Inside Higher Ed
Assistant Professor in Legal Decision Making
Inside Higher Ed, Gainesville, Florida, us, 32635
Assistant Professor in Legal Decision Making
Join to apply for the
Assistant Professor in Legal Decision Making
role at
Inside Higher Ed
Job No: 537168
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Education/Training/Instructional Design, Legal/Audit Services/Compliance
Department: 16920000 - LS-SOCIOLOGY CRIMINOLOGY&LAW
Job Description Classification Title: Assistant Professor
Classification Minimum Requirements: Ph.D. in Criminology or Criminal Justice, Sociology or a relevant social science field by date of hire. A law degree by itself is not sufficient.
The University of Florida, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, tenure‑accruing position beginning August 16 2026 at the rank of Assistant Professor with research and teaching interests related to legal decision‑making. This position supports the Law & Society component of our program in Criminology & Law by emphasizing the study of the social context of law. Specifically, the position focuses on legal and extra-legal factors affecting decision-making in the legal system: decision patterns that emerge across cases, and the impacts of those patterns on individuals, communities, and policies. Candidate research programs may emphasize theory development, methodological applications (quantitative, qualitative and/or mixed), and/or policy analysis. Those who incorporate legal expertise into their research and teaching are encouraged to apply, as are those who focus on criminal and/or civil administration of law. Candidate research should address debates implicating legal decision‑making—including longstanding concerns (e.g., racial profiling or use of force) or emerging challenges (e.g., the use of AI to identify suspects) or assess case law or statutes. Also of interest are candidates who conduct research on enforcement, including by traditional police officers, administrative law enforcers (e.g., EPA or FDA enforcement) or hybrid enforcers of criminal and civil law enforcement (e.g., ICE). Candidates may also focus on judicial processes (pretrial, trial, administrative hearings, appellate processes), administrative rulings, trial judgments, or post‑trial interventions. Candidates can also focus on decisions about interventions after a hearing or trial (corrections, collection strategies, monitoring decisions, corrective measures). We seek applicants whose records show commitment to rigorous scholarship with the promise of external funding, as well as excellence in teaching. The ability to contribute significantly to graduate education and the mentoring of graduate students is highly desirable.
The Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law is a large and dynamic department with nearly 700 undergraduate Criminology majors and roughly 20 graduate students. The Department offers two undergraduate programs and new minors in Sociology of Social Justice & Policy and Environmental Justice & Policy. Faculty conduct research in multiple areas including criminology, psychology and law, families and gender, health, aging, environment, and race and ethnicity. Many faculty are affiliated with other academic programs at UF. More information about the Department is available at
https://soccrim.clas.ufl.edu/ .
UF is the state's oldest, largest, and most comprehensive land‑grant university with an enrollment of over 50,000 students. Located in Gainesville, it offers a vibrant community, excellent schools, and ample outdoor recreation. Learn more about what Gainesville has to offer at
Visit Gainesville .
Expected Salary The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a full benefits package.
Employment Benefits Health Insurance: UF participates in state‑ and university‑sponsored benefits programs for individuals, families, and domestic partners, and offers voluntary insurance that includes vision, dental, long‑term disability and more.
Retirement Options: Florida Retirement System Pension Plan, State University System Optional Retirement Program, Florida Retirement System Investment Plan, and Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan.
Leave: Generous paid leave plan, access to a sick‑leave pool, maternity/paternity leave, and leave payouts.
Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Criminology or Criminal Justice, Sociology or a relevant social science field by date of hire. A law degree by itself is not sufficient.
Preferred Qualifications Evidence of rigorous scholarship and the potential to obtain external funding.
Evidence of excellence in teaching and the ability to mentor graduate students.
Ability to contribute to diverse theoretical viewpoints and open academic exchanges through scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service.
Special Instructions to Applicants For full consideration, applications must be submitted online at
https://jobs.ufl.edu . Click on Apply Now at the top of this posting.
A complete application includes: (1) a letter of application summarizing the applicant’s qualifications, interests, experience, and suitability for the position; (2) a complete curriculum vitae; (3) a statement on teaching and research goals; (4) the names and email addresses of
three
references. An email will be sent to your references, requesting them to upload their confidential letter to the submission packet.
Applications will be reviewed beginning October 20, 2025, and the position will remain open until filled. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the committee and/or hiring authority.
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre‑employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.
The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned outside the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), available at
http://www.naces.org/ .
Our Commitment The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352‑392‑2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800‑955‑8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Professor in Legal Decision Making
role at
Inside Higher Ed
Job No: 537168
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Education/Training/Instructional Design, Legal/Audit Services/Compliance
Department: 16920000 - LS-SOCIOLOGY CRIMINOLOGY&LAW
Job Description Classification Title: Assistant Professor
Classification Minimum Requirements: Ph.D. in Criminology or Criminal Justice, Sociology or a relevant social science field by date of hire. A law degree by itself is not sufficient.
The University of Florida, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, tenure‑accruing position beginning August 16 2026 at the rank of Assistant Professor with research and teaching interests related to legal decision‑making. This position supports the Law & Society component of our program in Criminology & Law by emphasizing the study of the social context of law. Specifically, the position focuses on legal and extra-legal factors affecting decision-making in the legal system: decision patterns that emerge across cases, and the impacts of those patterns on individuals, communities, and policies. Candidate research programs may emphasize theory development, methodological applications (quantitative, qualitative and/or mixed), and/or policy analysis. Those who incorporate legal expertise into their research and teaching are encouraged to apply, as are those who focus on criminal and/or civil administration of law. Candidate research should address debates implicating legal decision‑making—including longstanding concerns (e.g., racial profiling or use of force) or emerging challenges (e.g., the use of AI to identify suspects) or assess case law or statutes. Also of interest are candidates who conduct research on enforcement, including by traditional police officers, administrative law enforcers (e.g., EPA or FDA enforcement) or hybrid enforcers of criminal and civil law enforcement (e.g., ICE). Candidates may also focus on judicial processes (pretrial, trial, administrative hearings, appellate processes), administrative rulings, trial judgments, or post‑trial interventions. Candidates can also focus on decisions about interventions after a hearing or trial (corrections, collection strategies, monitoring decisions, corrective measures). We seek applicants whose records show commitment to rigorous scholarship with the promise of external funding, as well as excellence in teaching. The ability to contribute significantly to graduate education and the mentoring of graduate students is highly desirable.
The Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law is a large and dynamic department with nearly 700 undergraduate Criminology majors and roughly 20 graduate students. The Department offers two undergraduate programs and new minors in Sociology of Social Justice & Policy and Environmental Justice & Policy. Faculty conduct research in multiple areas including criminology, psychology and law, families and gender, health, aging, environment, and race and ethnicity. Many faculty are affiliated with other academic programs at UF. More information about the Department is available at
https://soccrim.clas.ufl.edu/ .
UF is the state's oldest, largest, and most comprehensive land‑grant university with an enrollment of over 50,000 students. Located in Gainesville, it offers a vibrant community, excellent schools, and ample outdoor recreation. Learn more about what Gainesville has to offer at
Visit Gainesville .
Expected Salary The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a full benefits package.
Employment Benefits Health Insurance: UF participates in state‑ and university‑sponsored benefits programs for individuals, families, and domestic partners, and offers voluntary insurance that includes vision, dental, long‑term disability and more.
Retirement Options: Florida Retirement System Pension Plan, State University System Optional Retirement Program, Florida Retirement System Investment Plan, and Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan.
Leave: Generous paid leave plan, access to a sick‑leave pool, maternity/paternity leave, and leave payouts.
Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Criminology or Criminal Justice, Sociology or a relevant social science field by date of hire. A law degree by itself is not sufficient.
Preferred Qualifications Evidence of rigorous scholarship and the potential to obtain external funding.
Evidence of excellence in teaching and the ability to mentor graduate students.
Ability to contribute to diverse theoretical viewpoints and open academic exchanges through scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service.
Special Instructions to Applicants For full consideration, applications must be submitted online at
https://jobs.ufl.edu . Click on Apply Now at the top of this posting.
A complete application includes: (1) a letter of application summarizing the applicant’s qualifications, interests, experience, and suitability for the position; (2) a complete curriculum vitae; (3) a statement on teaching and research goals; (4) the names and email addresses of
three
references. An email will be sent to your references, requesting them to upload their confidential letter to the submission packet.
Applications will be reviewed beginning October 20, 2025, and the position will remain open until filled. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the committee and/or hiring authority.
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre‑employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.
The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned outside the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), available at
http://www.naces.org/ .
Our Commitment The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352‑392‑2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800‑955‑8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.
#J-18808-Ljbffr