Assistant Professor, Economic Anthropology

Position No. 50064. The Department of Anthropology at SMU invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Economic Anthropology. The position is at the rank of Assistant Professor. We are looking for a scholar whose innovative research and teaching complement current departmental foci (health, environment, heritage) while growing our strength in the cultural anthropology of contemporary economies. Geographical focus and area of specialization are open, thought we especially welcome applications from scholars who engage with political economy, work, money, finance, banking, poverty, digital commerce, corporations, global supply chains, agriculture, and/or energy extraction. The position begins August 1, 2024.

The candidate selected will have the opportunity to be a significant partner in building ties between the department and an increasingly diverse and globally-connected community at the university and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. They will also join a fast-growing, PhD-granting department that participates actively in interdisciplinary initiatives on campus through the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute, which features ongoing scholarly clusters in Native American and Indigenous Studies, Asian Studies and Asian American Experiences, and Urban Research.

Minimum qualifications:

Completed requirements for a doctoral or other terminal degree in Anthropology or related field by August 1, 2024; expertise to teach courses in cultural anthropology, specifically anthropological approaches to economic issues and questions; demonstrated potential as a teacher-scholar.

Preferred qualifications: 

Completed Ph.D.; experience teaching undergraduate or graduate courses in anthropology as well as courses in any of the following areas: economic anthropology, political economy, and/or other aspects of modern economies; interest in making significant contributions to graduate programs; an ambitious research agenda and scholarship which has resulted in publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and invited talks; experience mentoring a diverse student population.

Application: Send (1) a cover letter highlighting qualifications, (2) a complete curriculum vitae, (3) a research statement, and (4) the names of three references via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/128526. Review of applications will begin immediately. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by October 15, 2023, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The committee will notify applicants of the employment decision after the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check. Questions regarding the application should be directed to Dr. Kelly McKowen at kmckowen@smu.edu.

Department/Division: The Department of Anthropology at SMU believes that diversity and inclusion are critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Accordingly, we prefer candidates who work productively with colleagues, within and across disciplines, and are skilled at communicating with diverse audiences using different forms of media. Beyond research, the successful candidate must also demonstrate a firm commitment to teaching and mentorship in a liberal arts environment. Visit us at https://www.smu.edu/dedman/academics/departments/anthropology.

SMU is a nationally-ranked, private, non-sectarian research institution located in one of the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan areas. Researchers are part of an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community of internationally recognized scholars across the humanities, social sciences, mathematical sciences, engineering, and business. SMU offers excellent benefits including full same-sex domestic partner benefits. The City of Dallas is one of the nation’s most cosmopolitan commercial and cultural centers, and the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex is the fourth largest in the US. Dallas’ quality of life is exceptional, with a relatively low cost of living and a variety of housing options. A full range of professional sports teams, music venues, a lively and innovative restaurant scene, and more make Dallas an extremely livable city. Explore Dedman College at https://www.smu.edu/dedman, and SMU at http://www.smu.edu.

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquires regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6424 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.