Assistant Professor, Archaeology

Overview

Western Washington University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Anthropology (Archaeology), to begin in September 2026. The department seeks an Archaeologist with a Ph.D. or ABD at the time of application and a strong foundation in the archaeology of western North America, with a preference for Pacific Northwest regions. The department maintains a four-field approach to teaching and scholarship and values collaboration with descendant communities and inclusive practices.

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Anthropology Department support Western's mission to make a positive impact through academic excellence and inclusive achievement. Applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and other candidates from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged.

The Department of Anthropology invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Archaeology, with responsibilities in teaching, research, and service. The ideal candidate will:

• Have a Ph.D. or be ABD at the time of application, with all degree requirements completed by June 15 of the first year of employment if ABD.
• Have a strong foundation in the archaeology of western North America, with preference for Pacific Northwest regions (including the Salish Sea, Northwest Coast, and/or Columbia and Fraser Plateau regions).
• Demonstrate ability to develop an externally funded research program and engage undergraduate and graduate students in field or laboratory research.
• Contribute to courses such as Introduction to Archaeology, Archaeological Methods and Theory, Cultural Resource Management, Lab Methods in Archaeology, and elective courses in the candidate’s specialty.

The successful candidate will emphasize collaborative and inclusive archaeology, community engagement with implications for education, heritage management, and repatriation, including partnership work with descendant communities and the use of archaeological methods to benefit local communities. The candidate should show how their research and teaching address equity and inclusive learning environments.

Teaching responsibilities include courses listed above and potentially additional offerings in the applicant's specialty. The department seeks someone who will build a research program involving both undergraduate and graduate students and collaborate with researchers within and beyond the department.

• Ph.D. or ABD in Anthropological Archaeology or related field at time of application. If ABD, all degree requirements must be completed by June 15 of the first year of employment (e.g., June 15, 2027).
• Evidence of ability to develop and sustain an externally funded research program.
• Teaching experience with the ability to create an active and effective learning environment in university-level Archaeology/Anthropology courses.
• Demonstrated commitment to creating equitable and inclusive learning environments for students from diverse backgrounds.

• Experience in and commitment to community-based and collaborative archaeological practice, including work with descendant communities.
• Archaeological research experience in the Pacific Northwest (Northwest Coast, Salish Sea, Columbia and Fraser Plateau regions).
• Expertise in lithics, zoo archaeology, ethnobotany, geophysics, or geoarchaeology, with ability to manage labs or comparative collections.
• Interest in archaeological ethics, repatriation, and cultural patrimony; mentoring and supporting graduate students.
• Post-doctoral research or relevant professional experience.

All employees must comply with immunization policies and provide proof of required immunity within specified time frames. For information on exemptions and accommodations, contact HR.

Salary specifics: starting salary for a tenure-track assistant professor is generally between $73,500 and $76,500, with the full range up to $90,270. Salary and start-up funds are determined ocation assistance may be available per University guidelines.

A cover letter and curriculum vitae are required and should address experience related to position responsibilities and qualifications. You will be asked to provide contact information for three references; letters of recommendation are not required at this stage. A separate statement addressing how you would fulfill teaching and mentoring responsibilities to provide equitable and inclusive learning environments is required. Additional information about Western’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity is available on the university site.

Closing Date Notes:
Application review begins March 15, 2026; the position is open until filled.

Western Washington University is an equal opportunity employer. WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or…