Assistant Professor in Biological Anthropology

Submitted: 10/21/2024
Submitted By: LaShawna Bale
Department: Anthropology
Institution: Wichita State University
Job type: Tenure-track
Apply by: 11/25/2024
Application Email:
Application URL: jobs.wichita.edu

The Department of Anthropology at Wichita State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Biological Anthropology, with a focus on medical anthropology, health, disease, and/or modern human biological variability. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and interdisciplinary department committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. The position is a full-time, 9-month appointment with a teaching expectation of 3 regular courses per semester (3/3).

Preferred candidates are encouraged to collaborate with some of the existing strengths of Wichita State, such as the new Wichita State Biomedical Campus, the Academic Center for Biomedical and Health Humanities (HealthHum), the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, the Community Engagement Institute, the National Institute for Research and Digital Transformation, or the Undergraduate Certificate in GIS. Ability to promote technical skills for students (such as epidemiology, biostatistics, GIS, genetics, biomarker approaches, or laboratory methods, among others) and experience in grant writing will be preferred. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a commitment to student success, ethical research practices, and community engagement.

Review of applications will begin November 25, 2024 and will require a cover letter, CV, and the names of three professional references. Candidates selected for the long-list will be invited to additionally submit a teaching statement, evidence of teaching effectiveness, a research statement, and a statement concerning inclusive pedagogical and research practices.

Wichita State University is a majority urban, first-generation, and Emerging Hispanic-serving institution, and has been recently recognized as the most affordable research university in Kansas. The Department of Anthropology supports a diverse student body at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Key Responsibilities:
• Teach existing undergraduate and graduate courses in anthropology, such as Introduction to Biological Anthropology (ANTH101), Human Variability and Adaptation (ANTH356), Medical Anthropology (ANTH528), or other courses as aligned with teaching and research foci as assigned by the department chair.
• Develop new undergraduate and graduate courses in area of interest.
• Develop and deliver engaging and effective lectures, seminars, and interactive learning experiences that foster student engagement and critical thinking. Design course syllabi, assignments, and assessments that align with departmental and university standards, and provide timely feedback to students.
• Engage in scholarly research, grant-writing, and publication activities in the field of biological anthropology or related areas.
• Provide academic advising and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students, including assistance with course selection, research projects, and career planning.
• Participate in departmental meetings, committees, and other service activities as assigned by the department chair.

Minimum Qualifications:
• A Ph.D. in anthropology or a closely related field by August of 2025
• Demonstrated expertise in biological anthropology, with a strong foundation in medical anthropology applications
• Ability to teach existing coursework in biological anthropology, especially Biological Anthropology (ANTH101), Human Variability and Adaptation (ANTH356), and Medical Anthropology (ANTH528)
• Ability to develop new courses in candidate’s research area to complement and expand biological anthropology curriculum
• Experience in scholarly research and publication in field of biological anthropology or related areas

Preferred Qualifications
• Instructional experience at the collegiate level
• Successful grant-writing or research-funding experience
• Ability to promote transferrable, technical skills for students
• Ability to collaborate with Wichita State interdisciplinary programs in support of the University’s mission
• Commitment to mentorship development to support undergraduate and graduate students
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, students, and community partners.

Wichita State University does not discriminate in its employment practices, educational programs or activities on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran.
All employees of Wichita State University are expected to support the WSU Vision, Mission and Values and to help foster an environment rich in diversity of culture, thoughts and experience.

Applications must be submitted online at: jobs.wichita.edu
For more information about our program, please visit our website: https://www.wichita.edu/academics/fairmount_college_of_liberal_arts_and_sciences/anthropology/
For more information about Wichita: https://choosewichita.com/

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a satisfactory criminal background check as required by Board of Regents policy.