Endowed Gillian Tett Professor of Applied Anthropology

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Anthropology at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, invites applications for the endowed Gillian Tett Professor of Applied Anthropology, a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. The position is expected to start in Fall 2027, with flexibility. The professor will lead the department’s Applied Anthropology Initiative, which supports and trains researchers who use anthropological methods, perspectives, and tools to create impact outside academia, including in for-profit and nonprofit companies, government and international organizations, and the non-academic public. The role will expand the department’s basic science strengths while advancing external engagement and translational, real-world impact. The successful candidate will bridge knowledge and theory development with practical application; pursue empirical, scientific applied anthropology integrated with archaeology, biological anthropology, and/or human ecology; facilitate collaboration within the initiative and across the University; maintain engagement with non-academic sectors; train students for applied and organizational careers; and advance plans for additional core faculty hires and ongoing program development. The position includes teaching, research, and university service. The academic-year teaching load is 2:1, and onsite teaching is an essential function. Candidates for Associate Professor must demonstrate excellence as a researcher, scholar, and teacher and an established reputation in scholarly achievement. Candidates for Professor must demonstrate excellence in research, scholarship, and teaching, a substantial record of advanced research, and leadership in their field. Duties will reflect the candidate’s qualifications and departmental needs. 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 background checks in accordance with University policies.

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; a substantial record of advanced research; and leadership in the field of specialization.
Ability to bridge theory development with impactful application and use empirical, scientific approaches to applied anthropology.
Ability to integrate applied anthropology with archaeology, biological anthropology, and/or human ecology.
Ability to engage with academic and non-academic faculty, organizations, and communities.
Onsite teaching is an essential function of the job.

Responsibilities

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