Physical Anthropology 08-09

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Postings in Physical Anthropology 10-11
Has been updated to reflect the 2010-11 job search. If you are still checking on the status of 09-10 jobs, you were not hired. Let's try to keep things under each corresponding school instead of listed by progress. Listings should be alphabetical by university.

It would be great to see more people using this page so if you can pass the URL to any friends in the field it would help us all!

Also, as the season wraps up it would be great if people returned to post that an offer had been made and accepted or rejected.

-Editorial note 8/06: Out of politeness to your job-hunting colleagues, if you are offered a position, but reject it, it would be best to keep that information to yourself. No one wants to go into a new job knowing that they were the "second pick".

- Considering the job market, I would be happy to be the "second pick" as long as I got the job! :)

- 8/08. IMHO, much better to learn here first (about being second choice), rather than during a faculty meeting flap. Please don't be censored, people!

-8/10: It is also a good courtesy to provide your colleague with some, however small, leverage in negotiations.

-8/11: Ok then, ethnographic data on phys-anth job seekers indicate I'm wrong. Hypothesis falsified. Request retracted.

RSS feed for this cite: Took me a few minutes to figure out how to subscribe to this cite as an RSS feed (blog). For those who are interested, you need to subscribe to the edit history page. URL: http://academicjobs.wikia.com/index.php?title=Physical_Anthropology_08-09&action=history

Users
How many people use the wiki? 59

Add a number to the "wiki-counter." Do NOT change the counter for friends/colleagues.

I'm on the market: 47

I'm a lurker: 12

ABD: 9

DEGREE-IN-HAND: 7

1 post-doc: 4

2 post-docs: 1

Appalachian State University (review begins September 15)
Biological Anthropologist - geographic area and topical specialization are open but preference will be given to candidates with a strong background in evolutionary theory and experience teaching courses in human evolution and prehistory. This is a one semester, full-time appointment (replacement position) so ABD's are welcome to apply (editorial note: good luck to us ABDs in a market like this...bet even this goes to a phd)

Offer extended and accepted

ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
The School of Archaeology and Anthropology in the is seeking a biological anthropologist to complement its research and teaching program, commencing in February 2011. We seek to appoint a lecturer or senior lecturer with a long term commitment to research in at least one subfield of biological anthropology, who is able to translate that research interest into lively and engaging courses taught at the undergraduate level and above, and to attract and supervise postgraduate research students. You will have a strong record of teaching, research and publication, and of securing external grants. No specific subfield within biological anthropology is required. The School’s aim will be to develop and strengthen its biological anthropology program, broadly within its current conception of the discipline. It will be seeking an appointee whose interests and expertise complement those of existing staff. Subfields suitable for this kind of complementary integration into the existing team could include: behavioural and cognitive primatology; primate molecular ecology and phylogeny, primate and human genetics; population health; child growth; bioarchaeology; forensic anthropology. The main classroom teaching responsibilities will be at second/third year undergraduate level and above. Enquiries: Dr Patrick Guinness, T: 6125 4775, E: patrick.guinness@anu.edu.au

11/24 - received rejection email

11/29 - references were contacted for letters

California State University at Northridge (no date listed)
Ecological anthropologist, landscape geography, ecotourism

College of the Holy Cross (October 15)
Vertebrate Biologist, any group.

Its not a physical anthropology hire, but primates are vertebrates! Looks like you need to be able to teach human anatomy to undergrads.

College of William & Mary (December 31)
The Department of Anthropology, College of William and Mary, seeks a biological anthropologist for a 1-year faculty replacement position at the level of Visiting Assistant Professor beginning August, 2011. Applications should be received by December 31, 2010 for full consideration. This search will remain open until the position is filled. Candidate must have PhD by the time of appointment, demonstrated ability to teach introductory, advanced-undergraduate, and graduate level classes; and an active research focus in human evolutionary studies. Candidates should submit electronically a cover letter, CV, and the names of three referees, including information that allows them to be contacted electronically. (The system will prompt you for this information.) Apply online: jobs.wm.edu. [There is also a one-year archaeo position (archaeobotany or archaeometry preferred) available.]

