Assistant Professor of Forensic Anthropology

Submitted: 09/28/2026
Submitted By: Lolly Williams
Department: Anthropology Department
Institution: University of North Carolina Wilmington
Job type: Tenure-track
Apply by: 10/26/2026
Application Email:
Application URL: https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/40874

The Department of Anthropology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a forensic anthropologist to fill a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning August 2027.

The position entails teaching five courses per academic year. The course rotation will include Fundamentals of Forensic Science, Forensic Science Methods, Introduction to Forensic Anthropology, Human Osteology, and other courses in the individual’s research specialization. Service duties may include coordination of a popular minor in Forensic Science. The ideal applicant will show readiness to assume the role of Forensic Science Minor coordinator.

The successful candidate will have and maintain, or will develop and maintain, an active laboratory-based research program in forensic anthropology and forensic science that can be supported by external funding.
Areas of expertise are open, as we look to expand our course offerings while advancing the strategic priorities of the Anthropology Department and the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts.
Location of Workplace: Main UNCW Campus
Position Type: Permanent

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Ph.D. in Forensic Anthropology, or Anthropology with extensive training in Forensic Science**
Must have or can demonstrate the ability to develop, and maintain, an active laboratory-based research program in forensic anthropology and forensic science that can be supported by external funding.
**Please note: ABD applicants will be considered; however, PhD must be confirmed by August 1, 2027 to be eligible for employment, and one of the references included in application must be dissertation chair.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Preference will be given to candidates with:
Experience teaching relevant courses at the university level
Readiness to assume the role of Forensic Science Minor coordinator
Required Certifications or Licensure

Primary Function of Organizational Unit
The UNCW Department of Anthropology offers a BA degree in Anthropology, a Minor in Anthropology and an Interdisciplinary Minor in Forensic Science and an Interdisciplinary Minor in Medical Humanities. Our program includes an array of courses designed to provide students an overview of the discipline, and a thorough grounding in archaeology, biological anthropology, and cultural anthropology. Because there is a strong cross-cultural and comparative focus in Anthropology, students are encouraged to develop competence in a foreign language and to broaden their cultural horizons by participating in study abroad programs. Through participation in field studies and laboratory research projects of faculty mentors, undergraduate students have opportunities to engage in “hands-on” research; sharpen analytical skills; and to develop competence in the use of research instruments and information technology that are essential aspects of the undergraduate experience in anthropology.

EEO Statement
UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Special Notes to Applicants
Prior to the official appointment to the university, the candidate selected for hire must be able to demonstrate eligibility to teach assigned courses by successfully meeting the credentialing requirements based on official transcripts and other documentation as required.

To apply, please complete the online application available at https://jobs.uncw.edu/ and attach the following materials as Adobe PDF documents:
Cover Letter that includes a 1-3 page statement describing research interests and teaching experience and interests addressed to Dr. Scott Simmons, Search Committee Chair
Curriculum Vita
Additional materials may be requested from applicants invited to interview for the position.
Please note that a minimum of three references are required for all applications. The reference contact information you provide may be used to request reference letters during the screening process.
**If ABD at time of application, one of the references included in application must be Dissertation Chair.
Letters of application without the requested components will not meet the application requirements.

Questions about the position or the online application process should be directed to CHSSA Recruitment Specialist Jennifer Itell email: itellj@uncw.edu