Tenure-Track Position, Assistant Professor, Justice Studies
The Justice Studies Department at Northeastern Illinois University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year. Successful applicants will have a demonstrated ability to teach and conduct research in a substantive area focused on the intersections of social inequality with any of the following: criminology, the criminal justice system, the law, and/or restorative and transformative justice. Subspecialties within these areas are open, although a teaching expertise in multiple relevant areas would be particularly welcome, regarding any of the following: critical criminology, critical legal studies, criminal justice system reform, legal reform and constitutional law, and/or restorative and transformative justice – particularly as they intersect with efforts to create a more just society. Expertise in reforms within and alternatives to the criminal-legal system, including grassroots restorative and transformative justice movements, is also desirable.
The position carries a 3:3 undergraduate teaching load. The successful candidate will teach core courses in criminal justice and in the pre-law minor, offer criminal justice electives, and contribute to the core curriculum for the major, as well as to interdisciplinary programs at NEIU. Faculty in this position requires on-campus presence at all times. Teaching may take place at any of the university’s locations, including the main campus, El Centro, and the Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies.
In addition to having a dedication to teaching excellence, candidates will be able to work in a culturally diverse environment, have a related critical scholarly research agenda with potential for publications, and have a commitment to service to the institution, profession, and the broader community.
Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in a social science field and/or a J.D. from an accredited institution; a strong commitment to teaching, scholarship, and service.
This position requires a background check.
Salary: $65,000-$68,000
Benefits:
Benefits for qualifying employees are managed through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). More information can be found by visiting the Employee Benefits page.
Instructions to Applicants:
Complete the online application form, which will ask you to upload the following documents:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of Teaching & Research
- Unofficial transcripts
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., course evaluations)
- Evidence of research (e.g., dissertation chapter, peer-reviewed journal article, etc.)
In addition, three reference letters should be emailed (with the email subject “Asst Prof Reference for [applicant name]”) to: justice-studies@neiu.edu
Copies of unofficial transcripts are accepted; however, official transcripts for all earned degrees will be required of candidates selected for final interviews.
Reviews of eligible applicants will begin on December 8, 2025, and will continue until the position has been filled.
About Northeastern Illinois University
Founded in 1867, Northeastern has a rich tradition of educational innovation and prides itself on preparing teachers and administrators who make a difference in Chicago. That tradition continues to this day and has expanded to include an array of academic disciplines, allowing the University to embrace fully the community in which it resides. Northeastern is regarded as one of the most diverse public comprehensive universities in the Midwest and is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Diversity is an important factor in the character of Northeastern and in the social fabric of its student body. The University has an enrollment of more than 5,700 students; African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students represent about 57 percent of the student body.
With a Main Campus located on roughly 67 acres in an attractive residential area on the Northwest Side of Chicago, the University offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, education, and business. The University has additional locations in the metropolitan area: the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies and El Centro. Northeastern is also a founding member of the University Center of Lake County consortium campus in suburban Lake County.
Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and invites applications from women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.