FYI: Submitting email addresses for references in the online applications automatically emails them requesting a letter, despite that the job ad does not specifically say letters of recommendation are required for the application.

What option did you choose in the pull down menu before the submission of the names of the references, you can choose to "allow the system to email the reference automatically". The option are 'no response', 'yes' or 'no'.

I put "no response." I hadn't warned my refs about this letter ahead of time and wanted a day or two to let them know....but I didn't want the system to think they couldn't eventually be contacted.

Drew University (January 31)
Looking for a scholar with teaching and research or applied experience in skeletal biology, forensic anthropology, and bioarchaeology

11/22/10 - Submitted app materials to search committee chair via email. Got a quick, personal response acknowledging receipt (no need to snail-mail anything).

12/4/10 - Ditto above, and got quick answers to questions too. (X3) (And as a note - its really nice to receive a response and not feel like you are sending an application into the void!)

Duke University (January 15)
Visiting Assistant Professorships in any one or combination of the following areas: 1) primate behavior, ecology and conservation and 2) primate and human anatomy (must be able to teach a cadaver based anatomy course), 3) primate and human paleoanthropology, 4) human/primate evolutionary development or genetics/genomics

1/4/11 - Confirmation e-mail that they got my application materials and saying they will make a decision January 2011. (x2)

1/19/11 - I didn't receive any confirmation. Now I'm going to worry about it. :-(

1/20/11 - Also, didn't receive confirmation (X4).

Foothill-DeAnza Community College (December 10)
Full-time, tenure-track Anthropology Instructor - "Knowledge, ability, and enthusiasm to teach any of the following lower-division courses: Physical Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Applied Anthropology, Prehistory, Peoples of North America, Magic, Science and Religion, Patterns of Culture, and Archaeology. Experience and/or strong interest in teaching Applied Anthropology and/or Biological Anthropology. Professional fieldwork experience in Anthropology and/or Archeology." Online application website: http://www.fhdajobs.net/applicants/Central?quickFind=179211

1/17/11: has anyone heard anything about this?

In response to above -- no, I have not. (1/17) (x3)

Kansas State University (October 15)
Physical/biological anthropologist- "Preference will be given to candidates who can effectively educate students in all aspects of human biological diversity and its evolution from a broad anthropological perspective". Whatever that means.

-email confirming application received (10/12) (x10)

- request for letters, teaching portfolio, pubs (10/22) (x7)

-email requesting skype or AAA interview (11/15) (x4)

- email rejection (11/17 x10) (but seriously the *nicest* rejection email, perhaps ever)

- I concur with the nice emails. KSU has been communicative and pleasant to deal with throughout the process. Props to them! It's rough out here on us job seekers, and it doesn't hurt for people to be kind even when saying "no thanks".

- Skype interview (11/28)

- Campus interview invitation (12/10)

Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (November 30)
Postdoc in research Group on "Plant Foods and Hominin Dietary Ecology" (starts January 2011)

Requests for recommendation letters sent (notified by my advisor) (12/28) (x3)

Phone interview scheduled (1/17) (x3)

Metropolitan State College of Denver (January 14)
The Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Behavioral Science at Metropolitan State College of Denver is currently seeking to fill a tenure-track position in Biological Anthropology with a specialty in Paleoanthropology. The successful candidate will be expected to teach introductory courses in biological anthropology, osteology, and human evolution, a general anthropological methods course, and advanced and specialized courses in her/his area of expertise.

1/18: Confirmation that application is complete and review is moving ahead.

Mississippi State University (until filled)
The Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures, Mississippi State University, seeks applicants for Assistant Professor tenure track position in biological anthropology, beginning August 2011 (pending budgetary approval. PhD (or ABD) in anthropology required at time of appointment. Preference for biological anthropologist specializing in bioarchaeology, forensic anthropology, or applied skeletal biology. Teaching 5 courses/year, to include introductory, upper-division, and graduate courses. Preference given to members of Phi Beta Kappa. Submit letter describing teaching and research interests, vitae, and names and contact information for three references, as well as supporting materials which demonstrate teaching and scholarly achievement, to Paul Jacobs, Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures, P.O. Box AR, Mississippi State University, MS 39762. Electronic submissions (pdf format) may be sent to [mailto:pfj1@ra.msstate.edu pfj1@ra.msstate.edu]. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Applicants must also apply at www.jobs.msstate.edu.

