Biological Anthropologist

Submitted: 08/13/2025
Submitted By: Hannah Quarnstrom
Department: Anthropology
Institution: The University of Minnesota
Job type: Tenure-track
Apply by: 10/17/2025
Application Email:
Application URL:

About the Position
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. 
The Standards for Promotion and Tenure in the Department of Anthropology are
available at: https://z.umn.edu/AnthStandardsPromotionTenure
The Workload Principles and Guidelines for Regular Faculty in the College of Liberal
Arts are available at https://z.umn.edu/CLAFacultyWorkloadPrinciplesGuidelines.
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.
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.
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 [brow7100@umn.edu].