Endowed Gillian Tett Professor of Applied Anthropology

Penn State University•University Park, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Anthropology at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania, invites applications for the endowed Gillian Tett Professor of Applied Anthropology. This is a full-time tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with a start date of Fall 2027 and some flexibility. The professor will lead the department’s new Applied Anthropology Initiative, building on its strengths in archaeology, biological anthropology, and human ecology while expanding external engagement and translational, real-world impact. The successful candidate will connect anthropological knowledge and theory with practical application, use empirical scientific approaches, foster collaboration across the university and with non-academic organizations, and prepare students for applied roles. The role also includes developing the initiative’s future faculty hiring and program direction. The position includes teaching, research, and university service. The academic-year teaching load is 2:1, and onsite teaching is an essential function. A Ph.D. in Anthropology or a related field is required by the appointment date. Associate Professor candidates must demonstrate excellence in research, scholarship, and teaching, with an established reputation in scholarly achievement. Professor candidates must demonstrate excellence in research, scholarship, and teaching, along with a substantial record of advanced research and leadership in their field. Applicants must submit a letter of interest, CV or resume, a two-page research statement describing future research directions (especially in applied anthropology), and contact information for three references. Employment requires successful completion of applicable background checks.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Anthropology or a related field by the appointment date.
For appointment as Associate Professor: demonstrated excellence as a researcher, scholar, and teacher in anthropology or a relevant field, and an established reputation in scholarly achievement.
For appointment as Professor: demonstrated excellence as a researcher, scholar, and teacher in anthropology or a relevant field, evidence of a substantial record of advanced research, and leadership in the field of specialization.
Ability to connect knowledge and theory development with direct, impactful application.
Ability to pursue empirical, scientific applied anthropology integrated with archaeology, biological anthropology, and/or human ecology.
Ability to engage faculty and organizations across the university and maintain interactions in non-academic arenas.
Ability to train students for applied and organizational roles.

Responsibilities

Lead the Applied Anthropology Initiative.
Bridge the development of anthropological knowledge and theory with direct, impactful application.
Use empirical, scientific approaches to applied anthropology integrated with archaeology, biological anthropology, and/or human ecology.
Facilitate engagement in the initiative with core faculty, other faculty, and organizations across the university.
Maintain regular interactions with organizations and communities outside academic anthropology, including corporate, government, development, NGO, community, and other non-academic public arenas.
Train students for real-world roles across the applied anthropology and organizational landscape.
Advance plans for additional core faculty hires in applied anthropology and ongoing program development.
Teach courses, conduct research, and provide university service.