Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice – University of Houston-Downtown

Faculty Opportunity: Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice – University of Houston-Downtown

• Institution: University of Houston-Downtown (UHD)

• Academic Unit / Department: Department of Criminal Justice & Social Work, College of Public Service

• Job Reference / Requisition ID: 496883

• Appointment Type: Full-Time, Tenure-Track Faculty

• Academic Rank / Level: Assistant Professor

• Salary / Remuneration: Commensurate with experience and education; exact salary not specified

• Location: Houston, Texas, United States

• Application Deadline: October 2026 – Application Screening Begins; exact date not specified

• Expected Start Date: August 2027

• Visa Sponsorship: Not available

Overview of Role

The Department of Criminal Justice & Social Work at the University of Houston-Downtown invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice position beginning in August 2027.

The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching, criminological and criminal justice research, student mentoring, curriculum development, and service to the department, university, and wider community.

Key Responsibilities & Teaching Scope

• Teach undergraduate and graduate Criminal Justice courses.

• Teach a 3/3 course load during the first year and a 3/4 course load thereafter.

• Deliver courses through multiple instructional formats, including in-person, online, hybrid, and flex modalities as required.

• Conduct meaningful and evolving research in criminology and/or criminal justice.

• Maintain an active record of scholarly productivity.

• Mentor and collaborate with undergraduate and graduate students.

• Contribute to curriculum development within Criminal Justice degree programs.

• Participate in departmental, college, university, and community service activities.

• Support high-impact learning opportunities and student engagement.

Qualifications & Candidate Profile

• Required Education: Ph.D. in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited university by the time of offer.

• Candidates from related disciplines must also possess:

  • A Master’s degree in Criminal Justice or Criminology; OR

  • At least 18 graduate credit hours in Criminal Justice or Criminology.

• A Juris Doctor alone does not qualify as the required terminal degree.

• Preferred Teaching Experience: Instructor-of-record experience in criminal courts and legal courses.

• Preferred Research Areas:

  • Policing

  • Corrections

  • Criminal Courts

• Experience teaching through in-person, online, hybrid, and flex modalities is preferred.

• A clearly articulated and documented research agenda is preferred.

• Evidence of ongoing scholarly activity and research productivity is desirable.

Remuneration & Benefits

• Salary: Commensurate with experience and education.

• Exact salary details are not specified in the official advertisement.

• Benefits are provided according to University of Houston System policies.

• The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Application Checklist & Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Cover Letter

3. Unofficial Graduate Transcripts

4. Contact Information for Three Professional References

5. Completed Online Application

Application Process

• Application Link: https://careers.uh.edu/jobs/assistant-professor-houston-texas-united-states-990f64b1-ba9a-4012-9e1e-e27e0458a0d7

• Application Mode: Online

• Application Screening Begins: October 2026

• Applications will remain open until the position is filled.

• The university aims to complete the selection process by the end of 2026.

• Final candidates will be required to complete a criminal history background check.

Official Website: https://www.uhd.edu/