Assistant Professor-Anthropology

University of New Mexico•Albuquerque, NM

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The UNM Department of Anthropology invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor of Archaeology to begin in August 2027. We seek to hire an integrative archaeologist with a focus in the analysis of stable isotopes to address anthropological questions, including but not limited to the reconstruction past human habitats, diets, modifications of the environment, or responses to climate change. Research foci should complement, and not duplicate, existing specializations in our program. UNM Archaeology has long been a leader in theoretically informed, question-driven, and methodologically sophisticated anthropological archaeological research addressing long-term perspectives on the human experience across the globe. The successful candidate will add to Archaeology’s record of innovative, collaborative, and ground-breaking research on cultural dynamics and past human-environment interactions. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to become a core faculty member in the UNM Center for Stable Isotopes (CSI), an interdisciplinary research and analytical facility supporting stable isotope research across Anthropology, Biology, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Chemistry, and the Biomedical Sciences. The candidate will collaborate with faculty and students across these disciplines and help train early career scientists in stable isotope methods. The position offers opportunities to expand CSI’s state-of-the-art analytical capacity through the development of new methods and capabilities. We seek a scientist who thrives in the laboratory and is committed to instrument development, calibration, quality control, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to contribute to our two-week summer training course, IsoCamp (isocamp.org), and to pursue a leadership role within CSI. CSI is a student-centered facility that provides broad access to instrumentation as well as hands-on training opportunities. The existing user community at CSI provides a strong foundation for building an internationally visible research program and offers experiential training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students, which will enhance the successful candidate’s potential for developing collaborations across UNM and beyond.

Requirements

PhD in Anthropology or Archaeology, conferred at time of application
An active laboratory research program
Expertise in stable isotope analysis
Ability to teach introductory level classes in archaeology
Letter of intent explaining the applicant’s minimum and preferred qualifications for the position
A research statement, including a five-year research plan (max 3 pages)
A statement on teaching philosophy, interests, and experience (max 3 pages)
Curriculum vitae
Full contact information for three references
Official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM

Nice To Haves

Evidence of research quality, productivity, and impact as demonstrated by a record of publications and other recognition appropriate to career stage
Evidence of the potential to develop a vigorous externally funded research program
Potential to collaborate in integrative interdisciplinary research that complements, but does not duplicate, existing strengths in the department and at UNM
Demonstrated teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels
Ability to teach courses in the archaeology of a geographic region, a major theoretical topic, or area of expertise
Demonstrated experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students
Ability to develop new courses that would take advantage of CSI’s analytical capabilities and an interest in advancing the scientific and educational mission of CSI through contributions to its analytical capabilities, hands-on training activities, and collaborative shared-use laboratory environment.
A demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the university’s mission to serve local and global communities

Responsibilities

Reconstruct past human habitats, diets, modifications of the environment, or responses to climate change using stable isotope analysis.
Conduct innovative, collaborative, and ground-breaking research on cultural dynamics and past human-environment interactions.
Become a core faculty member in the UNM Center for Stable Isotopes (CSI).
Collaborate with faculty and students across disciplines (Anthropology, Biology, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Chemistry, and Biomedical Sciences).
Train early career scientists in stable isotope methods.
Expand CSI’s state-of-the-art analytical capacity through the development of new methods and capabilities.
Contribute to instrument development, calibration, quality control, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Contribute to the two-week summer training course, IsoCamp.
Pursue a leadership role within CSI.
Provide hands-on training opportunities to graduate and undergraduate students.
Teach introductory level classes in archaeology.
Teach courses in the archaeology of a geographic region, a major theoretical topic, or area of expertise.
Develop new courses that would take advantage of CSI’s analytical capabilities.
Cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and contribute to the university’s mission to serve local and global communities.