SMU 26-27 - Associate Professor of Archaeology

Southern Methodist University•Dallas, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Southern Methodist University's Department of Anthropology is seeking an Associate Professor (with tenure) specializing in environmental archaeology. The ideal candidate will have an outstanding record of community-based and locally engaged research and scholarship in archaeological sciences. Preference will be given to those with methodological expertise in geochemical or molecular methods such as biomarkers, proteomics, stable isotopes, and/or ZooMS. While topical expertise is open, the department is particularly interested in scholars with established strengths in the climatic and environmental contexts of human and social evolution. Strong consideration will be given to candidates whose scholarship and teaching complement existing faculty expertise in environmental archaeology and anthropology, and bridge cognate campus programs. The successful applicant will demonstrate an ongoing research program and teaching effectiveness. The position begins August 1, 2027. The candidate will play a key role in building connections between the department and the university's global community, as well as the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. They will join a growing, PhD-granting department actively involved in interdisciplinary initiatives through the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute, which includes research clusters in Earth Hazards and National Security, Energy and Environmental Systems, Tribal Sovereignty and Natural Resources, Asian Studies and Asian American Experiences, and Urban Research. The department values productive collaboration, effective communication across various media, and a strong commitment to teaching and mentorship in a liberal arts setting.

Requirements

PhD in Anthropology or related field.
Expertise to teach courses in anthropology, specifically anthropological and archaeological science approaches to environmental issues and questions.
Evidence of an ongoing research program.
Evidence of teaching effectiveness.

Nice To Haves

Methodological expertise in geochemical or molecular methods (biomarkers, proteomics, stable isotopes, and/or ZooMS).
Topical expertise in the climatic and environmental contexts of human and social evolution.
Scholarship and teaching that complement current faculty in environmental archaeology and environmental anthropology.
Ability to bridge cognate campus programs.
Current rank of Associate Professor (or equivalent).
Experience teaching undergraduate or graduate courses in anthropology.
Experience teaching courses in environmental archaeology, archaeological sciences, paleoclimatology and/or other aspects of ancient human-environment dynamics.
Interest in making significant contributions to graduate education.
An ambitious research agenda and scholarship which has resulted in successful grant awards, publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and invited talks.
Experience mentoring a diverse student population.

Responsibilities

Conduct community-based and locally engaged research and scholarship in archaeological sciences.
Teach courses in anthropology, specifically anthropological and archaeological science approaches to environmental issues and questions.
Teach undergraduate or graduate courses in anthropology.
Potentially teach courses in environmental archaeology, archaeological sciences, paleoclimatology, and/or other aspects of ancient human-environment dynamics.
Make significant contributions to graduate education.
Mentor a diverse student population.