Assistant Professor of Biological Anthropology

Submitted: 02/11/2026
Submitted By: Tony Krus
Department: Department of Anthropology and Sociology
Institution: University of South Dakota
Job type: Tenure-track
Apply by: 02/11/2027
Application Email:
Application URL: https://apptrkr.com/6917273

University of South Dakota

Posting Number: F01806P

Department: USD-Anthropology & SociologyHoused in USD’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Anthropology and Sociology offers the BA and BS degrees in Anthropology and Sociology, minors in Anthropology, Sociology, Archaeology, and Geography, and certificates in Forensic Anthropology, Geospatial Analysis, and Health and Culture. Our courses support the General Education curriculum of the University, as well as multiple interdisciplinary programs across the campus. More information about the department’s faculty and programs is available at https://www.usd.edu/Academics/Colleges-and-Schools/college-of-arts-sciences/anthropology-and-sociology. The University of South Dakota, with a student enrollment of approximately 10,000, is the state’s flagship liberal arts university. It is located in the town of Vermillion on the bluffs of the Missouri River, 60 miles south of Sioux Falls, SD (MSA 276,000) and 35 miles northwest of Sioux City, IA (MSA 169,000). For more information about the university, visit http://www.usd.edu.

Physical Location of Position (City): Vermillion

Job Description:

The Department of Anthropology and Sociology at the University of South Dakota invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position with a specialization in Biological Anthropology, to begin August 2026.

The candidate will be expected to teach a 3/3 load that includes introductory and upper-level courses in forensic anthropology, forensic science, biological anthropology, medical anthropology, and human and animal osteology. Teaching online courses may be required. Other duties will include advising and mentoring students and service to the campus and discipline. Excellence in teaching is expected, both in the classroom and in mentoring students outside the classroom.

An active research agenda, including publications and external funding in the field of biological anthropology, is expected. A successful candidate should also be committed to pursuing external funding opportunities from both governmental and private sources. Geographic and methodological specializations are open.

Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated scholarly expertise and teaching experience in forensic anthropology and other areas of forensic science. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in anthropology or a related field by the start of their appointment. The Department would also welcome the ability to teach interdisciplinary courses in collaboration with the Department of Biology, the Criminal Justice Program, the Sustainability Program, and the University Honors Program.

Candidates must submit application materials online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Application materials should include the following:

1. Cover letter – include a statement of research interests
2. Current curriculum vitae
3. Graduate Transcripts
4. Other – evidence of teaching excellence (including a statement of teaching interests, recent teaching evaluations, and course syllabi)
5. Work or Writing Sample – up to three writing samples (such as recent articles and/or manuscript drafts)
6. References – contacts for three references.

Review of applications will begin March 10 and continue until the position is filled.

Salary is commensurate with experience. Additional questions may be addressed to Tony Krus, Chair, Anthropology and Sociology, 414 East Clark Street, Vermillion, SD 57069 mailto:(Tony.Krus@usd.edu).

Closing Date:

Open Until Filled: Yes

First Consideration Date: 03/10/2026

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience

Duration of the Term: 9 months

If Other, describe duration:

Appointment Percent: 100

Work Hours:

Typical Hours Worked Per Week:

Appointment Type: Regular

Faculty Status:

Scope of Search: External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search: External (includes Internal)

This position requires:

If other, please indicate:

Department Description and Cultural Expectations: Housed in USD’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Anthropology and Sociology offers the BA and BS degrees in Anthropology and Sociology, minors in Anthropology, Sociology, Archaeology, and Geography, and certificates in Forensic Anthropology, Geospatial Analysis, and Health and Culture. Our courses support the General Education curriculum of the University, as well as multiple interdisciplinary programs across the campus. More information about the department’s faculty and programs is available at https://www.usd.edu/Academics/Colleges-and-Schools/college-of-arts-sciences/anthropology-and-sociology.

The University of South Dakota, with a student enrollment of approximately 10,000, is the state’s flagship liberal arts university. It is located in the town of Vermillion on the bluffs of the Missouri River, 60 miles south of Sioux Falls, SD (MSA 276,000) and 35 miles northwest of Sioux City, IA (MSA 169,000). For more information about the university, visit http://www.usd.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological political or sectarian opinions or perspectives, or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.

Contact Information: Tony Krus, Chair, Anthropology and Sociology, 414 East Clark Street, Vermillion, SD 57069 (Tony.Krus@usd.edu)

To apply, visit: https://apptrkr.com/6917273