Director of science

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

Attn: Forensic Science

Mercyhurst University

501 East 38th Street Erie, PA 16546

[email protected]

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