Forensic Science Instructor

Arizona State University West Valley Campus, Glendale, AZ, US

Responsibilities

The School of Interdisciplinary Forensics (SIF) at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for one full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure-eligible faculty position at the rank of instructor to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in forensic science. Instructors are pedagogical specialists who bear the primary responsibility for their assigned courses. The successful candidate will be required to teach ten (10) courses during the academic year, five (5) per semester. This position involves both in-person and online teaching. Salary is based on qualifications at hire. The start date is the August 2026 semester, with an estimated end date of May 15, 2027. Subsequent one-year appointments may be offered, under the same terms and conditions, at the discretion of the university, but are not guaranteed.

Our forensic science program includes courses such as a forensic science seminar, principles of forensic science, investigating death, advanced crime scene mapping, statistical applications in forensic science, fundamentals of forensic analysis, forensic anthropology, forensic botany, forensic chemistry, forensic molecular biology, forensic entomology, forensic photography, forensic toxicology, analysis of nonhuman forensic DNA evidence, advanced topics in human DNA typing, human osteology and forensic techniques, and wildlife forensics. Accordingly, we encourage people with expertise in a broad array of forensic sciences and closely related fields apply. That said, we especially encourage applications from candidates with expertise in forensic chemistry, forensic toxicology, or the analysis of seized drugs.

About the School:
The School of Interdisciplinary Forensics (SIF) bridges science, law, and justice, offering a unique approach to forensic education. The school has strengths in the psychological sciences (social, clinical, developmental psychology, and psychology and law), natural sciences (anthropology, biology, chemistry, entomology, and genetics), and information technology (cybersecurity, digital forensics). We integrate a wide-array of disciplines, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of science's role in the legal system. With a focus on real-world applications and ethical considerations, SIF prepares students for careers that require both scientific expertise and a deep commitment to justice and truth. https://newcollege.asu.edu/school-interdisciplinary-forensics.

Essential Functions of the Position:

  • Teach forensic science courses to undergraduate and/or graduate students in face-to-face, hybrid, or online formats.
  • Prepare course syllabi, lectures, learning exercises, exams, and other course materials, and grade assignments and assessments.
  • Develop, maintain, and update course materials as appropriate to the field and modality.
  • Maintain regular availability to students, including office hours as appropriate to course modality.
  • Monitor student success and regularly respond to student academic issues.
  • Coordinate regular communication with ASU Online ancillary support services and graduate student teaching assistants.
  • Engage in regular professional development.
  • Foster collegiality throughout the organization.
  • Complete periodic mandatory training.
  • Monitor and respond to university, college, and school communication and requests.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • An earned master’s degree in forensic science or a closely related scientific field (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, physical anthropology); or
  • An earned bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a closely related scientific field and significant professional experience in forensic science practice at the time of hire.

Desired Qualifications:

  • An earned master’s or doctoral degree in forensic science or a closely related scientific field (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, physical anthropology, criminology, psychology, etc.);
  • Two or more years of experience working in public or private settings in a forensic scientific field;
  • Two or more semesters of teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels either online or in-person;
  • Expertise in forensic chemistry, forensic toxicology, or the analysis of seized drugs;
  • Demonstrated commitment to working successfully with students from a wide variety of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, including first-generation college students;
  • Evidence of teaching effectiveness as demonstrated by one or more of the following: student evaluations, peer evaluations, annual performance evaluations, prior course syllabi, etc.;
  • Experience with technology/course management systems such as Canvas; and
  • Demonstrated excellent English written and verbal communication skills.

Compensation

Not Specified

How to apply

Application Deadline:
The initial application deadline is June 12, 2026, at 11:59 pm, Eastern Standard Time. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. A background check and official transcripts are required prior to employment. For assistance with your application, or for position-related questions, contact Kristin Warriner at Kristin.Warriner@asu.edu.

Application Procedure:
Only electronic submissions via Interfolio will be reviewed. All required materials must be submitted at the time of initial application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please submit all application materials to https://apply.interfolio.com/186932.

Applications must contain:

  1. A letter of application/cover letter of no more than two pages in length that addresses the required and desired qualifications and how your experience will demonstrate the ASU Charter;
  2. Curriculum vitae or résumé with contact information, including telephone number and e-mail address;
  3. One-page statement of teaching philosophy; and
  4. Information for three professional references (including their positions, titles, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers); 
  5. one reference must be from the applicant’s current employer.

Applicants advancing to stages beyond the initial review may be asked to provide additional materials, including evaluations of prior teaching.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
A background check is required for employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. (See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/).

 

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