12/13 - Email acknowledgment of materials received. (With the note that this position is not yet funded; applicants will be notified if the position is funded, and they will be notified if it is not and the search is cancelled.) (x 2)

National Science Foundation (senior hire?, January 31)
The National Science Foundation is seeking candidates for a Program Director in the Physical Anthropology Program with the Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS), Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE), Arlington, VA. Applicants must have a Ph.D., or equivalent experience directly related to Physical Anthropology, significant experience in education; plus six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the program are required. This position will be filled on a one or two year Visiting Scientist Appointment, a Federal Temporary Appointment or an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignment. Federal Temporary and Visiting Scientist appointments will be made under the Excepted Authority of the NSF Act with a current salary range of $105,211 to $163,957 including locality pay for the area.

More info (including application info) here: http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=94414053&JobTitle=Physical+Anthropologist+%28Program+Director%29&tm=5&sort=rv%2C-dtex&cn&rad_units=miles&brd=3876&pp=50&fn=4488&vw=b&re=134&FedEmp=N&FedPub=Y&caller=advanced.aspx&AVSDM=2010-12-01+00%3A03%3A00

New Mexico State University (November 15)
Medical anthropologist

11/15 invitation to identify

--has anyone heard anything beyond the cofirmation/identification letter?

01/11 they've invited 3 for on-campus interviews.

New York University (November 15) Biological anthropology
specializing in, skeletal biology, functional anatomy, ontogeny or life history studies and/or quantitative approaches to morphology

7/23 User question: Does anyone know if NYU is going to be looking AGAIN? Will it be for an ontogeny/development person or will they change their focus?

-- I heard no. They decided to wait, after several failed searches. I heard this year they will be looking for a primate person to replace Cliff Jolly.

8/13 The job has been officially posted both on AAAnet and CHE and apparently they are hoping third time's the charm: http://careercenter.aaanet.org/jobs#/detail/3468194

11/26 Letters of reference requested.

12/23 Scheduled on campus interview

New York University (November 15) Primate behavioral ecology.
-I assume (and hope) that this is a different job from the one posted above and not a revised posting.

- This is a second posting/line. Word on the street is that it's to replace Cliff Jolly. - Or maybe Tony DiFiore who left for UT? >>>>>Tennessee or Texas?? He's going to UT Austin (Texas

- letters of recommendation requested (11/23)

- on-campus interview requested (12/22)

The Ohio State University (November 1)
cultural, social, and biocultural approaches to infectious disease

Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (unspecified) Osteologist
Museum Osteologist – Senior Curatorial Technician Req. 22192BR Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA. Additional information and application procedures can be found at http://www.employment.harvard.edu/ The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology seeks a skilled osteologist to assist with the implementation of new federally mandated Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) regulations. Working under the supervision of the Associate Curator of Osteology, this person will be responsible for evaluating NAGPRA human skeletal remains, and recording and verifying accurate documentation in accordance with museum standards. Collaboration with other museum staff on NAGPRA tasks is expected. Responsibilities also include providing support on other Osteology Department related tasks including research visitor support. This is a term position ending June 30, 2012. Potential for annual renewal pending need and funding.

11/19 - Request for video interview

12/1 - Skype interview

12/23 - Email received that the search will move forward in early January

1/24 - Email received that offer has been tendered and accepted.

Purdue (November 15)
Biological anthropology (past or present non-human primates or humans)

10/29: Position no longer on HR websites - anyone know if they closed the search early, or if they are no longer hiring?

11/1: The job is still listed on AAA, AAPA, and their HR website. They are still hiring, and review starts on November 15.

