Assistant Professor - Forensic Anthropology - #000548

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* 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
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Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
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The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

The Department of Anthropology and Sociology at Western Carolina University invites applications for a nine-month tenure track assistant professor of anthropology, to begin August 2025.

WCU's four-field undergraduate anthropology program is seeking a forensic anthropologist to support its general anthropology program, in addition to its popular concentration in forensic anthropology. The undergraduate forensic anthropology program at Western Carolina University is one-of-a-kind with an outdoor human decomposition research laboratory, willed-body donation program, and forensic anthropology laboratories.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in forensic and biological anthropology as well as contribute to the University's Liberal Studies introductory anthropology course offerings. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience: teaching anthropology, working in the context of human decomposition facilities, and teaching and mentoring undergraduate students. Certification in forensic anthropology by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology is also desired.

Western Carolina University's anthropology program is known for its undergraduate forensic anthropology program as well as its archaeological collaborative work with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians ( EBCI).

WCU embraces its role as a regionally engaged university and is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a community engaged university. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to public engagement through their teaching, service, and scholarship

(1) A Ph.D. in Anthropology or a related discipline in hand at start of appointment is preferred, but individuals that are currently ABD will be considered with degree conferral by August 2025.

(2) An active research program in forensic and/or biological anthropology.

(3) Experience teaching and mentoring students at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Please include cover letter, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts from highest degree earned*, a list of three professional references with full contact information, teaching interest statement, statement describing background in forensic anthropology (2-page maximum).

For questions or additional information please contact Ben Steere, Department Head for Anthropology & Sociology, at basteere@email.wcu.edu

*All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state "Degree Awarded," "Degree Conferred," or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master's degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master's degree transcript must have a notation such as "Degree Awarded," "Degree Conferred," or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

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All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

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