Homeland Security Professor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Department: Col of Humanities and Soc 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: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
The Department of Criminology, Law and Society is a top-ranked, award-winning, multidisciplinary unit that offers degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. We are ranked #10 in doctoral programs in criminology by US News and World Report (#1 in Virginia) and serve around 1,300 undergraduate majors. Our graduate programs balance theory, empirical research, and policy applications. Our undergraduate program has concentrations in law and society, criminal justice, and homeland security. The department embraces a wide range of methodological approaches and scholarship that contribute to a fairer, more socially just, and effective criminal legal system. More information on the department, its award-winning faculty, and its research centers and labs is available at https://cls.gmu.edu/ .
About the Position:
The Tenure-Track Assistant Professor position strengthens the Department of Criminology, Law and Society's capacity and visibility in the growing area of cybercrime and artificial intelligence, while supporting the department's teaching, research, and enrollment goals. It will strengthen the department's core instructional and research capacity, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and advance the strategic priorities of the department, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and George Mason University.
Responsibilities:

• Research: Maintain an active research agenda and publication record at a rate appropriate for eventual tenure and promotion at an R1 university.
• Teaching: Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels (2-2 teaching load is standard); and mentor and supervise graduate student research.
• Service: Provide service to the department, college, and university by participation in committees.

Required Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant field (or if ABD, PhD to be awarded by mid-August 2027).
• Successful candidates must show commitment to scholarly research and publishing in peer-reviewed outlets at the quality and pace expected of an R1 doctoral-level program within our discipline.
• Candidates must be committed to teaching in a multidisciplinary environment and working with a diverse student population.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in a related field.
• Active research agenda in any area(s) of criminology, criminal justice, and law and society. However, strong preference will be given to those with a research agenda related to cybercrime and cybervictimization, such as online interpersonal violence, online extremism/terrorism, economic cybercrime (e.g., online fraud, identity theft), cyber-enabled organized crime (e.g., illicit online marketplaces, cryptocurrency-related crime), cyber-policing, and online deviance and delinquent subcultures (e.g., incel forums, hacker/trolling communities).
• Have the knowledge and skills to develop a robust record of scholarly research and developing record of demonstrated expertise in teaching.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Tenure-Track Assistant Professor at https://jobs.gmu.edu/ by September 1, 2026 . Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide 1) a cover letter that details the candidate's research and teaching experience, 2) CV, and 3) up to two representative research articles or manuscripts. In addition, three letters of reference may be requested later in the search process. Inquiries about the position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair, Prof. Cynthia Lum ( clum@gmu.edu ).
Posting Open Date: June 25, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: September 1, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.
George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/