Assistant Professor of Anthropology (Archaeology)

Position Summary:

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning August 2022. We are seeking an anthropological archaeologist with a specialty in museum studies or material culture.

The ideal candidate should possess demonstrated or emerging potential for successful community-engaged research with Indigenous and/or other descendent communities and a research program capable of attracting external funding and collaborations.

Metropolitan State University of Denver and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology are committed to active and strategic initiatives in our work toward educational equity and promoting a culture of access and inclusion for our students, staff, and faculty. We seek to sustain an inclusive community where all individuals at MSU Denver and in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology are respected, feel a sense of belonging, and are provided proper resources and skillsets to be successful. This success is not limited to our humanities-focused education, but also to the broader development of our students as engaged citizens and valued contributors to the discipline, the community, and society.

At MSU Denver, we recognize the value of everyone and every group as part of an inclusive community of belonging. Differences can include but are not limited to culture, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, language, sex, physical appearance, pregnancy, marital/partner status, age, (dis)ability, neurodiversity, creed, religious or spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, class, education, gender identity/expression, veteran status, political affiliation, political philosophy, and more. We recognize that these differences can be visible or invisible.

MSU Denver is particularly interested in applicants who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for under-represented and historically minoritized groups. Our student population consists of over 55% first-generation students and over 45% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) located in downtown Denver. As the third largest institution of higher education in Colorado and the only institution with an open access mission, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students. The University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first generation students and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals students.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include a teaching load of 12 credit hours per semester (4 classes) of in-person and online undergraduate level courses including the following: Ancient Civilizations, Museums Studies, Archaeological Field Methods, Archaeology of the Americas, Colorado Archaeology, and Advanced Archaeological Research.

Additional courses and teaching pedagogy should complement and strengthen the department’s undergraduate curriculum, build transdisciplinary relationships within the department and across the university, and promote student success and career readiness skills.

The position also requires ongoing involvement in scholarly activities, and service to the department, college, university, profession, and community.

Required Qualifications:

– A Ph.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology or related field from an accredited institution at the time of application. However, applicants nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered; the doctorate must be officially conveyed by the time of appointment (August 1, 2022)
– Demonstrated teaching experience at the college or university-level
– Proven experience in museum studies and/or collections management
– Research experience in the archaeology of North America
– Skills in research methods and ethics, field work, and archival/material culture research
– Ability to run an archaeology field school in Colorado

Preferred Qualifications:

– Teaching and research experience in any of the following topics: material analysis, historical archaeology, environmental sustainability, social identity, resistance and power
– Professional/work experience related to public-facing archaeology ideally in the Rocky Mountain region
– Experience adopting inclusive approaches to teaching, research and mentoring
– Advising and supervising experience with students from diverse backgrounds
– Evidence of experiential teaching practices that include field and lab activities
– Experience communicating with stakeholders and public outreach
– Experience in grant-writing