Assistant Professor, Sociology and Criminology

Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, is searching for a skilled teacher scholar to join our teaching centered and research-active Sociology & Criminology Department in a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning August 2026.

We wish to welcome a teacher scholar with expertise in criminology, law, and/or social control, broadly defined. We seek candidates with a demonstrated commitment to excellent undergraduate teaching that promotes inclusive, accessible, and equity-minded learning environments. Teaching responsibilities include: introductory level courses (CRIM101, CRIM193, SOCI101, or SOCI193) courses required for the CRIM major (Criminological Theories, Research Methods, Statistics for Social Science, or Criminology Senior Capstone), and electives in the candidate’s areas of expertise. Teaching load will be three (3) courses each semester, six per academic year.

Faculty are expected to advise and mentor undergraduate students; we invite applicants to describe their experience mentoring undergraduates from a variety of backgrounds and identities, including those historically marginalized (e.g. first-generation students, students from low-income families, students of color, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities).

Who we are:

Gonzaga University is a primarily undergraduate institution committed to teaching excellence. Gonzaga is a Jesuit, Catholic, humanistic institution, and is therefore interested in candidates who will contribute to its distinctive mission of educating students “for lives of leadership and service for the common good.” The University is committed to fostering “a mature commitment to dignity of the human person, social justice, diversity, intercultural competence, global engagement, solidarity with the poor and vulnerable, and care for the planet.” As a institution committed to “whole person education,” Gonzaga University welcomes applicants of any faith tradition, spiritual belief, or no faith, as well as applicants of all identities, including applicants across the gender and sexuality spectrum.

The Sociology & Criminology Department and the College of Arts and Sciences provide support to faculty for developing engaging, inclusive, interactive courses that meet our learning objectives. In addition, Gonzaga’s Center for Faculty Development provides regular support for teaching, advising, and professional education. The University is committed to inclusive excellence and actively promotes the success of a diverse population of undergraduate students, staff, and faculty.

Gonzaga’s campus sits adjacent to downtown Spokane, WA., along the Spokane River in the Inland Northwest’s most metropolitan region. We exist on the traditional and current homelands of the Spokane people, one of the Interior Salish speaking tribes of the region. Spokane is Washington’s second largest city and boasts a vibrant restaurant, entertainment, and arts community, it is also home to a diverse array of neighborhoods and popular outdoor recreational areas.

For more information about the College of Arts and Sciences and jobs in the College, please visit: www.gonzaga.edu/CASjobs

Required Competencies/Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Criminology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or closely related discipline. 
• Demonstrated skill or commitment to designing, teaching, and assessing effective learning experiences.
• Demonstrated activity and engagement with disciplinary research, scholarship, and application of disciplinary knowledge.
• Demonstrated skill or commitment to student advising, mentorship and development. 
• Demonstrated evidence of or commitment to teaching and mentoring methods that foster an inclusive academic environment for learners from a variety of backgrounds and identities, and records of including those historically marginalized and underrepresented in higher education.

Job Duties:

• Demonstrate effective teaching and methods for student learning and assessment. Faculty will teach the equivalent of 18 credit hours per year, three (3) courses a semester. Teach introductory level courses (CRIM101, CRIM193, SOCI101, or SOCI193) courses required for the CRIM major (Criminological Theories, Research Methods, Statistics for Social Science, or Criminology Senior Capstone), and electives in the candidate’s areas of expertise.
• Establish a program of scholarly and/or creative activity that creates, synthesizes, integrates, or applies disciplinary knowledge and expertise and disseminate professional work through peer reviewed papers, presentations, publications, public scholarship, community service and action, or other communication opportunities appropriate to the discipline.
• Support the department, university, and discipline through service and other forms of academic citizenship as a colleague united in a common educational purpose and a shared University mission.
• Support students’ whole person development through formal and informal advising and mentorship. Formal academic, career, and professional advising/mentoring begins in the second year of appointment (roughly 15 – 25 undergraduate advisees per year).

To apply, please visit our website at www.gonzaga.edu/jobs . Applicants must complete an online application and submit the following:

1.       A cover letter that addresses the required and preferred competencies above. Successful applicants will have read the University mission statement and engaged with it throughout the letter and the additional application materials below.

2.       A statement of teaching philosophy. Include evidence of teaching effectiveness that a) demonstrates methods and strategies for supporting learners as a whole person and b) demonstrates how the candidate creates and maintains an inclusive environment that supports and promotes learning for students with a variety of backgrounds and identities.

3.       A statement that describes the candidate’s program and future goals for scholarly and creative activity (Gonzaga recognizes all forms of scholarly and creative work including public scholarship, community engaged scholarship and action, scholarship of teaching and learning, and traditional academic publications and presentations).

4.       A writing sample

5.       Unofficial copies of graduate school transcripts

6.       A curriculum vitae

7.       Names and contact information of three professional references (letters will be requested when finalists are selected).

This position remains open until filled. For best consideration, applications should be received by September 2, 2025, when review will begin. Questions about this position can be directed to Dr. Joe Johnston, Chair, Department of Sociology & Criminology, at johnstonj@gonzaga.edu . For assistance with your online application, please call the Human Resources department at 509-313-5996.

Gonzaga University is a Jesuit, Catholic, humanistic institution, and is therefore interested in candidates who will contribute to its distinctive mission. Gonzaga University is a committed EEO/AA employer and diversity candidates are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their disability status and/or protected veteran status.

Applicants with disabilities needing reasonable accommodations to complete the application or hiring process should contact Human Resources (509) 313-5996.