Assistant Professor - Department of Anthropology
About The Position
The Department of Anthropology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a tenure-track position at the level of Assistant Professor in Language and Wellbeing, expected to start on September 1, 2027. The department is seeking a linguistic/cultural anthropologist with a strong record of research that addresses how language plays an integral role in shaping wellbeing. Wellbeing is understood to include physical and mental health as well as other aspects of human flourishing, especially in relation to social, environmental, economic, and/or political systems. Areas of focus may include biocultural approaches to health and wellbeing, climate change/climate justice, effects of emerging media and technology, healing and belonging in structurally disadvantaged communities, multispecies relations, and relationships between science, medicine, and society. Applicants should offer evidence of ethnographically grounded research, an innovative theoretical approach, clear plans for future scholarship, and demonstrated excellence in teaching. Regional focus is open. The ideal candidate will value and strengthen links across the sub-fields of anthropology. Current or previous external funding, or experience seeking external grants is a plus. Under exceptional circumstances, candidates at other ranks may receive consideration.
Requirements
- PhD in anthropology or a closely related field at or before the time of appointment.
- Scholarly research record.
- High quality and enthusiastic teaching.
- Ability to teach a large introductory course in linguistic anthropology.
- Ability to teach a small undergraduate methods course specializing in language and culture.
- Ability to teach and mentor graduate students.
Nice To Haves
- Current or previous external funding.
- Experience seeking external grants.
- Contribute to the department’s strong record of using community-based research.
- Strengthen links across the sub-fields of anthropology.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research that addresses how language plays an integral role in shaping wellbeing.
- Teach a large introductory course in linguistic anthropology.
- Teach a small undergraduate methods course specializing in language and culture.
- Teach and mentor graduate students.
- Contribute to cross-disciplinary collaboration through various university initiatives.
Benefits
- Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- Teaching load is 2-2.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
