The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) invites applications for a Visiting Assistant or Associate Professor in Archaeology and Eastern Mediterranean History. This full-time position is expected to start in January 2027. The role combines teaching, research and service within the Departments of Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies and Anthropology, with applications reviewed immediately until the position is filled.
The role focuses on teaching, research and service across the eastern Mediterranean. The successful candidate will teach four courses annually, including undergraduate and graduate classes in Ancient Near Eastern and Classical Archaeology. Research may focus on the Levant, Anatolia, or the Aegean between approximately 3000 BCE and 300 CE, and candidates are expected to connect material culture and textual sources.
Alongside teaching responsibilities, the appointee may contribute to developing the department’s graduate programme, including its M.A. in Archaeology. Participation in study abroad programmes is also desirable. The position requires on-site teaching and includes research and service duties within the department.
For eligible applicants, the required academic background depends on the appointment rank. Assistant Teaching Professor candidates need a relevant PhD and evidence of scholarly productivity and undergraduate teaching, while Associate Teaching Professor candidates additionally require substantial undergraduate or graduate teaching experience.
Position Details
- Position: Visiting Assistant or Associate Professor in Archaeology and History of the Eastern Mediterranean
- Official Reference number: REQ_0000080510
- Institution: The Pennsylvania State University, USA
- Department: Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies and Anthropology
- Research Discipline(s): Archaeology, Ancient History, Eastern Mediterranean Studies, Classical Archaeology
- Location: University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Job Type: Faculty
- Contract Duration: Term position; duration discussed during interview
- Start Date: January 2027
- Required Qualification: PhD in a relevant field by the start date
Research Areas
The position welcomes scholarly expertise across several archaeological and historical areas of the eastern Mediterranean:
- Eastern Mediterranean archaeology
- Ancient Near Eastern archaeology
- Levant and Anatolia
- Aegean archaeology
- Classical archaeology
- Ancient history
- Material culture and textual sources
- Mediterranean and Near Eastern studies
Eligibility/Qualifications
Required Qualifications for Visiting Professor in Archaeology at Penn State include:
- PhD in Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Mediterranean or Near Eastern Archaeology, Ancient History, Classics, Anthropology or a closely related field
- Specialisation in the eastern Mediterranean or Levant where relevant to the discipline
- PhD completed by the position’s January 2027 start date
- Record of scholarly publication and research productivity
- Evidence of undergraduate-level teaching experience
- Substantial undergraduate and/or graduate teaching experience for Associate Teaching Professor rank
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will undertake teaching, research and service activities across the department:
- Teach four courses each academic year, with two courses per semester
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Eastern Mediterranean material culture and history
- Deliver courses in Ancient Near Eastern and Classical Archaeology
- Conduct research within the candidate’s relevant archaeological or historical specialism
- Contribute to departmental service and interdisciplinary academic dialogue
- Support the M.A. in Archaeology and contribute to study abroad programmes where appropriate
Salary and Benefits
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees. Benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, alongside retirement plans for eligible employees.
The university also provides a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children. The College of the Liberal Arts offers professional growth and promotional opportunities for non-tenure-line faculty appointments.
Application Process
Applicants should submit their materials online through the official Penn State Careers portal. Candidates must provide the required documents and arrange for three recommendation letters to be submitted separately.
Required application materials include:
- Letter of interest
- CV or résumé
- Sample of scholarly writing
- Evidence of teaching excellence
- Three letters of recommendation
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Not specified
- Application Deadline: Open until filled
- Expected Start Date: January 2027
Eligible candidates should review the official requirements and submit their application through Penn State’s careers portal.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Archaeology Academic Jobs
- Ancient Studies Research Positions
- Mediterranean Studies Academic Jobs
- International Faculty Jobs
- Academic Positions USA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Penn State archaeology position?
A Visiting Assistant or Associate Professor role in Eastern Mediterranean archaeology and history.
What qualifications are required?
A relevant PhD, scholarly publications and teaching experience are required.
When does the position start?
The position is expected to start in January 2027.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted until the position is filled.
Institutional Overview
The Pennsylvania State University is a public research university with a broad teaching, research and engagement mission across 24 campuses. Its College of the Liberal Arts brings together disciplines spanning the humanities and social sciences. The Department of Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies examines the Mediterranean and Near Eastern world in antiquity, while Anthropology provides wider perspectives on human societies, cultures and their development. Together, these departments support interdisciplinary study of archaeology, ancient history and material culture. The university’s academic environment provides the setting for this faculty appointment, which focuses on the archaeology and history of the eastern Mediterranean. The position also connects with graduate education through the department’s M.A. in Archaeology and broader opportunities for teaching, research and academic collaboration.
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