Field Program Director and Lecturer

Field Program Director
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
61517BR
Job Summary
The Department of Human Evolutionary Biology’s Field Program Director is a full-time staff position whose primary duties will include performing research and instructing two HEB courses per year via a dependent lecturer appointment. The research performed would focus on human evolution in Africa. The appointment is expected to start on July 1, 2023. The Department of Human Evolutionary Biology values diversity, and we are committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community. We particularly encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups, including women and minorities.

This individual will work most closely with Harvard University students, both undergraduates who will be participating in the Summer School’s intensive field program, and with undergraduate/graduate students will be enrolled in courses that this individual will teach. They will also work closely with HEB Ladder faculty, the Summer School, and HEB departmental administration. The individual will also interact with local collaborators at the Turkana Basin Institute in Kenya. They will also collaborate with the Dept. of Anthropology at Harvard and the American School of Prehistoric Research (ASPR) at Harvard University.
Position Description
The Field Program Director position is a combined research and teaching role. The incumbent will lead an independent research program, collaborating with the American School of Prehistoric Research, in the area of human evolution in East Africa including the fossil and archaeological records as well as anthropology and ecology. As course head holding a dependent lecturer position, they will serve as instructor for two courses per year in the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology.

Research activities:
• Develops, designs, and conducts one or more complex research investigations in line with plan; reviews progress and evaluates results; conducts independent scientific research projects investigating fundamental problems in area or research; independently designs and develops new techniques; advises on experimental design and applicability; collaborates within and outside of own laboratory on related projects.
• Oversees field work and functions collaboratively with members of a field team in the design and execution of research data collection expeditions. As needed, instructs other staff and students on specific equipment, techniques, and protocols to support this research.
• Oversees laboratory work on including fossil and artifact sample handling and preparation, sample analysis, etc. As needed, instructs other staff and students in basic laboratory techniques and trains personnel on specific equipment.
• Responsible for field site logistics in remote locations, including working at existing sites and/or setting up new field sites. Handles and prepares fossil material and/or archeological artifacts in compliance with domain-specific standards and permitting requirements. Obtains permits and manages equipment such as field vehicles.
• Works independently to organize, analyze, summarize and report data, in varying formats, including for research publications and academic conference presentations.

Teaching activities:
• Designs syllabus, selects course materials, and proposes courses for approval by the HEB faculty
• Hires, trains, and supervises Teaching Fellows, Teaching Assistants, and Course Assistants (depending on the size of the course)
• Teaches the courses, including all aspects of evaluation and grading of students
• Assesses and reviews courses after completion
Basic Qualifications
Applicants should have experience doing research and performing fieldwork. Candidates are required to have a doctorate or terminal degree by the time the appointment begins, as this position holds a concurrent, dependent appointment as Lecturer in Human Evolutionary Biology in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Demonstrated strong commitment to teaching and research is desired. The ideal candidate will have research interests in human evolution in East Africa including the fossil and archaeological records as well as anthropology and ecology. They will have a strong publication record in these areas and will have independently designed and taught relevant courses. Existing strong ties to ongoing research initiatives in the Turkana Basin region are valuable.
Physical Requirements
Must be capable of walking/hiking long distances, crouching/squatting, and be physically fit for fieldwork.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in office and laboratory settings, frequently outside, and at multiple locations. For the relevant subset of duties, this position may offer hybrid remote/in-person work flexibility. There is an expectation that employees be able to work in person in Cambridge, MA and in Kenya needed. International Travel to Kenya may be required for up to 33% of time (summers).

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated (primary series) against COVID, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Information. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.
Additional Information
In order to be considered for this position, applications should attach the following to their application:
1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Teaching/advising statement (describing teaching philosophy and practices)
4. Research statement
5. Statement describing efforts to encourage diversity, inclusion, and belonging, including past, current, and anticipated future contributions in these areas.
6. Names and contact information of 3 referees, who will be asked by a system-generated email to upload a letter of recommendation once the candidate’s application has been submitted. Three letters of recommendation are required, and the application is considered complete only when at least three letters have been received.
7. Key publications

Harvard offers an outstanding benefits package including:
• Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
• Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.
We regret that Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
Job Function
Research
Location
USA – MA – Cambridge
Job Code
RS0057 Researcher III Humanities
Sub-Unit
————
Department
Human Evolutionary Biology (HEB)
Time Status
Full-time
Salary Grade
057
Union
00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity
Schedule
Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.