Job Details

School of Criminal Justice, Wichita State University
Location: Wichita, KS – WSU Main Campus
Type: Full-Time, Faculty
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Position ID: 497859

Position Summary

Wichita State University (WSU) invites applications for a forward-thinking faculty member to coordinate its new Master of Science in Forensic Firearms program within the School of Criminal Justice. This role is ideal for a scholar-practitioner seeking to combine teaching, program leadership, and research in a historic and nationally recognized criminal justice institution.

Founded in 1934, WSU’s School of Criminal Justice is the second-oldest criminal justice program in the nation and consistently ranks among the top programs in policing science, crime intelligence, and forensic studies. The successful candidate will help shape the future of forensic education, expand interagency collaboration, and contribute to cutting-edge research initiatives.

Program Context

The M.S. in Forensic Firearms is one of three forensic programs in the School:

• M.S. in Forensic Firearms (new)

• M.S. in Forensic Biology (new)

• B.S. in Forensic Science (established)

The School also offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice, and a fully online B.S. in Homeland Security.

WSU’s Innovation Campus provides unique opportunities for faculty and students to engage with industry and federal partners, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Wichita Police Department, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Defense, Airbus, Spirit AeroSystems, and Textron Aviation. State-of-the-art facilities include:

• ATF Crime Gun Intelligence Center

• NNCTC II – NIBIN Correlation Lab

• Wichita Crime Gun Intelligence Center (WCGIC)

• ATF National Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory

This environment offers unparalleled collaboration opportunities for applied research, student training, and public-private partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the Forensic Firearms Program, working with the Director of Forensic Sciences, School Director, and law enforcement partners

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Forensic Firearms

• Mentor students on research projects and professional development in firearms and toolmark analysis

• Lead program admissions, coordinate with the Graduate School, and ensure successful student progression

• Align program activities with the School’s objectives and industry standards

• Participate in departmental, college, and university service initiatives

• Engage with external partners, including the Midwest Criminal Justice Institute, ATF, and other federal, state, and local agencies

• Conduct and publish scholarly research, integrating student participation where possible

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in natural sciences, social sciences, or closely related field

• Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching at the higher education level

• Experience as a qualified/bench examiner in Firearm and Toolmark analysis within an operational forensic laboratory

• Knowledge of ATF’s National Firearms Examiner Academy (NFEA) or equivalent national firearms/toolmark training program

• Experience with courtroom testimony in firearms/toolmark examinations

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, students, and external partners

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in natural sciences, social sciences, or closely related field

• Certified Firearms Examiner who has instructed or completed NFEA or an equivalent program

• Familiarity with FEPAC accreditation processes

• Leadership experience in academic or law enforcement environments

Application Materials

Applicants should submit a complete packet including:

1. Cover Letter – Addressing interest, qualifications, and alignment with the position

2. Teaching Statement – Detailing teaching approach, course topics, mentorship experience, and evidence of teaching effectiveness

3. Research Statement – Describing research accomplishments and future plans, with emphasis on student engagement and interdisciplinary or industry collaboration

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position: 60–90% of the time

• Ability to operate computers and office equipment (phones, printers, copiers, calculators): 60–90% of the time

This position offers a rare opportunity to join a historic criminal justice program, lead an innovative graduate program, and work directly with law enforcement and defense partners to advance forensic education and research.