Job ID

FU9747-0002-1912

Position Classification

FT Faculty UDMPU (9 month)

Position Summary

The Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Detroit Mercy invites applications for a position at the rank of Instructor in Criminal Justice, with specialization in Forensic Evidence Collection to begin August 16, 2026. 

The Department of Criminal Justice is deeply committed to the University’s distinctive mission of educational excellence to a diverse student population within a vibrant urban context with a strong emphasis on community engagement. Our department offers cutting-edge courses in criminology, intelligence, cybercrime and criminal justice, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world forensics and criminal investigation that prepares them to combat the ever-evolving justice arena. To learn more about our department, click here.

Disciplinary specialization is open. Applicants focusing on criminal investigation; forensics, evidence collection; family violence; substance abuse and crime; correctional science; protective security theories of criminal justice; research methodology; law and the courts; social justice; or homeland security and executive protection are encouraged to apply. The department seeks candidates with demonstrated excellence in teaching and real world experience. The successful candidate will contribute significantly to our undergraduate program, teaching introductory criminal justice courses in addition to those in their area of specialization. 

The teaching load is four courses (12 credits) for Fall and Winter semesters for a total of eight courses per academic year. Successful candidates will be effective and enthusiastic teachers with a strong commitment to undergraduate education. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Implement teaching strategies that foster students’ development while creating an inclusive, respectful, supportive, and welcoming learning environment. 
• Be available to students by email and in person to provide support and assistance outside of class. Hold regular weekly office hours.
• Refer students to appropriate University support services as needed.
• Provide students with course syllabi consistent with University guidelines that provide clear expectations, including grading and course policies and student support services.
• Utilize the University’s Learning Management System (Blackboard) to post instructional content, record grades, etc.  
• Provide robust feedback and return assignments to students in a timely manner. Submit mid-term and final grades by the scheduled deadlines. 
• Maintain appropriate records of students’ work. Bring any incidents of academic dishonesty to the attention of the College. 
• Participate in course assessment and other pedagogical development opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications  

• Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Intelligence Analysis, Security Administration Criminology, or a related field is required.
• Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching.
• Demonstrated professional training, education, and development with a commitment to experiential learning.
• Evidence of real-world professional experience with a focus on Forensics, Criminalistics, Evidence Collection, Police Operations and Corrections.   

Preferred Qualifications 

• Demonstrated professional experience with or understanding of criminal justice and corrections.
• Demonstrated experience helping undergraduate students, including first-generation college students, successfully transition to college-level coursework.
• Evidence of capacity to engage with a diverse student body.
• Demonstrated capacity to facilitate interactive curricular projects and community-engaged learning as a liaison or similar role.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Candidates apply by completing an application and uploading materials that include: 

• Letter of application that states the applicant’s interest in the position, credentials relative to the required items listed in the “Qualifications” section, and illustration of how their experience and prior teaching relate to Criminal Justice, Forensics, and/or Corrections.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Teaching portfolio, including selected course materials such as syllabi, detailed course proposals, assignments, and/or lesson plans.
• Statement (1-3 pages), outlining teaching philosophy, practices, and approaches to fostering student learning and engagement.
• Official transcripts and a list of three references, including at least one reference who can speak directly to the candidate’s teaching, will be requested of the successful candidate for the position. They are not required at time of initial application.

Deadline for applications: May 4, 2026, and will continue until an appointment is made.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Prof. Erick Barnes, Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice: barnese@udmercy.edu. 

Salary/Pay Information

Commensurate with experience.

Physical Requirements

Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. Occasionally lift average weight objects (1 to 10 pounds).

Work Environment

Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal o?ce.

Employee Benefits 

At the University of Detroit Mercy we continually strive to provide a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package to our valued employees. We offer our employees the following: 

· Medical -

       o Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network

· Dental -

          o Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life 

Dental Care is available at the School of Dentistry to the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents (dependents shall be as defined for Internal Revenue Service purposes).

The fee for such services shall be waived for the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents, up to a cap of $3,000 per individual per calendar year. Beyond the $3,000 cap amount, employees will be responsible to pay 25% of any remaining fees for the balance of that year.

· Vision - 

          o Option to purchase additional vision plan through Heritage

Vision benefits available at Detroit Mercy Eye Institute

$35 Comprehensive Eye Exam

Contact Lens Exam starting at $7o

50% off Optical Frames

25% off Sun Frames

30% off Prescription Lenses

20% off Prescription Contact Lenses

*Cannot be combined with insurance*

· Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options

· Employee Assistance Program -

      o Provided to everyone in your household

· Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

· Life and AD&D - 

       o One times base salary up to a hundred thousand dollars

· Option to purchase additional life insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness insurance

· Tuition Remission Benefit for you, your spouse, and children

· Retirement Plan - 

Employees have a choice of the following:

Employees who contribute 3% shall receive an Employer contribution of 9%, employees who contribute 5% in the plan shall receive an Employer contribution of 10%.

Michigan’s largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University’s mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.