Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice-Criminalistics

Job Description Summary

The Department of Criminal Justice in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services at Saint Leo University invites applications for a full-time faculty member holding a doctoral degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or related field (e.g., PhD, DFS, DCJ) with a specialization in criminalistics from an accredited institution. Field experience as a crime scene investigator is required. This position is a 4/4 course load. This position reports to and supports the Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice in the design and implementation of our popular criminalistics specialization, ensures curriculum alignment with university requirements; collaborates with the Chair and department faculty in managing the Crime Scene House, oversees maintenance of equipment and supplies, and serves as the subject matter expert. The successful candidate will also engage in teaching, research, development, and community outreach activities. Applicants with a minimum of three years of collegiate-level teaching experience is preferred.

Job Description

Duties and Tasks:

• Engage in teaching undergraduate courses in criminal justice, including courses in criminalistics and forensic science. (e.g., crime scene investigation, evidence collection)
• Conduct cutting-edge research in the field, contributing to academic publications and grants.
• Provide academic advising and mentorship to students pursuing careers in criminal justice and criminalistics.
• Participate in university service activities and community outreach initiatives.
• Prioritize student success and foster a supportive learning environment.
• Maintain accurate student records and submit grades in a timely fashion.
• Deliver and update course syllabi as needed.
• Assist in curriculum evaluation and development.
• Hold regular office hours and support student development.
• Advise students during course registration.
• Attend faculty, college and department meetings.
• Participate in orientation, admissions, and professional development workshops.
• Engage in student recruitment and retention efforts as needed.
• Attend commencement/graduation ceremonies.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

            Knowledge:

• Doctorate in Criminalistics, Forensic Science, or a related field is preferred.
• In-depth understanding of crime scene investigation techniques and forensic science principles.
• Proficiency in conducting research in criminalistics and forensic science, with a focus on advancing the field.
• Knowledge of academic curriculum development, course development, and instructional design in criminalistics and forensic science.
• Familiarity with current trends and developments in the field of criminalistics and forensic science.
• Experience with application of technology in teaching, particularly use of the D2L learning management system.

Skills:

• Strong communication skills to effectively convey complex forensic concepts.
• Ability to mentor and advise students pursuing careers in criminalistics and forensic science.
• Proficiency in conducting hands-on crime scene investigations and analyzing forensic evidence.
• Excellent in person, online and/or hybrid teaching.
• Demonstrated success with teaching and learning strategies.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working collaboratively.

Abilities:

• Ability to teach undergraduate courses in Criminalistics, Forensic Science and other related courses.
• 3 years of relevant teaching experience at the university level.
• Ability to engage and inspire students in the learning process, fostering a supportive and inclusive academic environment.
• Capacity to collaborate with colleagues on interdisciplinary research projects and community outreach initiatives.
• Ability to contribute to the university's service activities and engage with the broader community to promote awareness of forensic science.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field of criminalistics and forensic science.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective interactions with a diverse student and colleague community.
• Experience recruiting and retaining students.
• Willingness to take initiative and thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated competency teaching multiple existing courses and the capacity to develop and teach courses within their area of expertise.
• Additional responsibilities include serving as student academic advisor, actively participating in research/scholarship/professional activities, providing career advising/mentorship to students, and engaging in service to the department, university, profession, and public.
• Other duties as may be assigned by the Department Chair. 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

In addition to your curriculum vitae, the following documents are required for consideration. Please be sure to check the email under which you applied for important instructions on completing remaining steps, including uploading documents in the second step of the application packet process as follows:

• Cover Letter
• Teaching Philosophy - (500 words or less), should highlight how your teaching philosophy and practices fit the Mission and Values of Saint Leo University.
• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation – All letters of recommendation should be professional references and at least one (1) from a recent superior. If you do not have those documents at the time of application, please upload a text or word document stating, "Recommendations will be sent independently." Recommendation letters can be mailed to Academic Affairs at the address stated below
• Student Evaluations (six classes minimum) – Student evaluations from the last year (at least six classes, an even mix of graduate and undergraduate).

TRANSCRIPTS

Official transcripts are required for all adjuncts and all final full-time faculty candidates

Official transcripts for Master, Graduate, and Doctorate degrees are required to complete your application packet and are to be issued directly to Saint Leo University from the respective education institution.*

Transcripts that are “Issued to Student” or issued to another institution are not accepted. Digital and/or electronic transcripts cannot be accepted at this time.

World Education Services (WES) Evaluation – A certified evaluation and translation from World Education Services (WES) is required for foreign transcripts and/or any and all degrees obtained from international universities. Expenses for official transcripts are the responsibility of the applicant.

Please have transcripts and certified evaluations mailed to:

Attn: Veronica Mantegna Academic Affairs – MC 2006 Saint Leo University

PO Box 6665

Saint Leo, Florida 33574

Full-time faculty positions are pending final budget approval prior to start of the academic year.

Why Work at Saint Leo?

What it’s Like to Work Here: Ask our employees and the one word they’d use to describe working at Saint Leo University is “Community.” Our team members all share the Saint Leo core values, positive attitudes, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to provide excellent student centered service. Our mission is educating and preparing students for life and leadership in a challenging world.  Thank you for your interest in joining the Saint Leo PRIDE!

We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At Saint Leo, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs. Available benefits based on employment status (Full Time vs Part Time).

• FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents*
• Tuition Exchange Opportunity - Dependent of Employees*
• Generous Paid Leave - Sick, Vacation, and Holidays
• Comprehensive Group Health Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Group Medical Plan includes Teledoc, Surgery Plus, Wellness Incentive Program and more!
• 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account
• 100% Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program (healthcare and dependent options)
• Employer-provided life insurance
• Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
• Nationwide Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Wellness Center

*Eligibility based on meeting required service period

2025 ICUBA Benefits Guide_St Leo