Assistant Professor of Public Policy

The Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University seeks to hire a tenure-track assistant professor with a focus on the criminal legal system. We define the criminal legal system broadly to include, among other things: (1) how and why criminal legal policies have come to be and evolved; (2) how macro- and micro-level policies and practices contribute to rates of—and disparities in—levels of contact with the criminal legal system; and (3) how contact with the criminal legal system affects individuals, families, and communities and how the nature of this contact—the texture of police stops or conditions of confinement, for example—shape the social, economic, and/or political consequences of exposure to the criminal legal system. These are, of course, only some of the ways in which criminal legal policy could be defined, and we are open to other related research areas.

Candidates should be able to teach courses in their substantive areas of interest that also align with the interests of undergraduate and graduate students engaged with public policy. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant social scientific discipline (for example, public policy, sociology, criminology, political science, economics, or demography) and a record of (or demonstrated capacity for) scholarly publication, public engagement, and excellence in teaching.

Duke University and The Sanford School of Public Policy are strongly committed to advancing inclusive excellence throughout our research, teaching, and service activities. A diverse faculty – defined broadly as representing a wide range of identities, lived experiences, and perspectives – is a prerequisite for excellence and is essential to driving innovation within our scholarly community. To achieve these goals, it is essential that all members of the community feel valued and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community are expected to uphold these values, and we seek to hire faculty who are passionate about increasing the participation and success of individuals from all different backgrounds and communities. 

The Sanford School includes an interdisciplinary full-time faculty of almost 70 and offers an undergraduate major, five Masters programs, and a Ph.D. program. The Sanford School houses several research centers and offers degree-related programs and opportunities in Washington, China, Scotland, London and Geneva. More information on the Sanford School can be found at https://www.sanford.duke.edu.

Candidates should submit a letter of application that describes their research and teaching interests and experiences, and that includes a brief statement addressing how they foster an equitable and inclusive learning and research environment; a CV; one to two writing samples; and names and contact information for three references. These materials should be submitted via the following website: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/28105

Applications submitted by September 15, 2024, will be guaranteed full consideration. For further information, contact William Darity, Search Committee Chair, at william.darity@duke.edu.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.