Position Information

Position Number: F0A46W

Position Title: Assistant Teaching Professor of Anthropology (Collections Management)

Unit Mission Statement

The Department of Anthropology at William & Mary is committed to excellence in research and teaching across the four fields of anthropology: archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. Our goal is to develop anthropologists who are critically engaged with the communities they study and who contribute to the public understanding of what it means to be human. The faculty of teacher-scholars conducts innovative research and works closely with students to foster critical thinking, professional skills, and intellectual independence. These goals are met, in part, by promoting opportunities for students to engage in research that is both academically rigorous and ethically sound. The Faculty values diversity, collaboration, and interdisciplinary scholarship, placing a priority on creating an inclusive and nurturing environment for students and colleagues. The Department strives to be accessible and engaged, encouraging outreach and participation in both local and global communities.

The Anthropology Department is a four-field department committed to inclusive and engaged anthropology. Working with local and global communities, the department emphasizes ethical public engagement to address issues such as sustainability, sovereignty, and critical heritage studies. All members of the department work closely with communities around the world on questions of materiality. The department’s collections include archaeological materials, field records, ethnographic objects, and ancestral remains and belongings. Through long-term relationship building, collaborative research, and the integration of community voices, the department has contributed to numerous impactful projects, publications, and educational initiatives, reflecting its commitment to ethically sound practices and community partnerships.

Position Summary

The Department of Anthropology at William & Mary, a public university in the Commonwealth of Virginia, invites applications for a three-year non-tenure track Assistant Teaching Professor position beginning August 10, 2025. This full-time teaching faculty appointment carries a service component commensurate with rank, with the possibility of ongoing renewals and a framework for promotion.

We seek an individual with expertise in ethical collections management who can teach courses addressing new and emerging conversations in museum practices, related legal and ethical frameworks, and collaboration with culturally affiliated groups and descendant communities. The successful applicant will be expected to be an effective collections manager and teacher. While the position carries a 3:3 teaching load, one course release per semester is designated for collection management duties, for an overall 2:2 teaching load.

Position Responsibilities:

The Assistant Teaching Professor will have a 2-2 teaching load, with courses focused on legal and ethical frameworks for collection management, community collaboration, and informed consent. The faculty member may also teach courses in their area of interest, for example, material culture analysis or heritage management classes. Position responsibilities also include managing the Anthropology Department’s collections in collaboration with other faculty members; the Assistant Teaching Professor will also mentor students in the study and use of these collections. The Department encourages candidates with diverse approaches to and experience with collection practices to apply for the position. While this is a 9-month academic year position, there is also the expectation of summer collection duties, including work with students. This position will in addition receive one month of summer salary, equal to 1/9 of the 9-month base salary, for required summer work. Other opportunities for summer supplemental pay, such as grant-sponsored activities, may be available.

Required Qualifications

The candidate must have a Ph.D. in Anthropology or a related field or be ABD (All But Dissertation) with the expectation of completing the Ph.D. by the time the appointment begins (August 10, 2025). Previous teaching experience in any relevant capacity, e.g., community outreach, public service, or formal academic settings, is required. The candidate must have demonstrated experience with material culture and collections management. Familiarity with applicable laws and regulations, including NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act), is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with community engagement and critical heritage studies is preferred. Expertise in material culture analytical methods, records management, and database management is preferred.

Department: 3KH110 Anthropology Dept

Location:  William & Mary

Job Open Date: 09/05/2024

Review Begin Date: 10/05/2024

Job Close Date: 11/05/2024

Open Until Filled: No

Employment Category: Faculty

Special Application Instructions

Applicants must apply online at https://jobs.wm.edu. . Submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter, and a statement of teaching interests that describes your approach to teaching and mentoring and that may also incorporate a discussion of how your past scholarly work informs your approach. Candidates are encouraged to reflect on their past experiences or future plans to foster an inclusive and welcoming climate for learners/scholars in anthropology in any of the aforementioned required documents. You cannot submit a separate diversity statement. You will be prompted to submit online the names and email addresses of three references who will be contacted by the system with instructions for how to submit a letter of reference.

For full consideration, submit application materials by the review date of October 5, 2024. Applications received after the initial review date will be considered if needed.

Information on the degree programs in the Department of Anthropology may be found at https://www.wm.edu/as/anthropology/index.php.

Background Check Statement

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

EEO Statement

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Benefits Summary Statement

William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).

Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Teaching Statement

Optional Documents

• Other Doc
• Other 2