11/2 Received email confirming receipt of application

11/19: Received affirmative action card and confirmation letter for "Anthropology and African American Studies position". Emailed Search Committee Chair to advise. Did anyone else receive this letter? Wondering if it's a typo or if my app is in the wrong stack! ''They have a search going on for an African American Studies position as well. I got my affirmative action card a while back but mine was for bio anthro (x4).'' 11/21: Thankfully, there was only a mix-up with the confirmation letter.

In re: the above: I got the African-American studies confirmation letter too. Did you just send back the forms as specified? Did the search committee chair suggest this was a widespread error, or just for your confirmation letter? ''After a string of emails, I received a new confirmation letter via email and was informed that I *was* being considered for the bioanth position (my application was in the right stack). There was just a mix-up in the original confirmation letter... no word on the number of people that were similarly affected. I have not yet sent back the forms (and I'm afraid I've misplaced them!)... ''Yeah, ok, I did too - just received a mass email that many people got the wrong letter but our apps are in the right pile.

E-mail requesting letters and additional materials (11/23) (x5)

11/24: Question: are the people that are being sent emails requesting further materials and references the same as those who received the correct confirmation letter?

-- I didn't receive any confirmation letter at all and was asked for further materials

up-date: I received the correct confirmation letter through the mail. 11/27

-Same here. No confirmation other than the request for materials (x2)

- I received a confirmation letter and papers from OIE that were mailed 11/22, but had NO request for letters or additional materials -- it looks like your emails requesting more material were sent the day after the confirmation letter, and I'm guessing you will have them soon, if they didn't arrive yesterday or today (11/30).

Email requesting more details about research and a list of courses you plan to teach (12/8)(x2)

--question: Had you already been asked to submit further materials? Yes.O

12/14 - Official email informing me that I will not be one of the three people to be selected for their final short list. (x5)

1/3 - Four campus interviews scheduled

Quinnipiac University (December 1)
Seeking candidates with training in human osteology, with the ability to teach courses in forensic anthropology. Other desired areas of expertise include human evolution and human variation. Geographical region is open.

12/22 - Email received that short list will be made by 1/18 and on-campus interviews will happen in late February. (x9)

Anyone heard from them yet about the short list, rejection, anything?

--Nothing as of today (x5).

1/21 - Email that I am a "semifinalist," requesting letters of rec, research/teaching statements, and writing samples by 2/8. (x4)

Regis University (February 3)
tenure-track position in biological/physical anthropology and/or human anatomy

1/21 - Applied via the online jobs site; got insta-confirmation with a note that there will be no individual, personal confirmation. (X3)

Rutgers (October 1)
Primate behavioral ecologist

- letters of rec. requested (9/24)

- Ditto letters of rec (9/26). Word on the street is that this hire will be done quickly. Shortlisted candidates should expect to visit campus around late Oct-Nov! I'm not sure about the rationale/logic behind conducting the search really early in the season.

- Early hiring is probably because they're afraid they'll lose the funding if they don't lock someone in quickly.

- Prof. told me that they like to do that so that they have the biggest pool to choose from.

- Requested additional materials (10/12): ''was this in addition to publications and letters of rec? Oops, no, just asked for pubs.''

- Phone interview requested (10/19)

- So are they doing a round of phone interviews before inviting candidates for campus interviews? (10/25) yes, they should be completed by the end of this week and then they will make a short list 

-on campus interviews scheduled (10/29)

- anybody heard anything as of 12/29?

Seton Hall University (open until filled)
The Department of Sociology, Anthropology & Social Work seeks a physical/biological anthropologist for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor for Fall 2011. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Anthropology, with a specialization in physical or biological anthropology. Research area is open. Commitment to effective teaching at the undergrad level is required. The person hired will primarily teach the introductory physical anthropology course (no lab, but required for Anthropology majors), upper level courses such as human evolution, forensic anthropology, and human ecology, as well as introductory cultural anthropology. To apply for the position, log into: https://jobs.shu.edu and apply directly to the job posting "Assistant Professor (Anthropology)".

