In recognition of its obligation to develop new scholars and
teachers, St. John’s University School of Law created the position
of Research Professor in 2006. The Research Professor program
provides aspiring legal academics with an invaluable opportunity to
begin their careers in a supportive environment dedicated to their
development as scholars and teachers.
The Research Professor position is a two-year appointment, with
a reduced teaching load – typically one course each semester.
The Research Professor is a full participant in the scholarly life
of the law school: attending faculty workshops, conferences, and
colloquia, having full access to the law school’s library and
support staff (including a budget for research assistants), and
enjoying a host of informal mentoring and networking
activities. In particular, the Research Professor
is given an opportunity to present scholarly work to the
faculty – both formally and informally – and to receive detailed
feedback. The Research Professor is part of a faculty that
values pedagogy and is committed to developing effective
teachers.
The Research Professor position is not a tenure-track
position. Instead, it is designed to enable the Research
Professor to obtain a tenure-track position at a top law
school. Members of groups that have traditionally been
underrepresented in law teaching are especially encouraged to
apply. The Research Professor is chosen based on an
evaluation of the applicant's potential to obtain a tenure-track
position with appropriate support and mentoring.
The Research Professor program is currrently filled for the
2008-2009 year.