Position Overview:
The Forensic Science Institute (FSI) at the University of Central Oklahoma is dedicated to comprehensive training and research for students, professionals and first responders in all aspects of evidence collection, preservation, analysis, reporting and testimony. The Institute is a leading provider of forensic science education at the undergraduate and graduate level through a robust, interdisciplinary program. The Forensic Science program is accredited at the undergraduate level by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) in all eligible disciplines to include Forensic Molecular Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Investigations, and Digital Forensics. The Forensic Science Institute has an experienced faculty representing international and national leaders in their respective fields.
Three positions are currently available, two of which are new positions for the FSI’s newly created Doctor of Science program. The third position is to fill a vacancy created by promotion.
The responsibilities of the selectee(s) will be as follows: teaches, advises and mentors students, evaluates student performance, and maintains department and student records in accordance with university policies. Adheres to the educational philosophy of the university. Works in a collaborative manner with colleagues and professional peers. Participates in university meetings that relate specifically to faculty. Serves on department, college, and university committees as requested. Prepares departmental reports as requested. Engages in teaching, service, and scholarly and/or creative activities as defined by the tenure and promotion policy in the UCO Employee and Faculty Handbook.
Department Specific Essential Job Functions:
The selectee will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in forensic science related to their discipline. The selectee will assist the Director, FSI, in forensic science curriculum development of new courses in their area of expertise. This curriculum will also include instruction in the area of legal requirements associated with the analysis of evidence in criminal cases and expert witness testimony regarding crime scene and/or analytical efforts in a courtroom setting. The selectee will also be familiar with standards and accrediting bodies within their respective disciplines to include the Daubert standards related to evidence admission in courtrooms. The selectee will develop and coordinate field-training exercises for students as well as law enforcement and public safety personnel in their discipline and develop and coordinate the curriculum and offering of training in their area of expertise. The selectee will assist in the development of in-service training, career training, and continuing education in the forensic sciences. Teaching, research, departmental/school and university service are expected as defined by the tenure and promotion policy in the UCO Faculty Handbook. The selectee will participate in undergraduate and graduate research activities, such as but not limited to, mentoring graduate projects and theses, Oklahoma Research Day, NCUR, and external funding opportunities. The selectee will serve on Institute, college, and university committees as requested.
Qualifications/Experience Required:
An earned doctoral degree in an appropriate forensic science or related discipline is preferred, although ABD (all but dissertation) candidates will be considered, as well as candidates with a master's degree in a related field.
Qualifications / Experience Preferred:
Previous teaching and mentoring experience in a forensic science discipline at the college or university level.
Previous law enforcement/professional experience in practical forensic science applications, including but not limited to one or more of the following: forensic lab experience, forensic investigations, forensic program, and/or personnel management.
Experience in expert and/or lay witness testimony in the candidate’s field of expertise, as well as proven success in interagency collaboration and professional networking.
Candidates will demonstrate the potential for excellence at all levels of the FSI undergraduate and graduate curriculum in one or more of the following areas: chemistry/toxicology, biology, impression evidence, digital forensics, crime scene processing, crime scene photography, blood stain pattern analysis, fingerprint analysis, forensic anthropology, artificial intelligence, statistics, and/or modeling.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in the area of academic research through contributions to the body of scientific literature related to their area of expertise and will continue to do so at a level that will garner national and international recognition.
Candidates will demonstrate the potential for undergraduate and graduate level advising and mentoring and be willing to accept a dual appointment in another college or discipline.
Physical Demands:
Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions
