Department: School of Criminal Justice

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Salary commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Wichita State University (WSU) seeks a forward-thinking and experienced scholar-practitioner faculty member to coordinate its new Master of Science in Forensic Firearms program within the School of Criminal Justice. Founded in 1934, WSU’s School of Criminal Justice is the second oldest in the nation and consistently ranks among the top programs in criminal justice, policing science, and crime intelligence. This is a rare opportunity for a scholar–practitioner to contribute to a historic legacy while helping shape the future of forensic education and interagency collaboration.

The M.S. in Forensic Firearms program is one of three innovative forensic programs in the School, two newly approved graduate programs, the M.S. in Forensic Firearms and the M.S. in Forensic Biology, and an established undergraduate program in Forensic Science. Along with the forensic programs, the School of Criminal Justice offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice and a fully online bachelor’s degree in homeland security.

This position includes teaching, program leadership, and direct engagement with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) training initiatives. A tenure track appointment will include research/scholarship expectations.

Wichita State University (WSU), located in the Air Capital of the World, is a premier urban public research institution distinguished by its nationally recognized Innovation Campus. Home to the 2023 Emerging Research Park Award, WSU's Innovation Campus spans 120 acres and hosts more than 50 industry and government partners, including the ATF, Wichita Police Department, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Defense via the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), Airbus, Spirit AeroSystems, and Textron Aviation.

Through strategic alignment with industry partners WSU faculty and students have unparalleled access to cutting-edge research facilities, including on-campus labs for the ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center, NNCTC II-NIBIN correlation, Wichita Crime Gun Intelligence Center (WCGIC), and ATF National Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory. These assets provide opportunities for students and faculty to foster ongoing collaboration with federal agencies, industry, and DOD initiatives.

WSU offers a unique combination: a nationally recognized criminal justice legacy, direct access to prestigious law enforcement and defense partners, and a catalytic Innovation Campus that bridges classroom, lab, and field. We invite forward-thinking leaders to join us in guiding the next wave of forensic education, research, interagency impact, and expand public-private partnerships, as well as guide students into high-impact careers in criminal justice, forensic Science, and national security.

Job Summary

Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels using various instructional deliveries (e.g., traditional (face-to-face), hybrid, and fully online). To foster applied learning into the course design and engage with industry and local business community applied projects. To advance knowledge through scholarly activities (e.g., active involvement in committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiative, outreach activities, etc.)

Essential Functions

Meet expectations for research, teaching, and service as set forth by the department and college.

Job Duties

• Coordinate the forensic firearms program in consultation with the Director of Forensic Sciences, the Director of the School of Criminal Justice, and law enforcement partners.
• Teach courses per semester in the forensic firearms program.
• As a member of the faculty, engage in research and scholarly activities.
• Lead forensic firearms program admission processes and coordinate with the Graduate School for admissions, progress, and graduation.
• Work with the Director of Forensic Sciences to align program activities and outcomes with the vision and objectives of the forensic firearms program and the School of Criminal Justice.
• Mentor students for research projects and on becoming practitioners in the Forensic Firearm and Toolmarks.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities.
• Engage with the Midwest Criminal Justice Institute and external partners.

Required Education and Experience:

• Graduate level degree or Equivalent Experience in the Field
• Teaching experience

Faculty Requirements

Master’s degree in natural sciences, social sciences, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching in higher education.
Experience as a qualified/bench examiner as a Firearm and Toolmark examiner in an operational forensic science laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the ATF’s National Firearms Examiner Academy (NFEA) or other nationally recognized firearms and toolmark training program
• Knowledge and skills in courtroom testimony and/or in firearm and toolmark examination courtroom testimony
• Ability to work collaboratively and productively with colleagues and students
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Familiarity with the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) accreditation process

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in natural sciences or social sciences or closely related field
• Firearms Examiner who has instructed or completed the National Firearms Examiner Academy (NFEA) or another equivalent nationally recognized firearm and toolmark examiner program.
• Familiarity with the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) accreditation process.
• Extensive training or experience in leadership for law enforcement and/or academic.

Additional Information:

Complete Application packets include:

1. A cover letter addressing interest, qualifications, and experience aligns with the position.
2. Teaching Statement: A statement describing, teaching approach and experience including course topics the candidate can teach, mentoring experience, and any evidence of teaching effectiveness.
3. Research Statement: A statement describing any research accomplishments and future research plans, emphasizing how these might involve students or connect to interdisciplinary and industry-related opportunities at WSU.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position – Frequent 60-90%; Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators – Frequent 60-90%

Additional Physical Requirement: