About the Program
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 one or 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.