Term Professor Forensic Science Open-Rank

Department: College of Science

Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty

Job Category: Instructional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Manassas, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Forensic Science Program at George Mason University offers a master’s degree, a graduate certificate, a bachelor’s degree, and a minor in forensic science. Our programs prepare students for a rewarding career in federal, state, and local governments, laboratories, and provide advanced education for professionals currently in the field. Our full time and adjunct faculty members have operational forensic science field/laboratory experience, and the program consists of nearly 500 undergraduate students and 100 graduate students. The program has a Forensic Chemistry/Microscopy Lab, Instrumental Lab, Crime Scene House Lab, Forensic DNA Labs, Cadaver Labs, Morgue, and a Forensic Science Research and Training Laboratory (Body Farm), all of which are supported by the forensic science faculty.

Statement on Building an Inclusive Culture
George Mason University College of Science (Mason Science) is committed to advancing excellence and fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation throughout our STEM community. At Mason Science, our values include cultivating an organizational culture that promotes belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that varied opinions, cultures, and perspectives are what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community. 

About the Position:

The Term Professor teaches undergraduate and graduate lecture and laboratory courses in forensic science and helps develop new forensic science courses and labs in specialized areas of forensic chemistry, and other related forensic science courses, such as forensic trace, forensic biology, etc. The term faculty also supervises graduate and undergraduate student research as well as has responsibility for academic advising of students.

Responsibilities:

• Teaches undergraduate and graduate lecture and laboratory courses;
• Supervises graduate and undergraduate student research which may also include the oversight of GTAs, GRAs and LAs; and
• Provides academic advising for both undergraduate and graduate students. 

Required Qualifications:

• Masters degree in chemistry, or closely related field prior to the first day of the appointment;
• Experience teaching relevant coursework at the college level or professional level;
• Experience working in a laboratory in support of forensic science or law enforcement communities;
• Experience in a wide range of forensic science instrumentation;
• Knowledge of laboratory operating protocols such as research methodology, safety administration, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control principles;
• Strong knowledge in specific academic field, keeping up-to-date with the latest research and advancements;
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey complex concepts and ideas to students;
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, faculty, and staff;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to balance teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities;
• Skills in academic advising and career guidance;
• Ability to design and implement engaging and effective curriculum;
• Ability to mentor and guide students in their academic and professional growth;
• Ability, as evidenced by prior experience, to liaison with external partners including state and federal agencies to develop internships, specialized training, and career opportunities for students;
• Proficiency in research methodology and a track record of academic publications;
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment;
• Demonstrates ethics and professional values; and
• Current valid security clearances OR eligible for security clearances.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in chemistry, or closely related field prior to the first day of the appointment;
• Experience teaching relevant coursework at the college level or professional level of at least five (5) years; and
• Experience working in a laboratory in support of forensic science or law enforcement communities of at least three (3) years.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Term Professor Forensic Science Open-Rank at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a CV and Philosophy of Teaching for review.

Posting Open Date: August 29, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  September 26, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes