Assistant Professor of Forensic Science

Position Information: DescriptionThe Forensic Science Program is seeking a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Forensic Science to begin August 16, 2023, contingent on availability of funding.

The Forensic Science Program is within the Department of Criminal Justice and dates back to 2000 with roughly 100 majors. The curriculum structure includes three concentrations: Forensic Biology; Forensic Chemistry; and Criminal Investigation. The program is in the process of aligning with the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission’s (FEPAC) accreditation standards, to expand and strengthen the students’ academic training. The Forensic Science Program at UND will address these needs and strengthen the student’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. The program offers a combination of education and practical training that will prepare students for a career in forensic science. The hands-on training constitutes a major part of this program, so that the student's practical experience will be well developed for both field and lab work.

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in North Dakota. It is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having high research activity. Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, UND has grown into a prominent scientific research university and was recently ranked among the top 100 public and top 25 most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report, and is widely regarded as among the top universities in the American Northern Plains region. UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study with nearly 14,000 students. It is the home of the state’s only School of Law. The School of Medicine has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.

UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 57,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Short commutes, a great public-school system, high quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages. Ranked as one of the top 5 Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.

Position Benefits

Benefits include single or family health care coverage (UND pays the full premium), basic life insurance, employee assistance program, retirement plans with generous employer contributions, and 10 paid holidays.

Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.

UND also offers an employee tuition waiver and a variety of professional development opportunities.

Find out more about UND's great benefits and perks here!

Duties & ResponsibilitiesThe teaching load will be 2/2 during the initial academic year. The instructional assignment is expected to include courses focused on friction ridge processing and examination; footwear, tire marks and toolmarks evidence examination; traceology and event reconstruction; forensic photography, and analysis of forensic evidence.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to establish a productive research agenda, seek external funding, and contribute to the University’s Grand Challenges (see https://und.edu/research/grand-challenges/). Topics related to this Grand Challenge can be broadly considered. All faculty are expected to contribute service within the department, college, university, and community. UND and the College of Arts & Sciences values diverse perspectives and seeks applicants who are committed to helping students from underrepresented backgrounds succeed.

Required Competencies

• Appropriate proficiency in computer-based work and related software applications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to inspire and mentor students.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to work with and engage diverse students and colleagues within and outside the Forensic Science Program.
• Ability to adapt to current methods of teaching, including online delivery.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in a natural science or a closely related forensic science discipline by August 15, 2023.
• Successful completion of criminal history records check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of teaching competence
Record of peer reviewed publications which have contributed to the candidate’s field of expertiseAbility to secure external funding to support scholarly research and publishing original researchProfessional experience in a laboratory actively engaged in forensic science investigationsExperience maintaining accreditation related standards within a forensic science laboratory under ISO/IEC 17025

Minimum Hiring SalarySalary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Contract Period/Start DatePosition is full-time, benefitted and exempt. Dates of initial contract are August 16, 2023, to May 15, 2024.

To ApplyTo assure full consideration, applications must be received by January 10, 2023, and include the following materials:

Cover letter addressing qualifications
• Curriculum vitae - to include a list of training, attendance at professional meetings such as the American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS)
List of at least three references (including contact information)Unofficial transcripts. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts upon hire.Research statement (1-2 pages)Teaching statement (1-2 pages)If applicable, proof of eligibility for veteran’s preference

Position is open until filled.

Questions can be directed to the Program Director, Dr. Lavinia Iancu, at [email protected].

Additional Information

To find out why living and working in Greater Grand Forks is way cooler, check out Grand Forks is Cooler.

All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three or more finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement

The University of North Dakota is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or other protected characteristic. Women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants are invited to provide information regarding their gender, race and/or ethnicity, veteran’s status and disability status as part of the application process. This information will remain confidential and separate from your application.

Veteran’s Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or NGB 22 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.