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Political Science and Criminal Justice: Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Universities of Wisconsin · Eau Claire, WI

Posted Aug 7, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell us about your research and how an undergraduate could take part in it in a meaningful way, not just entering data.

What they are checking: Whether their research agenda can genuinely involve undergraduates, which the department names as a core expectation.

Describe a course you've taught that didn't go well the first time. What did you change?

What they are checking: Whether they reflect on teaching evidence and adjust, which matters at a teaching-focused campus.

Tell us about a student you mentored through a research project. What did they produce, and what did they learn?

What they are checking: Concrete evidence they have already done the undergraduate research mentoring this department prizes.

What would you do

Some of your students may have family members who are incarcerated and others who are officers. How do you run a discussion on police use of force in that room?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle charged topics fairly so every student feels able to speak.

You're in a combined political science and criminal justice department. How would you work with colleagues on the political science side?

What they are checking: Whether they see value in the joint department and can collaborate across disciplines on courses and research.

How would you build ties with local agencies so students can do internships or research with them?

What they are checking: Whether they can create practical pathways for students into the field around Eau Claire.

About the work

How would you teach a research methods course to criminal justice majors who mostly want to become police officers?

What they are checking: Whether they can make methods feel useful to career-focused students, since methods is a preferred teaching area.

What's one finding from policing or corrections research that most students arrive believing the opposite of, and how do you teach it?

What they are checking: Their command of the field and whether they can challenge student assumptions without losing them.

What is your plan for scholarship over the probationary period, and where do you expect to publish?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic, productive research pipeline that fits tenure expectations at a regional university.

If you're not finished with your doctorate yet, walk us through exactly where it stands and your timeline.

What they are checking: Whether ABD candidates can credibly finish by the stated deadline, since the appointment depends on it.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Political Science and Criminal Justice: Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Job Category: Faculty Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Assistant Professor Job Duties: POSITION : A p robationary tenure-track faculty position at the rank of assistant professor is available in the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice in the College of Arts & Sciences. The D epartment seeks a dynamic candidate with expertise in criminal justice who is committed to teaching excellence and to maintaining an active research program involving undergraduates . This appointment carries an initial two-year probationary appointment beginning with the 2027/2028 academic year, August 17, 2027. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : Earned doctorate in the field of criminal justice by August 17, 2027. (ABD applicants may be considered but must complete the terminal degree by March 20, 2028.) PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS : Preference will be given to candidates with teaching and/or research expertise in research methods, policing, and/or corrections. Evidence of successful university teaching, productive scholarship, and a demonstrated commitment to involving undergraduate students in research is also preferred. DUTIES : Teach courses in the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice based on program needs and in accordance with specialization; participate in research and scholarly activities; provide academic advising to students as assigned; engage in service to the Department, University and profession. DEPARTMENT : The Department of Political Science & Criminal Justice consists of 11 full-time faculty in the fields of political science and criminal justice. With approximately 350 majors and 150 minors, the Department is one of the largest in the College of Arts and Sciences. Our award-winning faculty work collaboratively with students on research, oversee service-learning and internship projects, lead international and domestic immersion experiences, and have opportunities to teach abroad. UNIVERSITY and EAU CLAIRE COMMUNITY : UW-Eau Claire, an institution of approximately 9 ,000 students and 1,200 faculty and staff, is consistently recognized as a top comprehensive university in the Midwest and is widely known as a leader in faculty-undergraduate research and study abroad. W e strive for excellence in liberal undergraduate education and select graduate and professional programs through commitment to teaching and learning and dedication to our core values of diversity, sustainability, leadership, and innovation. The City of Eau Claire, situated at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, is at the center of a metropolitan area of approximately 100,000 people located 90 miles east of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The area features beautiful parks and trails, strong public schools, a vibrant arts scene and local food culture, and abundant recreational opportunities. APPLICATION PROCEDURE : Applications are submitted electronically. Please follow instructions found on the following web site: https://wisconsin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UW_Comprehensives (Job ID #10013506 ). Please be sure you have included the following in PDF format : • Letter of application • Curriculum vita • Unofficial graduate school transcript • Statement of teaching philosophy • Names and contact information for three references. Please direct requests for additional information to: Justin Patchin, Criminal Justice Program Coordinator patchinj@uwec.edu To ensure consideration, completed applications must be received by October 1, 2026. However, screening may continue until position is filled. Key Job Responsibilities: Department: Compensation: Required Qualifications: Preferred Qualifications: Education: How to Apply: Contact Information: Special Notes: INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW UW-Eau Claire, an institution of approximately 9,000 students and 1,200 faculty and staff, is consistently recognized as a top comprehensive university in the Midwest and is widely known as a leader in faculty-undergraduate research and study abroad. We strive for excellence in liberal education and select graduate and professional programs through commitment to teaching and learning and dedication to our core values of diversity, sustainability, leadership, and innovation. To learn more about UWEC, visit  https://www.uwec.edu/human-resources/employment-opportunities/ . The City of Eau Claire, situated at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, is at the center of a metropolitan area of approximately 100,000 people located 90 miles east of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The area features beautiful parks and trails, strong public schools, a vibrant arts scene and local food culture, and abundant recreational opportunities. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The university reserves the right to contact additional references with notice given to the candidates at an appropriate time in the process. Employment will require a background check. Employment will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding past conduct related to sexual violence and sexual harassment. The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7). The UW-Eau Claire Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for learning and working. Although crime at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is limited, the University Police want students, faculty and staff to be aware of crime on campus and the area surrounding the campus. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose annual information about campus crime. Visit  Campus Security and Fire Report . Also visit our  Campus Security Authority (CSA) policy. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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