Assistant Professor in Biomolecular Archaeology

The Department of Anthropology at Texas A&M University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Biomolecular Archaeology. This is a full-time, 9-month appointment beginning August 1, 2024. We seek a scholar with an active research program that uses ancient organic molecules—especially nucleic acids, proteins, and/or lipids produced by past living organisms—to address archaeological research questions. The successful candidate will conduct research using the methods of biomolecular archaeology, mentor PhD and undergraduate students, teach a 2-2 course load including undergraduate and graduate courses, manage the department’s existing ancient and modern biomolecular laboratories, and participate in service at the department, college, and university levels.

Required qualifications: PhD in hand (PhD conferred before December 31, 2023); however, strong applicants who are scheduled to have the PhD in hand by June 1, 2024 will also be considered. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in biomolecular archaeology—ancient DNA, paleoproteomics, collagen finger-printing, or lipid biomarkers—at the doctoral or post-doctoral level, have a laboratory-based research program focused on non-human animals or environmental reconstruction, and the ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in biomolecular archaeology and archaeological genetics.

Preferred qualifications: An active biomolecular research program in North, Central, or South America; interest in prehistoric hunter-gatherer societies; peer-reviewed research publications; success in obtaining competitive research grants; ability to interact with the department’s archaeological science program (with established ZooMS, radiocarbon and isotope, archaeobotany, palynology, zooarchaeology, and geoarchaeology laboratories) and the Center for the Study of the First Americans; prior teaching experience.

Application instructions: Applications received by November 6, 2023 will receive full consideration, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Application materials include a 1-2 page cover letter; a current CV with names and contact information of three references; a statement of current and future research plans (no more than 2 pages); and a statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy and experience (no more than 2 pages). All application materials must be submitted through InterFolio using the following link: http://apply.interfolio.com/131263. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Michael Waters, Chair of the Biomolecular Archaeology Search Committee at mwaters@tamu.edu.

About the department: The Department of Anthropology is comprised of 26 full-time faculty in four distinct programs: cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, nautical archaeology, and terrestrial archaeology. It also features the Center for the Study of the First Americans and the Center for Maritime Archaeology and Conservation, and is closely affiliated with the non-profit Institute of Nautical Archaeology. The department’s faculty straddle the social sciences and humanities, engaging in quantitative and qualitative research to answer questions about living primates; distant and recent human ancestry; human biology, culture, and genetics; and the technologies that facilitated the global dispersal of our species. The department maintains numerous laboratories including the Zooarchaeology Lab (primarily composed of North American specimens), Conservation Research Lab, Analytical Archaeology Lab, Bioarchaeology Lab, Modern and Ancient Biomolecular Archaeology Labs, Palynology Lab, and Radiocarbon and Isotope Preparation Lab.

About the university: The main campus of Texas A&M University in College Station is a public land-grant institution with nearly 73,000 students. It serves undergraduate students who are primarily from the State of Texas, along with a graduate student and faculty body from around the world. It is a member of the Association of American Universities, and its tenure-track faculty are evaluated on their research, teaching, and service records. Texas A&M University provides equal opportunity for employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Texas A&M University is located in Bryan-College Station, a vibrant, dynamic community that offers cultural diversity, arts and entertainment, job opportunities, and overall quality of life. The community’s low cost of living is advantageous to the student and general populations, making it an ideal place to live.