Hiring: Tenure Track Biological Anthropologist

Job Title: Assistant Professor

Job Opening ID: 369407

Priority Application Deadline: October 17, 2025

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: A Ph.D. in anthropology or closely related field is expected to be in hand at the time of the appointment.

Preferred Qualifications: Evidence of research – including postdoctoral or equivalent post-degree experience – in biological anthropology, specifically of paleoanthropology, functional anatomy, or similar.

Candidates will be evaluated according to the overall quality of their academic preparation, the strength of their research and its relevance to the department’s academic priorities and the field of inquiry, evidence of commitment to teaching and skills as a teacher, and the quality of recommendations. The successful applicant will have a strong commitment to contribute at all levels of our undergraduate and graduate programs.

About the Job

The Department of Anthropology in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in paleoanthropology beginning fall semester 2026. We seek scholars at the cutting edge of biological anthropology who critically utilize scientific approaches, broadly conceived, to answer anthropological questions related to the evolution and variation of humans and/or hominin ancestors. Possible research areas include hominin fossil record and skeletal anatomy, biomechanics and functional morphology, or evolutionary approaches to the study of human adaptations. Appointment will be 100% time over the nine-month academic year (late August to late May). The appointment will be made at the rank of tenure-track Assistant Professor, depending on qualifications and experience, and consistent with collegiate and University policy. 

Faculty in the Department of Anthropology in the College of Liberal Arts are expected to maintain an active program of scholarly research or creative activity that includes publications; teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses; advising students; pursuit of extramural funding; and service effort appropriate for the level of appointment to the department, college, university and profession. The holder of this position is expected to teach two courses per semester, which includes joining the teaching rotation for a large introductory course in biological anthropology, as well as developing specific undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate’s area of expertise. We are especially interested in candidates who, broadly conceived, enhance diversity in the department and whose interests integrate with and expand on current department expertise in biological anthropology, and can interface with the four fields of anthropology. 

Standards for Promotion and Tenure in the Department of Anthropology 

Workload Principles and Guidelines for Regular Faculty in the College of Liberal Arts 

State law requires a good faith estimate of the salary range for all advertised positions. The range for this position is $75,000 to $150,000, depending on discipline, experience and other considerations. Faculty positions also include significant start-up funds, as well as retirement, health and other benefits.

About the Department

Anthropology at the University of Minnesota is a four-field endeavor, with the department comprising 20 tenured or tenure-track faculty members serving 50 graduate students and teaching approximately 2,000 undergraduate students every year. Evolutionary anthropology is represented by faculty members whose research foci include primate (including human) evolution, primate behavior and ecology, taphonomy, and paleolithic archaeology. This work is supported by research laboratory space, biological and archaeological research collections, and a full-time lab manager. New faculty members are encouraged to develop interdisciplinary collaborations across the university, and can build upon current ties with programs in: Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior; Earth Sciences; Heritage Studies and Public History; Academic Health Center; and Geography. 

Established in 1868, the College of Liberal Arts supports the University of Minnesota's land-grant mission as home to disciplines in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The College of Liberal Arts values diverse cultures, experiences, and perspectives as key to innovation and excellent education.

The College of Liberal Arts is committed to intellectual freedom, the pursuit of new knowledge, and the belief that the liberal arts are the foundation of academic learning. CLA prepares students to be independent and original thinkers, innovators in their chosen fields; to create meaning in their lives and in their life's work; and to become productive citizens and leaders in their communities and the world.

How To Apply

The priority deadline for application materials is October 17, 2025. This position will remain open until filled. Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions for completing an application.

Required documents must be attached by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and can be attached after submission of the application by exiting and re-entering the Job Center, accessing your "My Job Applications" page, and uploading documents there. The following materials must be attached to your online application: (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) research statement; (4) teaching statement; (5) and names, addresses and email contact information for three references as a separate attachment in "My Job Applications." Additional materials may be requested at a later date.

Questions may be addressed to search committee chair Michelle Brown [[email protected]].

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Background Check Information

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.