Assistant Professor- Anthropology

Assistant Professor North American Archaeology College of Liberal Arts & Sciences University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Department of Anthropology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Archaeology with a target start date of August 16, 2027.

The successful candidate will contribute to the mission of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Illinois, where curiosity drives impact. As the heart of a leading land-grant research university, LAS brings together diverse disciplines to explore fundamental questions and address complex challenges. We prepare students for a lifetime of inquiry, leadership, and service through innovative research, transformative teaching, and thoughtful mentoring.

We strongly encourage applications from those who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to be effective teachers for our student population with its wide range of backgrounds and experiences, in alignment with the mission of our university. To learn more about the mission, vision, and values of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, visit: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Geographic area of research is North America with a preference for an archaeologist working in the Midwest US. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to Indigenous archaeology and ethical research. Candidates should provide evidence of engaging and collaborating with Indigenous groups and implementing NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act) principles. Candidates also should identify plans for developing field or lab projects that train students and support research.

Candidates will be expected to teach effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, establish and maintain an active and independent archaeological research program that includes plans for peer-reviewed publications, and provide service to the department, the university, and the profession.

PhD in anthropological archaeology, American Indian/Native American/Indigenous studies or a closely related field with a demonstrated specialty in archaeology required. Candidates whose PhD may be delayed but will complete all the Ph.D. requirements within the first appointment year may be appointed at the rank of Instructor. After the Ph.D. requirement is met, the appointment will be changed to Assistant Professor.

The position is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor level, with an anticipated start date of August 16, 2027. The budgeted salary range for the position is $87, at the Assistant Professor level, for a 9-month service basis (paid over 12 months). The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline;

internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs. It is not typical for a beginning Assistant Professor to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for the position. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy. This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by 6pm (CST) on October 20, 2026.

Questions about the position may be directed to Professor Lisa J. Lucero at ljlucero.

Questions regarding the application materials…