Assistant Professor of Biological Anthropology

Submitted: 10/20/2026
Submitted By: Laurette McGuire
Department: Anthropology
Institution: California State University San Marcos
Job type: Tenure-track
Apply by: 12/01/2026
Application Email:
Application URL: https://careersmanager.pageuppeople.com/873/sm/en-us/job/563139/assistant-professor-of-anthropology

The Department of Anthropology at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) invites applications for its first tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Biological Anthropology anticipated to begin fall semester 2027. We seek a teacher-scholar with a terminal degree in Anthropology with a specialty in the subfield of Biological Anthropology who will strengthen and expand the department's biological anthropology curriculum, guide the department’s biological anthropology concentration, and complement departmental strengths. Topical area within the subfield of biological anthropology is open with a preference for a geographical specialization in the Americas.

The successful candidate will be prepared to teach introductory and upper-division undergraduate courses (including theoretical, topical, and lab-based) in biological anthropology that serve anthropology majors and students across the university, develop additional courses in their areas of expertise, and expand interdisciplinary connections across the university. Potential areas of instruction may include, but are not limited to, human evolution, human biological variation, biocultural anthropology, bioarchaeology, forensic anthropology, human osteology, or human ecology. The candidate will have an active research agenda or clear potential to develop one leading to publications, conference presentations, and external grant funding. We particularly welcome candidates interested in involving undergraduate students in research, laboratory, field, community-based, or other experiential learning opportunities. In addition, affiliated faculty are expected to participate in departmental, college, and university service and the intellectual and curricular life of the department.

Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must:
• Hold a Ph.D. in Anthropology, or ABD with degree awarded by August 15, 2027, from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Demonstrated potential for effective undergraduate teaching in biological anthropology.
• Demonstrate a commitment to mentoring and supporting undergraduate students.
• An active program of scholarly research in biological anthropology with the potential to involve undergraduate students.
• Demonstrated intercultural competence and a commitment to serving a diverse campus community as it relates to teaching, research and/or service.

Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate one or more of the following:
• Strong evidence of effective undergraduate teaching.
• Strong experience mentoring students from diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience or interest in developing curriculum in biological anthropology that includes laboratory, field-based, community-engaged, or other experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students.
• Active research programs include publication in academic venues and/or external funding in the field of expertise.
• Actively engaged in collaborative work with the ability/desire to build new academic programs among faculty and programs/departments across the university.
• Theoretical and geographic expertise that complements and expands existing faculty strengths with a geographical specialization in the Americas.
• Record of service to the university, discipline and/or students.

Application Materials
Applicants should submit:
1. A cover letter describing their qualifications for the position and explaining how their research and teaching would contribute to biological anthropology at CSUSM.
2. A current Curriculum Vitae.
3. A statement of research interests and future research plans.
4. A statement of teaching philosophy and experience, including courses the candidate would be prepared to teach or develop.
5. Evidence of teaching effectiveness, if available.
6. Names and contact information for three professional references.

About the Department
The CSUSM Department of Anthropology is an interdisciplinary and collaborative department committed to the holistic study of human biological and cultural diversity through time. The department distinguishes itself as an applied course of study that engages students directly with the interests and efforts of local communities while connecting them to global experiences, and we value applied research that includes undergraduate students. The department currently has strengths in archaeology and medical anthropology and seeks a candidate to complement that expertise and broaden its biological anthropology curricular offerings and guide the department's biological anthropology concentration at CSUSM. We value faculty committed to effective teaching, mentorship, and supporting the academic and professional success of students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. For more information, see the Department webpage.