Assistant Research Professor of Anthropology

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Anthropology at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a full-time Assistant Research Professor position in the field of ancient DNA. We seek an outstanding, detail-oriented researcher with expertise in generating and/or analyzing ancient genomic data, with a strong preference for scholars working on ancient microbial genomes, pathogens, or microbiomes. Candidates should be familiar with both wet lab and computational approaches and demonstrate a commitment to conducting research within ethical frameworks that emphasize community engagement.

Responsibilities Include:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research using ancient DNA and/or other biomolecules, with emphasis on microorganisms.
• Manage daily operations of teams within the Penn State Ancient Biomolecules Research Environment (PSABRE), including coordinating access to facilities, mentoring trainees, and fostering external partnerships.
• Develop and sustain collaborative research projects with other faculty across anthropology, biology, environmental sciences, medicine, and related fields.
• Contribute to grant writing, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of research findings at national and international conferences.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and support training initiatives in ancient DNA methods, ethics, and community-engaged research practices.

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Anthropology, Genetics, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline at the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated expertise in laboratory and computational methods associated with ancient or degraded DNA.
• A record of scholarship in ancient microbial genomes, human evolution, or related areas, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Evidence of integrating ethical frameworks in research, including work with Indigenous, descendant, or historically marginalized communities, or application of best practices in ancient DNA research.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams and ability to manage research collaborations in non-related disciplines.
• Strong track record of securing external funding and developing collaborative projects.

The College of the Liberal Arts is committed to offering professional growth and promotional opportunities for non-tenure-line faculty appointments.

Interested candidates must submit an online application at Penn State's Job Posting Board, and should upload the following application materials: a cover letter outlining past research experience, future research goals, and fit for the position, a current curriculum vitae, a one-page statement describing ethical frameworks and collaborative approaches in past and/or planned research, and names and contact information for three references. System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit. For information on the position, please contact Tina Rader at tmp5775@psu.edu.

Visit our website at https://anth.la.psu.edu/ for more information about Penn State's Department of Anthropology.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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