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.

Department: School of Public Affairs

Time Type: Full time

FLSA Status: 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.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in criminology, sociology, or other closely related discipline; a J.D. or LL.M. alone does not satisfy this requirement. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in scholarly research, effective teaching, and professional accomplishment commensurate with appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank. Competitive candidates will have a sustained record of publication in high-quality peer-reviewed outlets, expertise in social science research methods, and the capacity to contribute to mentoring doctoral students, program development, and other forms of academic leadership.

All faculty are expected to hold office hours and participate in department, 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’s expertise.

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

• Benefits AU offers a competitive benefits package.

Review of applications will begin on September 28, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled, subject to ongoing budgetary approval. The position begins on August 1, 2027. Applicants should have a PhD or an anticipated PhD completion date by August 2027.

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. 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.