Cultural Anthropologist

Bridge to Faculty Program in the Department of Anthropology

College of Arts and Sciences

University of South Carolina

As part of the new Bridge to Faculty Program at the University of South Carolina, the Department of Anthropology seeks a faculty fellow in the field of Cultural Anthropology to begin in Fall 2024. This two-year program is intended to lead to a tenure-track position in the Department.

In keeping with the University’s commitment to “cultivating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus where every individual has the opportunity to flourish and thrive,” the Bridge to Faculty Program is designed to attract and retain promising scholars to the University of South Carolina with an emphasis on outreach to underrepresented early-career scholars. Specifically, the program seeks to recruit early-career scholars who, if successful during the program, will have the opportunity to transition to a tenure-track faculty appointment at USC at the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. As a member of the 2nd cohort of Bridge to Faculty Fellows from across the university, the Fellow will have a home in the Department of Anthropology alongside a dynamic group of scholars. With the additional support of USC’s Office of Access and Opportunity and Provost’s Office, Faculty Fellows will have access to institutional resources designed to support their readiness for a tenure-track position.

The Faculty Fellow will be expected to: (1) develop a robust program of research in cultural anthropology; (2) meet regularly with faculty mentors; (3) participate in professional development opportunities; and (4) participate in the intellectual life of the Department of Anthropology and the University. The Fellow will also have the option to teach one class in the second year. Qualifications: Applicants must have a PhD in Anthropology or related field completed between July 1, 2019, and the start date of employment (ABDs who are on track to have their degree in hand by August 15, 2024, are encouraged to apply).

We welcome and encourage applications from scholars who contribute to increasing diversity in their fields, as historically underrepresented persons in higher education, and/or by pursing scholarship that deepens understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues within the field. This is a 12-month research faculty appointment. Upon demonstration of academic productivity, it will be renewed for a second year, and with evidence of continued productivity, it can be converted to a tenure-track faculty position in the third year. Salary is competitive, and the position includes a generous benefits package with access to medical, vision, dental, and life insurance. The salary is competitive with similar faculty fellowships, and the position includes a generous benefits package including access to medical, vision, dental, and life insurance. The contract is for 24 months. This position will begin Fall 2024. Importantly, upon demonstration of research productivity the faculty fellow may have the opportunity to transition to tenure track faculty at USC starting in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Applicants must apply online at USCJobs at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/158975. Applications should include: a cover letter; a CV; a writing sample (25 pages maximum); and the names and email addresses of three recommenders, who will be prompted to submit letters of recommendation directly. (If the candidate has not yet defended their dissertation, the letter from the dissertation director should confirm that the PhD will be completed by August 15, 2024). To ensure full consideration, application material must be received by January 15, 2024. A review of applications will begin at that time. If you have any questions about the position or the application process, please contact Dr. Kimberly Eison Simmons, Search Committee Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology and core faculty member of the Department of African American Studies, KSimmons@mailbox.sc.edu.

The Department of Anthropology is committed to both undergraduate and graduate instruction and mentoring, offering programs leading to a bachelors, masters, and Ph.D. degrees. Faculty are known for furthering social justice initiatives, incorporating anti-racist methodologies into teaching and research programs in examining issues of diasporas, disease, displacement, and discourse. For more information about the Department, please visit http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/anth. The program provides all students grounding in critical approaches to four field anthropology (biological/biocultural anthropology, anthropological archaeology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology).

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating
barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, ethnicity, familiar status, disability, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, and local laws or regulations.”