Position Description:
The Department of Anthropology at Boston University’s College of Arts and Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position whose work focuses on livable and resilient cities. Specifically, we seek an anthropological archaeologist specializing in comparative analyses of urban resilience and preservation. Qualified applicants should have expertise in the analysis of large datasets dealing with urban centers over deep time, with particular implications for understanding issues of quality of life and resiliency, and/or dealing with the tangible heritage of archaeological and historical cities as part of contemporary ones. This position is part of BU’s major investment in convergent research, bringing together bold ideas, deep expertise, and perspectives from across disciplines to take on society’s most critical challenges.
The position is part of a University-wide cluster hire in Livable and Resilient Cities, which builds on BU’s strength in Urban Development & Resilience. Spanning anthropology, biology, civic data science, environmental health, journalism, learning sciences, political science, sociology, and urban affairs, the cluster draws together BU’s strengths in urban scholarship to advance new approaches to creating healthier, more equitable, and adaptable cities.
The Department of Anthropology at Boston University is a globally engaged, interdisciplinary community of scholars whose research explores the relationships among people, environments, cultures, and institutions across time and space. Building on strengths in sociocultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and environmental anthropology, the department offers an exceptional environment for scholars interested in how cities are shaped by migration, inequality, environmental change, governance, infrastructure, and community life, as well as how urban residents adapt to and transform rapidly changing social and ecological conditions.
Since its founding in 1839, Boston University has embraced a mission of openness and access, becoming one of the first universities in the nation to welcome all students of ability regardless of race, gender, or creed. That tradition shapes our enduring commitment to academic freedom, free inquiry, and the robust exchange of ideas. Please visit https://www.bu.edu/values/ to learn more about our shared values.
We seek scholars who will contribute to our community of teachers and researchers through excellence in innovative scholarship, engaged teaching, and participation in the intellectual life of the University. Boston University provides an environment where faculty and students work together across disciplines, perspectives, and experiences to advance knowledge and address society’s most pressing challenges.
Position Qualifications:
Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent degree in Anthropology or a related field, a demonstrated ability to lead an independent research program, and a commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching, education, and mentorship of students.
Successful candidates will be expected to lead an independent research program; actively engage in collaborative research; teach and mentor students; and provide rank-appropriate service to the department, university, and profession.
The salary allocated for this role is $100,000 to $115,000. Final salary determination and rank placement will be based on the candidate's academic record, research background, years of qualifying experience, and a variety of other factors, including but not limited to licenses, specialty, departmental budgets, training and internal pay comparison. The stated hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Application RequirementsApplicants should provide a personal statement that describes the candidate’s interest in both the convergent area of Livable and Resilient Cities and the department; a curriculum vitae; a research statement describing their research interests and experience; a teaching and mentoring statement detailing their approach to teaching and mentoring in an inclusive and diverse learning environment; and the names and contact information of 3 references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until November 30.
Boston University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Retaliation is also prohibited. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Under Massachusetts law, we may not require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.
Boston University, consistent with the AAU’s Principles on Preventing Sexual Harassment, conducts background checks for final candidates for certain faculty and staff positions. As part of this process, we ask current and past employers of the last seven years whether there has been a substantiated finding of sexual misconduct under their policies. To move forward, final candidates must complete and sign an "Authorization to Release Information" form after receiving an offer to enable this background check.
