Assistant Professor - Anthropology

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Assistant Professor - Anthropology at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

The Department of Anthropology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Wayne State University seeks a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor of Anthropology (Archaeology) to join our vibrant intellectual community in Detroit. The candidate will be an archaeologist who has obtained a doctorate in anthropology or an allied field by the position start date and has demonstrated experience conducting innovative independent research, university-level teaching, and community engagement. The expected position start date is August 18. 2026.

The candidate’s expertise must advance the department’s existing strengths in applied anthropology, community engagement, and experiential learning. Research on topics including Indigenous rights, African diaspora, or environmental anthropology would especially complement departmental foci. Experience working in cultural resource management or historic preservation, and/or with Tribal, state, or federal government organizations, non-profits, or museums is desired.

Position duties include research, teaching, and service. The hire will maintain an active program of research and seek external funding to support it. They will contribute to the department’s robust curriculum in archaeology, teaching courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, with a 2:2 teaching load. Teaching duties will include instructing general education and required courses for the undergraduate Anthropology major, the Archaeology minor, and the MA and PhD programs in Anthropology. Courses may include: Lost Cities & Ancient Civilizations, Introduction to Archaeology Great Lakes Archaeology, Cultural Resource Management, Native American Archaeology, Archaeological Field Methods, and Archaeological Theory. In addition to teaching, the hire will advise graduate students, provide opportunities for student training, and integrate emergent technologies into their coursework (e.g, data science, GIS, remote sensing). They will perform service at the department level as a tenure-track faculty member, including participation on the Museum Committee, which advises the operations of the Gordon L. Grosscup Museum of Anthropology.

The hire will be expected to become actively involved in Detroit and Michigan’s professional archaeology communities, maintaining collaborative relationships across university departments and with local area organizations. As a faculty member, the hire will contribute to professional development activities that will enhance student opportunities for employment in cultural resource management, museums, and other professional sectors.

The Wayne State Department of Anthropology offers four-field training at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is also home to the Gordon L. Grosscup Museum of Anthropology, which houses one of the largest collections of Midwestern archaeological materials in North America. We welcome applicants who are eager to become part of our collegial community and willing to develop their research and teaching in ways that support the university’s mission. Wayne State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Unique duties:

TT - FY 2026

Qualifications:

The department’s preference is to hire an archaeologist with research interests in the U.S. Midwest or wider Great Lakes region. Areas of methodological, theoretical, and chronological specialization are otherwise open.  

To apply, upload application materials to the Wayne State hiring portal on the Wayne Talent Career Site. Emailed applications cannot be accepted. Applicants must submit two documents: 1) a cover letter (2 pages max) that introduces research and teaching experience, and articulates their fit for the position, and 2) a curriculum vitae (CV) that includes the names and contact information of three references.  Additional materials will be requested from finalists later in the process. 

Application review will begin on November 25, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Please direct any questions to the search chair, Dr. Krysta Ryzewski: Krysta.Ryzewski@wayne.edu

School/College/Division:

H12 - College of Liberal Arts & Science

Primary department:

H0333 - Anthropology

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Academic/Faculty

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Salary minimum: TBD
• Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions:

This position must be filled pursuant to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, and as such may be filled by a qualified bargaining unit member, should one apply.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.