Political Science and Criminal Justice: Visiting Assistant Professor in Criminal Justice

POSITION: A full-time, instructional academic staff position is available in the Department of Political Science & Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Criminal Justice for the 2026‑2027 academic year beginning August 17, 2026.  The official title is Lecturer with a working title of Visiting Assistant Professor.  This is a one-year appointment with salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

QUALIFICATIONS: A master’s degree is required from a regionally accredited institution in criminal justice or related discipline. Progress to a doctoral degree in criminal justice or criminology is preferred. The following will be considered assets: evidence of successful teaching at the collegiate level; demonstrated commitment to support and enhance the diversity and cultural and global awareness of students, faculty, and staff.

DUTIES : We seek candidates who demonstrate an ability to teach core and elective courses in our curriculum. Preference will be given to applicants with experience or interest in teaching courses in corrections, policing, and research methods.

THE UNIT: The Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice consists of 13 full-time faculty in the fields of political science and criminal justice. With approximately 400 majors and 150 minors, the department is one of the largest in the College of Arts and Sciences. Our award-winning program faculty work collaboratively with students on research, oversee service-learning and internship projects, lead international and domestic immersion experiences, and have opportunities to teach abroad.

UNIVERSITY and EAU CLAIRE COMMUNITY: UW-Eau Claire, an institution of approximately 9,000 students and 1,100 faculty and staff, is consistently recognized as a top comprehensive university in the Midwest and is widely known as a leader in faculty-undergraduate research and study abroad. We strive for excellence in liberal education and select graduate and professional programs through commitment to teaching and learning and dedication to our core values of diversity, sustainability, leadership, and innovation. To learn more about UWEC, visit https://www.uwec.edu/human-resources/employment-opportunities/.

The City of Eau Claire, situated at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, is at the center of a metropolitan area of approximately 100,000 people located 90 miles east of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The area features beautiful parks and trails, strong public schools, a vibrant arts scene and local food culture, and abundant recreational opportunities.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Applications are submitted electronically. Please follow instructions found on the following Web site: https://wisconsin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UW_Comprehensives   (Job ID #10010975).  Please be sure you have included the following in PDF format:

• Letter of application
• Curriculum vita
• Unofficial graduate school transcript
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Names and contact information for three references.

Please direct requests for additional information to:

Geoff Peterson, Chair of the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice, petersgd@uwec.edu.

To ensure consideration, completed applications must be received by June 1, 2026  However, screening may continue until position is filled.

• Facilitates classroom, online and/or laboratory instruction for one or more courses, including assessment of student performance

• Serves as an initial point of contact for students as it relates to specific course or series content and expectations

• Develops instructional design and curriculum relevant to a course of instruction

UW-Eau Claire, an institution of approximately 9,000 students and 1,200 faculty and staff, is consistently recognized as a top comprehensive university in the Midwest and is widely known as a leader in faculty-undergraduate research and study abroad. We strive for excellence in liberal education and select graduate and professional programs through commitment to teaching and learning and dedication to our core values of diversity, sustainability, leadership, and innovation. To learn more about UWEC, visit  https://www.uwec.edu/human-resources/employment-opportunities/ . 

The City of Eau Claire, situated at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, is at the center of a metropolitan area of approximately 100,000 people located 90 miles east of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The area features beautiful parks and trails, strong public schools, a vibrant arts scene and local food culture, and abundant recreational opportunities. 

The university reserves the right to contact additional references with notice given to the candidates at an appropriate time in the process. Employment will require a background check. Employment will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding past conduct related to sexual violence and sexual harassment. 

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7). 

The UW-Eau Claire Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for learning and working. Although crime at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is limited, the University Police want students, faculty and staff to be aware of crime on campus and the area surrounding the campus. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose annual information about campus crime. Visit Campus Security and Fire Report. Also visit our Campus Security Authority(CSA) policy. 

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.