DIRECTOR OF FORENSIC SCIENCE ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE/PROFESSOR LEVEL

Submitted: 11/10/2025
Submitted By: Ron Brown
Department: Forensic Science
Institution: Mercyhurst University
Job type: Department chair
Apply by: 12/10/2025
Application Email: hrinfo@mercyhurst.edu
Application URL:

POSITION SUMMARY
Mercyhurst University invites applications for a full-time, faculty position to serve as Director of the Applied Forensic Science program. The position begins in August 2026 for the Academic Year 2026-2027. We seek a dynamic and dedicated individual with a strong background in a field of forensic sciences and/or biological anthropology to lead our program with 100+ undergraduate students (BS) and 20+ graduate students (MA). The Forensic Science program at Mercyhurst is interdisciplinary (with contributions from chemistry, biology and biological anthropology), and housed within the Department of Biochemistry & Physical Sciences. The Bachelor of Science undergraduate program includes concentrations in Forensic Chemistry, Criminalistics & Forensic Biology, and Forensic Anthropology. The graduate program includes a Master of Science in Forensic and Biological Anthropology. This is a faculty position at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level dependent upon experience.

In accordance with Mercyhurst’s traditional emphasis on excellent teaching, the ideal candidate should be willing to work productively and collegially with multiple related departments and faculty, to instruct a wide range of graduate and undergraduate courses in some combination of forensic anthropology, outdoor crime scene investigation, and criminalistics courses. Candidates will have the opportunity to develop specialty courses in their areas of expertise.
In addition to demonstrating teaching excellence, the successful candidate will demonstrate an established record or potential for leadership and an active research agenda, supporting and expanding existing strengths in forensic anthropology casework and virtual anthropology. Preference will be given to candidates able to direct and/or actively participate in the large number of forensic anthropology cases that the department conducts.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
Directorship duties include course scheduling, student advising, faculty evaluation*, budget and resource management, and recruiting. Teaching duties include introductory and upper-division undergraduate courses, and graduate level courses. In addition to pursuing teaching excellence, faculty are expected to engage in scholarly research, particularly involving undergraduate students, and participate in academic advising and service to the department, school, and university. *In the case of an Assistant level position at the time of hiring, the Chair or Dean will assume the duties of faculty evaluations.

QUALIFICATIONS
• The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in a field within the natural or physical sciences, with experience working in a forensic setting.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities or strong demonstrated leadership potential with interest in continued development.
• Experience with laboratory instruction, course development, and using innovative, student-centered pedagogies.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds.
• Expertise in areas that complement or expand the existing strengths of the program.
• Skills in using educational technology and modern instructional techniques.
• Desire to mentor undergraduate and/or graduate students in research or professional development.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants are asked to submit the following in a single PDF
• Cover Letter: Describe how your qualifications align with the position's requirements.
• Curriculum Vitae: Include education, teaching experience, research achievements, and service contributions.
• Teaching Statement: Detail your teaching philosophy and experience with student-centered pedagogies.
• Research Statement: Outline your research program and plans for undergraduate involvement.
• References: Provide contact information for 3 references

Submit to:
Human Resources
Mercyhurst University
501 East 38th Street Erie, PA 16546
hrinfo@mercyhurst.edu

Review of applications will begin December 5, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. All candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States.

Mercyhurst University values diversity and is committed to the goal of achieving equal opportunity for all. For that reason, Mercyhurst abides by federal, state, and local law in admissions, employment, and all services and programs provided. Mercyhurst does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, citizenship status, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, age, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or because of any individual’s legally protected activities. Mercyhurst complies with federal, state, and local legislation and regulations regarding nondiscrimination. This policy applies to faculty, administration and staff, applicants for employment, students and applicants for educational programs and activities. Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States.