Director for the School of Interdisciplinary Forensics

Position Overview

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The New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for an inaugural Director for the School of Interdisciplinary Forensics (SIF). 

The inaugural Director will help build an internationally acclaimed school that operates at the intersection of science and the law. The core mission of SIF is to blend scientific rigor and training to advance the fair and effective administration of justice. SIF currently has strengths in the natural sciences (anthropology, biology, chemistry, entomology, and genetics), psychological sciences (social psychology, clinical psychology, developmental psychology, and psychology and law), and information technology (cybersecurity), and is anticipated to expand to include strengths in other disciplines that can contribute to the School’s mission.      

The School is embedded in the interdisciplinary and innovative environment of ASU's New College and charged with advancing the ASU Charter where we are “measured not by whom we exclude, but whom we include and how they succeed.”

As a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Arizona State is a top-tier research university that has distinguished itself nationally as a New American University, one guided by a charter that promises an institution to be measured by accessibility, inclusion, student success, research of public value, and as a resource for the communities it serves.

The Director will have the opportunity to build an exemplary School of Interdisciplinary Forensics located on ASU’s West Valley campus, which offers a close-knit residential setting and the opportunity for students to benefit from individual faculty relationships and within ASU’s innovative research and education environment. The new Director will continue the tradition of thinking broadly and holistically about the mission of SIF while achieving results that affirm the School’s commitment to the ASU Charter and ASU Design aspirations. 

The successful candidate must have:

  • A Ph.D./doctoral/terminal degree in a field germane to Interdisciplinary Forensics.   
  • A record of contributions to the broad field of forensics warranting appointment as a Full Professor with tenure or a Professor of Practice. A Professor of Practice appointment requires 10 years or more of experience in a related field. 
  • A record of excellence in leading complex, interdisciplinary teams.

Desired qualifications are: 

  • A visionary capable of developing a foundation for the School of Interdisciplinary Forensics and inventing a bold interdisciplinary enterprise. 
  • Demonstrated track record of impactful research along with a commitment and ability to support others in their research initiatives.
  • Commitment to promoting new and existing interdisciplinary collaborations in research and teaching. 
  • Demonstrated success in developing new initiatives, new programs and/or new curricula for online and classroom instruction. 
  • Demonstrated experience in recruiting talented and multicultural faculty or scientists from current and related disciplines to expand and develop existing and new program offerings. 
  • Evidence of leadership experience in managing an interdisciplinary program or complex organization. 
  • Demonstrated record of advancing inclusive excellence by supporting the success of  individuals from a wide array of backgrounds, including persons with disabilities and persons from underserved communities and/or first-generation, non-traditional, low-income students. 
  • Ability and desire to work with faculty, staff, and students to inspire community, enthusiasm, and excellence. 
  • A strong record of leadership that builds on the disciplinary multiplicity and combined strengths of the faculty. 

Additional information about the position, SIF,  and ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can be found in the leadership profile above. 

Nominations and Applications

For best consideration, applications should be submitted by October 7, 2024 to the AGB Search portal at: ASU Director, School of Interdisciplinary Forensics. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Candidates are requested to submit the following a letter of interest that describes: (a) the breadth of experience that will contribute to leading an interdisciplinary school; and (b) how the ASU Charter is reflected in past work and future plans; a current curriculum vitae; and the names and contact information for five references (references will not be contacted during initial review and will only be contacted after candidate notification).

Nominations and expressions of interest in the Director opportunity are encouraged. Please direct them to ASUDirectorSIF@agbsearch.com or to the AGB Search consultants listed below.

Kimberly Templeton, J.D., Principal
Kimberly.Templeton@agbsearch.com | 540.7651.9494

Nancy Targett, Ph.D., Executive Search Consultant 
Nancy.Targett@agbsearch.com |  302.233.5202

Anne Hoffman, Executive Search Associate 
Anne.Hoffman@agbsearch.com | 805.490.9161

A background check and official transcripts are required prior to employment. Employment is contingent upon the successful passing of the background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

(See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.) 

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.