Assistant Professor of Anthropology

The Department of Anthropology at Rice University (Houston, Texas),invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of assistant professor to begin July 1, 2027.

We seek a cultural anthropologist whose research examines artificial intelligence as a social, cultural, political, ethical,and material issue, and who contributes to ongoing interdisciplinary conversations about the societal implications of algorithmic systems, data infrastructures, and automation writlarge. This position is part of a cluster hire initiative acrossthe university focused on the responsible use and development ofAI. We are particularly interested in candidates whose researchagendas examine the impact and intersection of AI with medical anthropology, disability studies, environmental impacts,surveillance studies, communication, media and semiotics, design anthropology, and anthropology of work but will also consider other research agendas focused on the broader social implications of AI.The

geographical area of focus is open and should complement the department’s existing faculty expertise. The candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses.

Candidates must currently have a Ph.D. or complete the Ph.D. byJuly 1, 2027. The Final date to receive applications is October 15, 2026. Acomplete application must include a cover letter outlining the candidate’s research, teaching trajectory and future plans; acurriculum vitae; one writing sample that directly engages with AI;and contact information for three references.

Located in an urban environment on a 300-acre tree-lined campus,Rice University is a private, comprehensive research university situated in the heart of the dynamic Museum District in Houston,TX, the most diverse city in the country and home to vibrant

Latinx, Asian-American, Black, LGBTQ+, and international communities. Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the metro area is characterized by a robust civil society with top elected positions in the region held by a diverse group of officials—left, right, and center, and including

Asian-American, Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ leaders. Rice offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across eight schools and has astudent body of approximately 4,800 undergraduate and 3,000graduate students. It consistently ranks among the top 20 national universities and the top 10 in undergraduate teaching (US News& World Report); its endowment ranks among the top 20 of US universities.

We welcome the fullness of diversity to Rice. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex,sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin,genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Additionally, in our candidate pools, we strive to attract greater representation ofwomen,people of color, individuals with disabilities,veterans, and others whohave historicallybeenunderrepresented within the leadership ranks of higher education. We aim to attract applicants from a wide range of backgrounds; to accelerate progress in buildinga staff varied inthought and experience;and to maintain an environment that fosters interaction and understanding withinourcommunity.

is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age,sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

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