Curator of Archaeology and Assistant Professor of Anthropology University of Utah

The Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU) and the Department of Anthropology at the University of Utah invite applications for a tenure-track joint position as Curator of Archaeology and Assistant Professor of Anthropology beginning July 1, 2019. The majority of this split appointment is funded by the Museum, but retention, promotion, and tenure decisions will be made according to the Department criteria.

The successful candidate will maintain a strong field- and collections-based research program involving students. Duties also include overseeing the curation and continued development of the Anthropology collections, teaching one formal course per year in the Department of Anthropology, participating in Museum public programs and exhibit development, supervising graduate students in the Department, as well as participating in Department governance.

Candidates must have a strong record of research and publication in the prehistory of western North America, with preference for work in the Great Basin, Colorado Plateau, or prehistoric Southwest. Potential to develop field- and collections-based research projects in Utah is
essential. Research focus and methodological expertise is open, but preference will be given to applicants cognizant of the research potential of the collections, whose work will support graduate student training and generate significant extramural support, and who complement the strong evolutionary and ecological perspective of current Anthropology faculty and NHMU curators. In addition, potential to contribute to the NHMU Sustaining Biodiversity initiative (https://nhmu.utah.edu/sustaining-biodiversity) is favorable.

NHMU and the Department of Anthropology have recently moved to new, state-of-the-art facilities equipped with laboratories, collection storage rooms, lecture halls, and student work space. For NHMU this move allowed for the inspection, reorganization, and completion of the database for remarkable collections, ranging from some of the earliest artifacts in the Great Basin (Danger Cave) to modern Navajo baskets. Numbering nearly one million objects, the Anthropology collections relate primarily to the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau. NHMU has research strengths in biodiversity science, including curators with expertise in vertebrate zoology, botany, mycology, genomics, paleoecology, paleontology, and archaeology (paleoethnobotany and zooarchaeology).

Review of applications will begin January 7, 2019, and continue until filled. To apply, submit an application on-line (https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/85384) that includes a CV, three sample publications, contact information for exactly three references, and a letter of interest that addresses: (1) research, (2) teaching, (3) collections, (4) programmatic interests, i.e. how your research may impact and contribute to exhibits and public programs at the museum, and (5) how your work and experience can contribute to the success of underrepresented students. Candidates must have a completed Ph.D. by time of appointment. Questions may be directed to the Museum’s Executive Director, Sarah George (sgeorge@nhmu.utah.edu) and/or the Chair of Anthropology, Leslie Knapp (leslie.knapp@anthro.utah.edu).

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, national origin, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, status as a person with a disability, genetic information, or Protected Veteran status. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. To inquire about the University’s nondiscrimination or affirmative action policies or to request disability accommodation, please contact: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 201 S. Presidents Circle, Rm 135, (801)
581-8365.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds, and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.