Salary/Position Classification

• $76,000 9-month contract, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: No
• Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): No

Purpose of Position

The Forensic Science Program at the University of North Dakota is seeking a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Forensic Science to begin August 16, 2025, contingent on availability of funding.

The Forensic Science Program is within the Department of Criminal Justice and dates back to 2000 and has roughly 160 majors. The undergraduate curriculum structure includes three concentrations: Forensic Biology; Forensic Chemistry; and Criminal Investigation. The program is in the process of applying for the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission’s (FEPAC) accreditation, 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 educational 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 a 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 over 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.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Forensic Science Program invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Forensic Science. We seek candidates with an active research agenda, including publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and proposal submissions to funding entities. The candidate will have innovative ideas for independent research projects with forensic science applications.

Responsibilities:

• Teach a 2/2 load in the BS Forensic Science Program and potentially in the graduate curriculum.
• Submit a state/federal grant within the first two years of employment.
• Establish an externally funded research agenda.
• Supervise master’s student research theses as needed.

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to teach, inspire, and mentor students.
• Demonstrated skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to adapt to current methods of teaching, including online delivery.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in the broad area of Forensic Science by August 15, 2025.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background 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

• Forensic science experience (research; forensic science laboratory).
• Evidence of teaching competence.
• Record of peer reviewed publications which have contributed to their field of expertise.
• Evidence of potential to secure external funding to support scholarly research.
• Research agenda related to UND’s Rural Health & Communities Grand Challenge (see
  https://und.edu/research/grand-challenges/).

To Apply

To assure full consideration, applications must be received by March 8, 2025 and include the following materials:

• Cover letter addressing qualifications
• Curriculum vitae (to include a list of trainings, attendance at professional meetings such
  as the American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS), presentations given before peer
  groups and publications in peer-reviewed journals)
• List of at least three references (including contact information)
• Research statement (1-2 pages)
• Teaching statement (1-2 pages)

Position is open until filled.

Questions can be directed to the Program Director, Dr. Lavinia Iancu, at lavinia.iancu@und.edu.