Assistant Professor in Criminology

The Criminology and Criminal Justice Program in the School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning in Fall 2027. The area of specialization is open. We welcome applicants from across the field of criminology and criminal justice who will contribute to the program's research mission through rigorous scholarship. We are especially interested in candidates who seek to build partnerships with local criminal justice and community agencies to advance evidence-based practices and inform policy.

The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction, including doctoral education, and demonstrate a commitment to student mentorship and scholarly development. Candidates should show promise for building a productive research agenda, pursuing external funding opportunities, and engaging in collaborative research that benefits both the discipline and the community. The standard teaching load is four courses per academic year (2/2).

The appointment commences for the fall 2027 semester.

Minimum Education and Experience: A PhD in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or a related discipline is required prior to employment; those with ABD status will be considered at the application/interviewing stage. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals with a range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. We are seeking candidates able to produce research and scholarly or creative achievements that enhance the program and the discipline, and able to deliver high quality teaching using evidence-based practices to effectively engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

The Program and School

The Criminology and Criminal Justice Program is housed in the interdisciplinary School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, which fosters collaboration across economics, political science, public policy, and related fields. The program offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees and is home to the only Ph.D. in Criminology in the University of Texas System. Faculty members have established a strong record of scholarly productivity and national research distinction. Recent doctoral graduates have secured tenure-track appointments at Carnegie R1 and R2 universities and research positions in leading criminal justice agencies, reflecting the program's commitment to rigorous scholarship and career preparation.

Faculty maintain active research agendas that encompass both fundamental scholarship and applied work with criminal justice agencies and community partners, including the Dallas Police Department, Tarrant County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, the Collin County Sheriff's Office, and VolunteerNow, among others. These collaborations support evidence-based practice, program evaluation, and the translation of research into policy. The program also offers distinctive experiential opportunities, including the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, student internships that involve real-world case work, and study-abroad experiences that broaden students' perspectives on justice systems.

The University of Texas at Dallas is a Carnegie-designated R1 research university located on a suburban campus in Richardson, Texas, in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex-one of the nation's largest, most diverse, and fastest-growing metropolitan regions. With more than 30,000 students, UT Dallas reflects the diversity and dynamism of the region. Faculty members enjoy competitive benefits, including eligibility to participate in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas pension plan.

Applicants should upload the following:

* Full curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing their interests and qualifications for the position.

* Statement of teaching philosophy describing their conceptualizations of teaching and learning, and teaching and assessment methods, and how their teaching practices will engage students from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

* Research statement describing past, present, and future research, including how they mentor (or will mentor) student researchers and foster (or will foster) collaborative research environments.

* Full contact information for at least three academic or professional references.

Priority will be given to completed applications received by 10/21/2026. Reviews will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed on 12/14/2026.

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Tony Love, Program Head of Criminology and Criminal Justice, at tony.love@utdallas.edu.

The University and Community

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer 160 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, plus undergraduate and graduate certificates. Our student body is around 30,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of perspectives and experiences. Over 60% of our undergraduate students receive some form of need- or merit-based financial aid, and 62% of graduating seniors have no student debt compared to 49% in all Texas publics and 51% in all national publics ( UT Dallas Fast Facts).

Under the dynamic leadership of President Prabhas V. Moghe, UT Dallas is charting a path built on three strategic pillars - student success, academic and research convergence, and external impact. Guided by the Roadmap 2030 plan, UT Dallas will accelerate its upward trajectory to become a university of even greater impact and distinction.

UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world. Our mission centers on providing Texas and the nation with excellent and innovative education and research. The University's rapid growth is fueled by our creative and enterprising spirit, bright students, innovative programs, renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and research that matters.

The University promotes a welcoming environment through programs and initiatives designed to support engagement and success for members of the campus community. Employee benefits include a range of physical and mental wellness resources, competitive insurance and retirement plan options, lactation facilities located throughout the campus, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) comprised of individuals who share common interests to help build community among UT Dallas faculty and staff (e.g., Universal Access ERG, Military and Veteran ERG, UT Dallas Young Professionals). Additionally, the University's modern campus, 400+ campus organizations, and prime location foster collaboration and community.

Situated in Richardson, Texas, the University's location offers abundant professional development and entertainment options. The Dallas-Fort Worth ( DFW) metroplex is rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails, and much more, ensuring there's something for everyone. The University's partnerships with regional higher education institutions, local school districts, numerous companies, and the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ) - a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities - promote collaboration, professional growth, and educational excellence.

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

* Ph.D. in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field in hand by the time of appointment ( ABD candidates will be considered)
* Evidence of (or clear potential for) a high-quality research agenda
* Commitment to effective teaching and student mentoring at both undergraduate and graduate levels
* Potential to secure external research funding

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence
Prepare and teach undergraduate and/or graduate classes
Contribute assessment information and data as requested
Mentor and/or advise undergraduate and/or graduate students
Establish and/or continue an independent line of research
Continue to expand professional influence in the academic discipline through research and/or publication
Engage in service within the academic unit, the university, and the profession as appropriate based on teaching and research constraints
Teach four (4) classes each academic year

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator . For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.