Instructor/Teaching Assistant Professor - Forensic Science - #251061

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
* 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
* 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
* 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus.

Western Carolina University ( WCU) invites applications for an Instructor or Teaching Assistant Professor in the Forensic Science Program. The anticipated begin work date is August 2025 and the candidate's faculty rank will be selected at point of hire based upon qualifications. This is a nine-months per year fixed-term faculty position.

The Forensic Science Program at WCU is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program, offering concentrations in Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry. While housed in the Department of Chemistry and Physics, the program is also supported by the Department of Biology. The Forensic Science Program is located in a recently constructed state-of-the-art science building.

The successful candidate will have experience in forensic biology, forensic chemistry, toxicology, data science/computer science, crime scene investigation, latent print analysis, firearms analysis, trace analysis, or another forensic discipline which will contribute to our forensic science curriculum.

The successful applicant is expected to teach a 4/4 course load within the forensic science curriculum. Depending on the applicant's particular specialization, these courses could include Forensic Biology lecture and lab, Population Genetics, Forensic Microscopy, Survey of Forensic Science, and/or Physical Methods in Forensic Science. Depending on background, the successful candidate's instructional duties may include teaching introductory and/or advanced courses or cross-listed courses within the Chemistry or Biology programs at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.

The individual will support the ongoing development of the Forensic Science Program by contributing to curriculum development, student advising, mentoring student researchers, etc. Participation in other service activities to the Program, disciplinary home department, college, and university is also a general expectation of all faculty.

WCU embraces its role as a regionally engaged university and is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a community engaged university. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to public engagement through their teaching, service, and scholarship.

An earned M.S. in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a closely related discipline from an appropriately accredited institution.

In addition to the above stated minimum qualifications, preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated teaching and/or professional experience in the field of forensic science.

Application materials must be submitted online and should include: 1) a letter of intent; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) teaching philosophy statement; 4) list of three references (including contact information); and 5) unofficial transcripts from highest degree earned*

The submitted teaching philosophy (ca. 2 pages) should include a description of the applicant's experience in teaching at the collegiate level. See catalog.wcu.edu for current course offerings.

Review of application materials will start immediately and continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Frankie West at flwest@email.wcu.edu.

*All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master's degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master's degree transcript must have a notation such as Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.