Assistant Professor of Anthropology; Applied Biomedical Anthropologist

The Social Sciences Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, is seeking applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin September 16, 2024. Area of Specialization: Applied Biomedical Anthropology at the intersection of biological and cultural aspects of human health, adaptation, wellness and disease.

Primary teaching duties include a general education Biological Anthropology course as well as two upper-division courses already in offering. The first of these is a quantitative methods course, Anthropology-Geography Research Design and Methods, and the second is focused on Culture and Health. The candidate will also be expected to develop and teach a course in Applied Anthropology as well as any other upper-division major courses in their area of specialty as needed by the department.

Other advising duties include supervising senior projects, mentoring students in concentrations, academics and professional development, and guiding and engaging them in collaborative research projects. Other departmental administrative responsibilities and service to the university are required. Continued professional development is required.

Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units (three courses) per quarter, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development. Cal Poly strongly values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially in the classroom and among its areas of study.

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) sees diversity as central to its mission and is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment within the college and university. We value our diversity of complex and intersecting identities, while striving to maintain an environment that is socially just, equitable, respectful, and inclusive. The successful applicant should be able to clearly demonstrate how they have infused these values and student learning objectives into their work. They should be prepared to present clear examples of how they would infuse these areas into their work as a faculty member.

At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly’s values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly’s commitment to DEI informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an equal-opportunity employer.

Salary
Anticipated Hiring Range: $81,888 – $87,550/year, $6,824-$7,296/month
(Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)

Required Qualifications
Ph.D. in Anthropology at time of appointment
Evidence of potential for scholarly and/or creative achievement in Biological Anthropology
Ability to teach courses in Area of Specialty
Ability to teach empirical design and methods
Ability to teach Biological Anthropology
Ability to design and teach Applied Anthropology
Demonstrated university teaching experience
Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language
Preferred Qualifications
Practical or professional work experience in health or healthcare settings strongly desired
Proficiency in project-based teaching methods
Demonstrated ability to engage students in faculty-student research projects
Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings
Experience mentoring students in professional development and/or achieving internships related to biomedicine and health
Ability to teach and mentor students in the practical application of anthropological skills and knowledge
Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive and inclusive environment

About The Department
The Social Sciences Department is comprised of two majors, Anthropology and Geography and Sociology, and has 15 tenured or tenure-track faculty members. The Anthropology and Geography program serves 148 majors and 50+ minors as well as students throughout the university in General Education offerings. The department’s website is https://socialsciences.calpoly.edu/

How to Apply
To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition #530121. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:

Cover letter: address the feasibility of conducting a research program within the context of a primarily teaching-oriented undergraduate program
Current curriculum vitae
Example of scholarship
Teaching Statement
Teaching portfolio: provide evidence of student evaluations, syllabi and example assignments
Statement of diversity, equity and inclusion: describe interest in contributing to DEI efforts through research, advising, and/or teaching
Unofficial transcripts showing highest degree earned, official transcripts showing highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment.
Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. For full consideration apply by the REVIEW BEGIN DATE: 10-02-2023. Applications received after this date may be considered.

Projected Start Date: 09-16-2024

Review Begin Date: 10-02-2023. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration.

For questions about the position please contact search committee chair, Stacey L. Rucas via email at srucas@calpoly.edu