Assistant Professor of Anthropological Archaeology (tenure-track)

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Millsaps College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in anthropological archaeology beginning on 1 August 2025. We are seeking a Maya archaeologist with active field research. Topical area of expertise is open, but we are particularly interested in applicants with four-field training in anthropology, a desire to include undergraduate students in research, and an ability to teach a variety of courses.

Millsaps has an ongoing archaeology research program at the Kaxil Kiuic Biocultural Reserve in the heart of the Yucatán peninsula, Mexico. Our facilities include an off-the-grid Research and Learning Center at Kiuic as well as a laboratory and research facility in the nearby Maya town of Oxkutzcab. We are looking for a Mayanist who will integrate their research activities with Millsaps’ archaeology program at Kaxil Kiuic.

The teaching load is three courses per semester. The successful candidate will be expected to teach Archaeology of Ancient Civilizations, Introduction to Anthropology, courses in the core curriculum, and courses in the candidate’s area of expertise.

A Ph.D. in anthropology must be in hand by August 2025.

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Anthropology or a related field required by the start of the appointment. Candidates who are ABD may be considered
  • Record of, or potential for, scholarly productivity.
  • Commitment to inclusive pedagogy, diversity and equity.

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following documents as a single PDF:

  1. a cover letter (two pages maximum)
  2. curriculum vitae
  3. the names and contact information for three references.

Letter writers will be contacted at a later stage in the review process. Candidates who advance to a shorter list will be asked to provide a research statement and a statement of teaching philosophy, both of which should outline how the candidate addresses inclusion and diversity in their work.

Application materials should be submitted to [email protected] as one PDF document. Questions about the position can be sent to the Search Chair, Dr. Louwanda Evans, at [email protected].

Review of applications will begin on October 25, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. 

About the Department of Sociology and Anthropology

The primary goal of the Department of Sociology-Anthropology is to offer a rigorous undergraduate major in the related fields of sociology and anthropology. We aim to offer a curriculum that integrates sociology and anthropology, making explicit the shared concerns, understandings and methodological approaches of, as well as the distinctions between, the two disciplines. Secondarily, therefore, we aim to 1) provide a quality major with rigorous in-depth study in either, or both, of the two available concentrations, anthropology or sociology; 2) challenge and support students to excel in critical, reflective thinking, in oral and written communication, and in gathering and evaluating qualitative and quantitative data; 3) foster ethical decision-making and action in research and service activities; and 4) provide students with experiential learning opportunities that will strengthen their skills and prepare them for the job market.   Besides Yucatán, our students have opportunities to engage in archaeological fieldwork in Jackson, MS and Cusco, Peru. These and other opportunities consistently rank Millsaps as one of the top schools in the United States for studying abroad.

As a departmental community, we seek to participate fully in the general liberal education of Millsaps undergraduates and support the goals of the college. We also work to support faculty development and growth in teaching, scholarship, and service to the college and the wider community.

About Millsaps

Millsaps College is a selective institution of higher education located on 100 beautiful acres in the heart of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi — a progressive southern metropolitan city of nearly half a million. Millsaps is dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry and free expression, the exploration of faith to inform vocation and the innovative shaping of the social, economic and cultural progress of the region. The college was founded in 1890 by members of the Methodist Church and is consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education.

Millsaps has an enrollment of approximately 750 students and employs 80 full-time faculty members. The faculty/student ratio at Millsaps is 1:9, and the average class size is 14. Millsaps has graduated 25 Fulbright Award recipients, seven Rhodes Scholars, six Goldwater Scholars and two Truman Scholars. Millsaps is a member of the NCAA Division III and Southern Athletic Association and competes in 18 intercollegiate sports.

EEO Statement

Millsaps College values diversity within our students, faculty and staff, and strives to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people. Millsaps College does not discriminate in employment on the bases of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and/or local laws.

All offers of employment will be contingent on successful completion of a background check and verification of employment. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Millsaps College provides a competitive benefits package.

It is the policy of Millsaps College to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities for employment. If you require any accommodations to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected].

Additional Information

In compliance with the amendments to the federal Clery Act concerning annual security reports, all potential job applicants are free to view Millsaps College’s annual Campus Crime Statistics here.

The only national liberal arts college in Mississippi, Millsaps College has consistently been ranked a “Best Buy” among national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report‘s America’s Best Colleges and is cited as one of Loren Pope’s 40 Colleges That Change Lives. It was the first institution in Mississippi with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, and is the only institution in Mississippi ever to be listed in The Fiske Guide to Colleges.

Millsaps is a member of the ACS and NITLE, and has an AACSB accredited business school. In accordance with Federal law, we are making available our Campus Security Report to all prospective employees. Millsaps is located in Jackson, the capital of the state. The Jackson area has a population of around 400,000 and offers low cost-of-living, excellent schools, pleasant climate, and many recreational opportunities.

For additional information about Millsaps College please visit the links below: