The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Political Science and Criminology seeks applications for a two-year term Assistant Professor of Instruction in Criminology & Criminal Justice, starting in August 2026. Teaching responsibilities will include both introductory-level and advanced undergraduate courses in criminology and criminal justice. In-person, on-campus teaching and regular office hours are required. The teaching load is four sections per semester and includes both in-person and fully online courses. In addition, instructional faculty are expected to provide service to the department and the university.

Our programs, which include in-person and online B.A.s in Criminology and Criminal Justice and an online B.A.S. in Criminal Justice, offer a broad mix of theoretical and applied courses that prepare students to work within the criminal justice system and associated organizations. They are located within the Department of Political Science & Criminology, a cohesive unit of 16 full-time and 6 part-time faculty who share a commitment to preparing skilled public service professionals and civic-minded thinkers who will have a positive impact on society. In addition to the programs mentioned above, the department also offers undergraduate programs in Political Science, Public Administration, and Political Communication, as well as a Master of Public Policy program. We also offer several minors and certificates. Most importantly, the department provides a supportive environment for faculty development, growth, and professional success.

The University of Northern Iowa provides a high-quality and diverse educational experience, purposefully guiding students to find and develop their strengths and prepare them for success after college. The university's attractive size, approximately 9,200 students, allows UNI to offer faculty, facilities and academic choices characteristic of a much larger university while retaining a friendly, small-college atmosphere on a park-like campus. UNI has been consistently recognized as one of the "Best Midwest Universities" by U.S. News & World Report. Located in Cedar Falls/Waterloo, the campus is comprised of more than 40 buildings on 940 acres. For more information, visit www.uni.edu.

UNI is located in picturesque Cedar Falls, Iowa, a riverfront town with many recreational, cultural and entertainment opportunities. Downtown Cedar Falls was previously named one of the "30 Most Charming College Town Main Streets" by Best Value Schools. The metro community of Cedar Falls/Waterloo has a combined population of 170,000 and offers a pleasant residential setting with a strong and growing industrial base. Cedar Falls is a friendly, affordable community located about 300 miles from Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City and Chicago. To learn more about the vibrant Cedar Valley community, visit https://livethevalley.com/.

Required Qualifications:

M.A. or M.S. in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or related field, or a Juris Doctorate; ability to develop and teach introductory and upper-level courses within criminology and criminal justice; prior teaching experience at the college level; and an ability to teach both in-person and fully online courses required. All areas of specialization are invited to apply.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ability to create an engaged and applied learning environment in both in-person and online courses preferred.

For more information, please contact Dr. Scott Peters, Professor and Department Head, at 319-273-2727 or e-mail at scott.peters@uni.edu. Pre-employment background checks required.

Application Instructions: 

All application materials received by November 14, 2025, will be given full consideration. To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. The following materials must be attached when applying:

• Curriculum Vita
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness

Names of professional references will be requested at a later stage. You will be presented with the opportunity to attach multiple documents when completing the application. Before submitting your online job application, make sure that all required materials listed above have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email careers-support@uni.edu or call 319-273-2422.

UNI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.

The University offers an excellent benefits package including a vacation plan, employer sponsored retirement plans, health and dental insurance, and life and disability insurance. Benefits package details can be viewed at https://careers.uni.edu/benefits. Application materials received by 11/14/2025 will be given first consideration. For more information or to apply, visit https://careers.uni.edu/. Criminal and other relevant background checks required. UNI is a tobacco free campus.