Full-time Lecturer in the Master of Applied Criminology and Police Leadership Program

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Open Date: Oct 31, 2025
Deadline:

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) invites applications for a full-time Lecturer in the College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) Master of Applied Criminology and Police Leadership (MCPL) program. This full-time, non-tenure track Lecturer position will be appointed in the Department of Criminology at the School of Arts and Sciences. Initial appointment begins in January 2026 and will continue through the following academic year (2026-27). The appointment may be renewed annually for up to two additional years contingent on satisfactory performance and approval from the Dean. This in-person, teaching-intensive position is ideal for an individual with both academic training and practical experience in law enforcement and criminology, and a deep commitment to advancing evidence-based practices in policing and leadership development.

Position Overview

The Lecturer will teach core graduate courses in the program and play an active role in student advising and capstone project supervision. The MCPL program is designed for working law enforcement professionals and focuses on training the next generation of leaders to use research and data to improve safety, justice, and accountability in policing.

This is an in-person position based in Philadelphia, PA.

Key Responsibilities

Teach four core graduate courses during the academic year and lead a one-week summer course.

Work with Faculty Director to mentor and advise MCPL students throughout their capstone projects, providing guidance in both academic and applied research.

Collaborate with program faculty to support the design and continuous improvement of a rigorous, evidence-based curriculum.

Participate in program development, student engagement, and recruitment activities as needed.

We Offer

A dynamic academic environment focused on real-world impact.

Opportunities to mentor and shape future law enforcement leaders.

Access to world-class University research and teaching resources.

Competitive salary and full benefits package.

Qualifications

A PhD in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Public Policy, or a closely related research-focused field is required.

Demonstrated commitment to evidence-based policing, data-driven leadership, and applied criminological research.

Prior experience working ideally in, or with law enforcement agencies.

Graduate-level teaching or mentoring experience is highly desirable.

Candidates must be based in or able to regularly commute to Philadelphia; this is a face-to-face, on-campus teaching role.

Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit the following documents to apply.interfolio.com/176918:

A cover letter detailing your interest in the role and relevant qualifications

A current curriculum vitae (CV)

A teaching statement or philosophy, and any available evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., evaluations)

Names and contact information for three professional references

Application review will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For inquiries, please contact Dr. David Kirk at [email protected].

To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/176918

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

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