George Mason University, USA, is inviting applications for a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Public or Community-Based Archaeology within the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. The full-time faculty position will begin in August 2027 and focuses on historic archaeology, colonialism, and archaeology of the recent past.
The appointed Assistant Professor will join the Anthropology programme at George Mason University and contribute to teaching, research, and departmental service activities. The role requires active engagement in public or community-based archaeology alongside a sustained record of scholarly publication.
Furthermore, the successful candidate will develop an active research programme, teach undergraduate and graduate archaeology courses, and support curriculum development. The position also includes opportunities to contribute to archaeological field training and community-focused research initiatives.
In addition, applicants should demonstrate strong theoretical grounding in archaeology with research interests connected to historic archaeology, colonial archaeology, or the archaeology of the recent past. The role supports interdisciplinary research within anthropology and related fields.
Position Details
- Position: Tenure Track Assistant Professor – Public or Community-Based Archaeologist
- Official Reference Number: 10004276
- Institution: George Mason University, USA
- Department: Department of Sociology and Anthropology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Research Discipline(s): Public Archaeology, Community-Based Archaeology, Historic Archaeology, Anthropology
- Location: Fairfax, Virginia, USA
- Job Type: Faculty Position
- Contract Duration: 9-month instructional faculty appointment
- Start Date: August 2027
- Working Hours: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week)
- Salary/Funding: Salary commensurate with education and experience
- Required Qualification: PhD in Anthropology or Archaeology
Research Areas
The position focuses on the following archaeological research areas:
- Public and community-based archaeology
- Historic archaeology
- Archaeology of colonialism
- Archaeology of the recent past
- Archaeological theory and interpretation
- Human history and cultural transformation
Eligibility/Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- PhD in Anthropology or Archaeology completed at the time of application
- Experience teaching or supporting teaching in anthropology or related disciplines
- Active engagement in public or community-based archaeology
- Demonstrated record of scholarly achievement
- Research programme with strong theoretical foundations
- Ability to teach upper-division undergraduate or graduate archaeological theory courses
Key Responsibilities
The selected candidate will be responsible for:
- Maintaining an active research programme with peer-reviewed publications
- Teaching undergraduate and graduate archaeology courses
- Contributing to introductory and general education anthropology courses
- Supporting archaeology curriculum development within the programme
- Participating in departmental service activities
- Developing potential archaeological field school opportunities for students
Application Process
Applicants must complete the online application through the George Mason University recruitment portal. Candidates should submit the required materials before the application deadline for full consideration.
Required application documents include:
- Cover letter describing research and teaching experience and interests (maximum three pages)
- Curriculum vitae
- Up to three representative scholarly works
- Contact details for three professional references
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 16 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 1 October 2026
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: August 2027
Eligible candidates can click the Apply Now button to view full position details and submit their application before the deadline.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Academic Positions in USA
- Archaeology Research Jobs Worldwide
- Assistant Professor Jobs
- Global Heritage Research Fellowships
- Anthropology Academic Jobs
Institutional Overview
George Mason University is a public research university located in Fairfax, Virginia, USA. As an R1 research institution, it offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional programmes across a wide range of academic fields. The university promotes interdisciplinary research in the humanities, social sciences, science, and technology. The Department of Sociology and Anthropology provides teaching and research opportunities in cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeology. Its programmes explore human societies, environmental relationships, cultural practices, and historical change. Through its research and education activities, George Mason University supports scholars studying social transformation, human experiences, and past and present communities.
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