Assistant/Associate Professor of Sociology with a Specialization in Digital Criminology

The Department of Sociology at Purdue University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor or tenured Associate Professor position in the area of digital criminology. We are particularly interested in those who are exploring issues of digital criminology and inequality. Digital criminologists study how digital technologies are shaping the nature, causes, and consequences of crime, deviance, law, social control and justice. Research topics addressed could include, but are not restricted to: digitized crime justice and inequality; digitized technology, punishment, and social control; digitized technology, rehabilitation and re-entry; digitized technology, individual, and collective violence; digitized technology, procedural, and substantive justice; digitization, surveillance, and privacy; cybercrime, including digital financial crime, and cybersecurity; and digitized technology and policing.

In addition to publishing high-quality research aligned with the description above, the candidate will normally teach two courses per semester. Part of that teaching assignment will be met by teaching in the first-year sequence of the College of Liberal Arts’ Cornerstone program. Candidates will also be expected to contribute to Ph.D. student training.  Ability to teach in the area of sociology of race/ethnicity also is a plus.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:  The candidate must have a Ph.D. in sociology, criminology, criminal justice or law and society by the time of employment. The candidate also must have expertise in digital criminology and knowledge of sociological perspectives on crime, law, deviance, social control, and justice. This position requires strong oral and written communication skills and proven ability to publish high-quality peer-reviewed research. 

Preference will be given to candidates who can contribute expertise to the Advanced Methods at Purdue program through research that uses cutting-edge social science research methods and tools. Potential examples include causal inference, network analysis, content/discourse analysis, geo-spatial analysis, Big Data analysis, Bayesian statistics, and categorical data analysis, as well as other innovative quantitative, qualitative and multi-methodological approaches. Preference also will be given to those with demonstrated capacity to contribute to undergraduate and graduate program building in law and society/criminology, including digital criminology.

The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University is embarking upon 40 faculty searches for positions to begin in Fall 2022. These positions will advance research within and across disciplines, and intersect with technology, data science, and engineering in relevant and important ways. These positions include teaching in our innovative, nationally-recognized Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts Program that educates students across the university.

Application Procedure:  To apply, please visit careers.purdue.edu. Applicants must include: 1) a letter of application explaining how their qualifications and experience make them a good candidate for the position, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) a research statement, 4) a teaching statement  5) two writing samples, 6) contact information including current e-mail addresses for three references, and 7) a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement addressing the below prompt:

Purdue University’s School/Department of Sociology is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including scholarship, instruction, and engagement.  In a separate statement, candidates should address this prompt: “How does your thinking about diversity, equity, and inclusion influence your teaching, research, and/or mentorship?  How will this help you to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion?”

Purdue offers competitive salaries. The university is located in an affordable metropolitan area of over 200,000 people, conveniently situated between Indianapolis and Chicago.

Screening of applicants will begin on October 8, 2021 and continue until the position is filled. A background check is required for employment in this position. For additional information, contact the Search Chair, Dr. Robin Stryker, rstryker@purdue.edu.

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. Purdue University is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person. In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence, the University seeks to develop and nurture diversity. All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.