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Title: Assistant Professor, Forensic Biology

Position Type: Fulltime Faculty

Search Type: External - minimum 7 days

Department: 21R000 - Science, Tech, Engineering & Math

Division: 2R0000 - Academic Affairs

Position Location: Richmond Campus

Driver Classification: Non-Driver

FLSA: Exempt

Schedule Type:  Full Time (37.5 hrs per week or more)

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Additional Schedule Details:

Posted Salary Grade: Faculty Full Time - 01

Retirement:   KTRS 

Contact Person: Tanea Reed

Job Summary/Basic Functions

The Forensic Science Program in the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science at Eastern Kentucky University seeks applicants for a tenure track position in the area of Forensic Biology and at the rank of Assistant Professor for Academic Year 2026-2027. Applicants should hold an earned Ph.D. in Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry or related field from an accredited institution at the time of appointment. ABD applicants may be considered but must have a Ph.D. (verified by official transcripts) at the time of appointment. Applicants with a Master of Science and a minimum of five years' experience in forensic science or related field equivalent to a forensic scientist II or higher position will also be considered. The position begins August 2026.

The position serves the Forensic Science program. Preference will be given to candidates with teaching or professional/post-doctoral experience in forensic DNA analysis. The successful candidate will teach courses in a workload consistent with the needs and priorities of the college and Institution. Course may include Introduction to Forensic Science, DNA Profiling, Serology, Blood Stain Pattern Analysis, Special Topics and supporting courses in the area of forensic chemistry or biology. The candidate may also be required to teach general education courses.

Research expectations include the establishment of an independent research program commensurate with a masters-level institution. A listing of current instrumentation can be found here: https://www.eku.edu/chemistry/instrumentation/. Candidates with research plans that can complement existing strengths of the department are preferred. Start-up funds, if applicable, may be available.

The successful candidate will also conduct academic advising and participate in service to the department, university, and community. In addition, membership and participation in state, regional, national, or international professional organizations is recommended.

The University places a high priority on being leaders in the responsible use of artificial intelligence and in building such capacity in our students. The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of artificial intelligence pertinent to the discipline and/or a willingness to pursue professional development to acquire such expertise.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Earned Ph.D. in Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry or related field from an accredited institution at the time of appointment. ABD applicants may be considered, but must have a Ph.D. (verified by official transcripts) at the time of appointment. Applicants with a Master’s of Science and a minimum of five years experience in forensic science or related field equivalent to a forensic scientist II or higher position will also be considered.

Experience: • Effective interpersonal communication skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Analytic and problems solving skills
• Active and effective listening skills
• Ability to collaborate with peers and students

Licensure & Certifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates with teaching or professional/post-doctoral experience in forensic DNA analysis. Candidates with research plans that can complement existing strengths of the department are preferred.

Job Duties:

• % - Maintain a workload consistent with the needs and priorities of the college and Institution, teaching courses as assigned at the times and in the locations necessary to meet the needs of EKU students - (Essential)
• % - Utilize effective teaching methods, innovative teaching techniques, and teaching modalities, and multiple evaluation and assessment procedures as a means to help meet the needs of EKU students - (Essential)
• % - Demonstrate the ability to teach, develop, and implement courses related to one’s curricular area - (Essential)
• % - Develop and maintain an active research agenda - (Essential)
• % - Keep up to date with one’s field and curricular areas by reading and reviewing current scholarly or creative works and by attending conferences, seminars, workshops, courses, and faculty development activities - (Essential)
• % - Advise students in fulfilling program, departmental, college, and university committee assignments - (Essential)
• % - Demonstrate the willingness and ability to work effectively with colleagues to support the mission of EKU, its academic units, and its campus community - (Essential)

Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Funding Source: Institutional

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions: Applicant documents should include:

• Cover Letter
• Vitae
• Research Plan
• Teaching Philosophy
• Copies of unofficial transcripts
• Contact Information for 3 Professional References
• Letter(s) of Recommendation

Optional:

• Previous Teaching Evaluations (if applicable)

Review of applications will begin on March 15th, 2026.

EEO Statement

Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts or any employment policy or practice.

Background Check Statement

Offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.