The Department of Anthropology within the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Nevada, Reno invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in biological anthropology.
The successful candidate will have an active research program on humans or human ancestors grounded in biocultural perspectives that bridge evolutionary anthropology and human biology. Some areas of particular interest include developmental influences on adult biology and health, non-genetic forms of biological inheritance, climate adaptations, functional morphology, or physiological and nutritional responses to environmental stress and disease. Work informed by theoretical frameworks such as—but not limited—life history theory, various social theories, developmental plasticity, or evolutionary quantitative genetics is also encouraged. We seek candidates who demonstrate the potential to pursue impactful, forward-looking scholarship and employ innovative methods, including computational and quantitative approaches as well as lab-based methods. The ability to foster interdisciplinary collaborations within anthropology and across related fields is highly desirable.
The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active program of research and contribute to the department’s undergraduate and graduate programs in biological anthropology and develop courses in their area of specialization. The standard teaching load is 2-2, with substantial involvement in graduate education, including graduate-level teaching, student mentoring and advising, and service as chair or member of graduate M.A. and Ph.D. committees. Our department has well-established M.A. and Ph.D. graduate programs through which the successful candidate will sponsor students. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and collegial 4-field anthropology department at the flagship, public, land-grant, institution of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). More information about the department can be found here: https://www.unr.edu/anthropology
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. in anthropology or a related field in hand by July 1, 2027.
A developing or established research agenda in biological anthropology.
Preferred Qualifications
A record of, or potential for, publishing in top-tier outlets in relevant fields.
Demonstrated excellence, or clear evidence of potential for excellence in teaching in the field of biological anthropology.
Compensation Grade
Assistant Professor (9-month, B-contract).
Salary is competitive with a range of $73,000 to $76,000 and commensurate with related education and experience.
The application is available at this website.
Please attach the following documents to your application:
1) A complete curriculum vita
2) A 2–3-page cover letter outlining qualifications, experience, research agenda, teaching and/or mentorship experience, and how you would contribute toward the college’s mission.
3) The names and contact information for three professional references.
** Finalists will be asked to share recent teaching evaluations
Posting Close Time
Applications must be received by 11:59pm on December 4, 2026.
Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. First review of applications will begin on Monday, December 7th.
This posting will no longer be available to apply to after 12:00am on December 5, 2027.
Contact Information for this position
Search Chair: Geoffrey M. Smith, Professor of Anthropology, geoffreys@unr.edu
Search Coordinator: Jeannie Harrison, Administrative Assistant, bharrison@unr.edu
