What are the responsibilities and job description for the Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology position at Trinity University?
Job Family Group:
FacultyTime Type:
Full timeDepartment/Office:
Sociology & AnthropologyExemption Status:
ExemptJob Description:
Trinity University seeks applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor (VAP) in Sociocultural Anthropology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology beginning in August 2026. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in economic and/or environmental anthropology, as well as to those who have previous experience with sole-taught courses. The candidate will be expected to be able to teach lower-division courses such as Introduction to Anthropology or Humans and the Environment, and develop upper division courses of their choice in their area of specialization. One-year appointment (effective Fall 2026) with eligibility to apply for proposed tenure-track position (the position is pending approval). The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.Trinity University is a secular, independent, private institution, founded in 1869. Trinity offers high-quality science, liberal arts, and pre-professional programs as represented by the four schools (STEM, Arts & Humanities, Social Science and Civic Engagement, and Business) to approximately 2,500 undergraduate students from the U.S. and more than 45 countries. The attractive campus overlooks downtown San Antonio, a city rich in heritage and ethnic diversity. Additional information can be found on the Resource Guide to Trinity & San Antonio.
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology supports a four-field approach to the discipline. The department prizes interdisciplinary research and has strong connections to the International Studies and Environmental Studies interdisciplinary majors.
The Department of Anthropology is part of the School of Social Science & Civic Engagement, home to six academic departments and four interdisciplinary programs. The School has a long record of involvement in interdisciplinary research and teaching, both within the School and across the University. It prizes experiential learning opportunities for Trinity students, including research with faculty, consulting for local civic organizations, and teaching in San Antonio schools.
Both the Department of Anthropology and the University as a whole value and safeguard academic freedom for faculty members in their teaching and scholarship. Trinity is guided by a set of core values and is committed to implementing practices in pursuit of an inclusive campus for all students, faculty, and staff to feel welcomed and engaged in a community of learning.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Visiting Assistant Professor will teach a total of 6 anthropology courses during the 2026-2027 Academic Year (3 in the Fall, 3 in the Spring) to support the curricular needs of the department and the Pathways general education curriculum.
APPOINTMENT DETAILS
Finalists will be asked to submit three letters of reference and should be prepared to provide those upon request. The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Required:
An earned doctorate in Anthropology by August 10, 2026.
Preferred:
Relevant graduate coursework in Cultural Anthropology with a specialization in Economic and/or Environmental Anthropology.
EXPERIENCE
Required:
Some teaching experience at the undergraduate level
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Evidence of teaching excellence at the undergraduate level
- Demonstrated commitment to Trinity University's liberal arts mission
- Relevant graduate coursework in Cultural Anthropology with a specialization in Economic and/or Environmental Anthropology
- A demonstrated commitment to Trinity's value of intentional inclusion
ATTENDANCE
Maintaining and satisfying minimum attendance requirements is an essential function of this position. All employees in this job classification are required to satisfy this requirement. This job classification may not include "light duty" work or allow unpredictable or unrestricted absences. On-site attendance required.
HOW TO APPLY
For internal applicants, please apply through Workday using the 'Jobs Hub' application, see instructions provided here.
For external applicants, when starting the application, select "Apply Manually." Only complete fields with a red asterisk, which are required. Please create your Workday application account using a personal email address, as you will need to maintain access to this account throughout the pre-hire process, if selected.
For all applicants, you do not need to complete the "(Work) Experience," "Education," "Certifications," or "Languages" fields - these details will be provided in your curriculum vitae.
In the "Application Documents" field, please upload the following as seen below.
A cover letter (1-2 pages single-spaced) that addresses candidate qualifications and interest in the position
A current curriculum vitae
Evidence of teaching effectiveness (a teaching statement, past syllabi from a sole-taught course, and a sample of course evaluations)
The names and contact information for three professional references
Intentional inclusion statement - Intentional Inclusion is a core value at Trinity University. Please provide a brief (1-2 page) reflection on the ways that you might contribute to cultivating an environment where people feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Provide examples of how that relates to your teaching, research/scholarship and other professional activities.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Inquiries should be directed to Department Chair Amy Stone at astone@trinity.edu.
Please ensure that all required documents are uploaded prior to submitting an application. If you have revisions needed to an application already submitted or need help submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 210-999-7507 or email humanresources@trinity.edu.
Trinity University will post non-exempt staff positions for 5 business days and exempt staff positions for 10 business days. Faculty positions will remain open until filled. However, postings may be extended if a sufficient number of qualified applications has not been received. Trinity University also reserves the right to close the posting if a qualified applicant pool has been received.
Trinity University is an equal opportunity employer and as such provides equal opportunity for employment and advancement of all employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any status protected by Federal, State, or Local Laws.
Equal Opportunity Employer – Disability and Veteran