Assistant Professor of Anthropology (focusing on the Evolutionary Anthropology of Human Health)

The Department of Anthropology (https://anth.la.psu.edu/) and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences (https://www.huck.psu.edu) at The Pennsylvania State University at University Park, PA, USA, invite applications for a tenure-line Assistant Professor of Anthropology with a focus on the Evolutionary Anthropology of Human Health position starting Fall 2024.

We seek leading researchers at the interface of anthropology and the life sciences whose research uses either anthropological or interdisciplinary life sciences frameworks to study human health. As examples, research programs of interest may include (but are not limited to) a focus on sociocultural factors and epigenomic processes, evolutionary medicine-framed investigations of disease risk-related mismatches between past adaptations and present environments, sociocultural-biological studies of human health among diverse human populations, and other approaches that highlight the relationship between structure (at molecular, cellular, organ, or organismal level) and function in human health (and disease).

The Department of Anthropology is especially interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community at Penn State. We encourage applicants whose work can contribute toward collaborative scholarship within the department and across the university on initiatives at the interface between human health and inequality, human-environmental systems, evolutionary developmental biology, or other organismal processes with cellular foundations relating to human health. Candidates with a demonstrated ability to work with underserved and/or underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Candidates must demonstrate potential for effective teaching at university levels, an ability to obtain external funding, a record of academic outputs, and an innovative and integrative research program with a commitment to community engagement. A Ph.D. in Anthropology, Biology, or a related field must be completed by time of appointment. Candidates whose teaching and research can contribute to the department’s planned human gross anatomy teaching program are encouraged to apply.

In addition, successful candidates must either have demonstrated a commitment to building an inclusive, equitable, and diverse campus community, or describe one or more ways they would envision doing so, given the opportunity.

Duties will involve a combination of teaching, research, and service based on the candidate’s qualifications.

Applicants can apply at Penn State’s Job Posting Board and should include: 1) a cover letter; 2) a curriculum vitae detailing the candidate’s educational background, employment history, grants, and publications; 3) a statement summarizing the candidate’s research and teaching experience and interests 4) the names, addresses, and emails of three references.

In their cover letter, candidates must address how their research contributes to both The Department of Anthropology (https://anth.la.psu.edu/) and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences (https://www.huck.psu.edu).

System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until filled.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Penn State offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to 75% tuition discounts (including for a spouse and dependent children up to the age of 26) and paid holidays. Please visit https://hr.psu.edu/benefits for more detailed information.

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