Position Summary:

The Department of Criminal Justice & Forensic Investigation at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Forensic Investigation. This is a full-time, nine-month, position starting in August of 2025.

The ideal candidate would be a criminalist with laboratory or field experience, but candidates of all specialties are encouraged to apply and will be considered. We seek a candidate who can contribute to curriculum development as we apply for FEPAC accreditation.

The University of Wisconsin System has a nationally top ranked retirement plan and a comprehensive benefits package. 

Responsibilities:

• The successful candidate will have a demonstrated competency teaching multiple existing courses (e.g., Criminalistics, History and Ethics of Forensic Investigation, Senior Seminar) and the capacity to develop and teach courses within their area of expertise. The typical teaching load is 4 courses per semester (4/4).
• Additional responsibilities include serving as student academic advising, 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 may be assigned by the Department Chair. 

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

One of the following:

• A doctoral degree (e.g., PhD, MD, EdD, PsyD) in Forensic Science, a natural science, or a related field. An ABD (all but dissertation), if hired, will be contractually obligated to have earned their degree by January 1, 2026.
• A masters of science (MS) in Forensic Science, a natural science, or a related field and at least five years of work experience in forensics.

Required:

• Ability to teach undergraduate courses in Forensic Science as well as other related courses.
• 1 year of relevant teaching experience at the university level.
• A strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education in a liberal arts environment and a willingness to collaborate with both students and faculty.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Why It’s Great to be a Pioneer:

The Department of Criminal Justice & Forensic Investigation’s Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Education have 5 full-time tenure-track positions and regularly employ an additional 8 instructional academic staff. The undergraduate program offers a BA/BS in Criminal Justice and BS in Forensic Investigation. The department offers a BS and MS in Criminal Justice in an online asynchronous modality.

The Forensic Investigation program is home to the Forensic Investigation Crime Scene House (FICSH), the Decomposition/Taphonomy facility adjoining the FICSH, a criminalistics/fingerprinting lab, and a dry forensic anthropology lab. With around 320 students, the Forensic Investigation program is the third largest on-campus major.

We will apply for FEPAC accreditation in February 2025 for all three of the Forensic Investigation degree emphases (Crime Scene, Medicolegal Death Investigation, and Laboratory).

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, offers 47 baccalaureate and 10 master's programs. It possesses institutional strengths in middle level education, engineering, industrial technology, agriculture, criminal justice and business. The campus is located in Southwest Wisconsin's largest and most historic community. The region offers excellent school systems, high quality medical and hospital facilities, outstanding recreational opportunities, and vibrant businesses and industries. UW-Platteville is a cultural and educational center for the Tri-State region of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Take a virtual tour of our campus!

Application Deadline:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be submitted through our online applicant portal and received by November 4, 2024.

How to Apply:

The following documents are required for applicant consideration:

• Cover letter addressing all required qualifications. The letter should explicitly state how the applicant’s education, experience, and/or area(s) of expertise would contribute to and/or enhance the department’s existing strengths.  
• A Curriculum Vitae.
• Contact information (name, telephone number, and email address) for three professional references.
• A statement of your teaching philosophy.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. For questions regarding this position, please contact: Dr. Will LeSuer, lesuerw@uwplatt.edu, 608-342-1033

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Our mission is to foster a diverse environment that contributes to an inclusive culture and climate by promoting critical discourse and meaningful interactions between all members of our campus community.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is committed to recruiting, supporting and fostering a diverse, inclusive and civil community of outstanding faculty, staff and students, and is an AA/EEO Employer. A criminal background check is required for employment. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the U.S. at time of hire.

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.