards Document. Faculty are represented by American Federation of Teachers Local 2364, which belongs to the Council of New Jersey State College Locals.
TCNJ has a strong commitment to inclusive excellence in our community and to supporting a healthy work-life balance for our faculty of teacher-scholars. Teaching and research are mutually supportive activities at TCNJ. Candidates should be strongly committed to the teacher-scholar model, to maintaining both high quality teaching and an active and productive program of scholarship, and to encouraging and mentoring highly motivated students in intensive work both inside and outside the classroom. They also serve as academic advisors and have service responsibilities within their department, school, and the college. Although not required for tenure or promotion, TCNJ encourages and supports faculty who seek external funding.
TCNJ supports its community of teacher-scholars through a progressive faculty workload model, internal grants and sabbatical programs, funds for professional travel, engaging professional development programs, and other professional development opportunities. These intentional efforts support the recruitment, retention, and success of our faculty, particularly our teacher-scholars from groups traditionally underrepresented in academe.
Responsibilities:
- A Ph.D. in Criminology/Criminal Justice or a closely related field. A Juris Doctorate alone is not sufficient for consideration.
- A demonstrable record of effectively teaching Criminology courses at the undergraduate level, and courses in related fields if they have a joint appointment with a closely related department.
- Demonstrated leadership experience and a commitment to fostering a collaborative, collegial, and inclusive departmental environment.
- A record of peer-reviewed publications and a successful research agenda that is clearly defined and can involve undergraduate student researchers.
- The ability to demonstrate cultural competency, foster inclusive learning environments, and show mutual respect and support for students and colleagues.
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in Criminology or a closely related field.
- Record of effectively teaching criminological courses at the undergraduate level.
- Record of peer-reviewed publications and a successful and sustained research agenda that is defined clearly and can involve undergraduate student researchers.
- Cultural competence and the ability to foster inclusive learning environments and mutual respect for students and colleagues.
Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in order to perform the essential functions of the position. If the requested accommodation(s) cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, the applicant may not be eligible for the position.
Employer Qualifications
Employment at TCNJ is contingent upon the successful completion of an applicable background check, reference checks, and verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States (Form I-9).
Accommodation: Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview should contact hr@tcnj.edu.
Employee Benefits
As a member of The College of New Jersey Community, you will be a part of an exciting and rewarding public college career. Eligible full-time employees will be able to take advantage of a generous benefits package that includes health, welfare, and retirement benefits, including:
- Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental and prescription plans
- Generous leave entitlements program and Energy Savings Program
- Employee and dependent Tuition Waiver and Reimbursement Program
- Pension, retirement, and deferred compensation plans, group life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee affinity groups
- New Jersey State Employee Discount Program (Pet insurance, cell phone plan discounts, discounted amusement park tickets, etc.)
- Access to extensive learning opportunities
To view a comprehensive list of benefits available to employees, visit our Health Benefits Plans and Programs page to learn more!
How to Apply
Candidates should submit (a) a letter of application highlighting their interest and qualifications, (b) a curriculum vitae, (c) a statement of teaching philosophy/approach (no longer than two pages), (d) a description of research interests and goals (no longer than two pages), (e) a statement of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (no longer than one page), (f) unofficial transcripts (graduate and undergraduate), and (g) names and contact information for three professional references.
Applications should be submitted electronically online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, applications should be received by December 4, 2026.
Inquiries about this position may be directed to the Search Committee at Crimdept@tcnj.edu. Please include “Criminology Faculty Search” in the subject line.
The College is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus community that respects and uplifts individuals from all backgrounds. We value the varied perspectives, experiences, and talents of all members of our community and strive to create an environment where everyone has equitable access to opportunities for success. As an equal opportunity employer, we comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. We encourage applications from individuals whose lived experiences and professional interests align with our institutional mission of academic excellence, access, and integrity.
Primary Location: Social Sciences - Criminology
Work Locations: Social Sciences - Criminology, 2000 Pennington Rd, Ewing Township, 08628