(I guess this is the same position as the one that was pulled last year.)

FYI: The AAA posting lists this as "associate professor" but the job ad says "assistant."

''12/15/10: I applied online for this yesterday and they automatically asked all my references for letters. (X2) Seems like a lot of extra work for them (and my references!), but we'll see. Something tells me they already have someone in mind for this--though I certainly don't work there or have any hard evidence :)''

''QUESTION: So, on the job ad it says to attach cv, letters of rec and writing sample, but then on the actual application website it says to attach a whole set of other things (transcripts, teaching philosophy, etc.). Does anyone know if the "extra" things listed on the ad website are things they ask for later if they're interested but early on they only want the three things? ' ''[Answer: I attached all the stuff they asked for--don't know why there was a difference between the ad and website, though it's really frustrating! I imagine it would be better to error on the side of sending too much, rather than too little, but that's just my two cents!] ::: I applied to this job last year (the search was cancelled fairly soon after it was posted), and they'd asked for all the extra material (letters, teaching philosophy, transcripts, etc.). So I did send the extra material this year too.

1/1/11 - I did the same thing as it wasn't clear. I also think they should not ask for references automatically as I feel my referees are having to do a lot of potentially unnecessary work.

1/4/11 - Thank you all for your feedback. I e-mailed the contact person and she said to submit all of the materials as well. It is annoying about the letters of rec. - a lot of unnecessary work...

Southern Methodist University (senior hire, no date listed)
Bioarchaeology, paleopathology, skeletal biology, stable isotope analysis, maybe paleoanthropology

Stanford University (November 15)
Medical Anthropologist

Anyone end up with an interview at the AAA or heard back from the search committee?

Received an email request to fill out the online diversity survey (11/20). Nothing else since then though.

1/19--Rejection e-mail received.

State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo (November 1)
Tenure-track assistant biological anthropologist 10/28: Page 1 of their HR website says letters of recommendations must be submitted by Nov 1, which seems a bit early. Several pages through the online application process it provides a date of Nov 26. And of course, their anthropology website notes that letters should be submitted when requested (seems most reasonable to me). Anyone know when these letters are really needed?



CANCELLED for budgetary reasons per an October 29 email.

11/1 anyone seen that email? I successfully submitted an app via UBJobs today. Yes, I got one on 10/29 saying the search was cancelled

-Yup, I also got that email (on Oct 30). It's quite frustrating that they didn't pull the job from the online system, or even bother to update their posting on their department webpage. Apparently the online system is also automatically emailing referees for letters-- despite the fact that the job has been cancelled! What a waste of time...

11/2 (I wrote the 11/1 posting) - I just got the email, and, yes, my refs were contacted for letters as well. Very frustrating. Thanks for the info!

11/6 - For those of you whose referees were contacted, had you submitted applications via the university-wide system? I ask because I had submitted an application via email to an email address that was created just for this search.

11/8 - If you submitted directly to the e-mail address then your references were not contacted directly. They were only automatically contacted if you applied through the HR website.

State University of New York (SUNY) Brockport (January 15)
-biological anthropologist for non-tenure track Visiting Assistant Professor

The George Washington University (January 3, 2011)
Open rank tenure-track hominid paleobiology

Question: Is this job posted somewhere? I haven't seen it in any of the usual places... (the chronicle of higher education)

11/1 - an email was distributed to departments across the country today

The George Washington University invites applications for an open-rank tenure-track/tenured position in Hominid Paleobiology in the Department of Anthropology, to begin August 1, 2011. Qualifications: 1) research that is relevant to the role of ecology in human evolution, 2) excellence in research and teaching as demonstrated by publications and course evaluations, 3) an active field and/or laboratory program, 4) a Ph.D. in hand by August 1, 2011. Application procedure: Applicants should send a letter, curriculum vitae, a 1,000-word summary of their research agenda, and the names of three referees to: [mailto:GWAnthSearch@gmail.com GWAnthSearch@gmail.com], or Hominid Paleobiology Search Committee, Dept. of Anthropology, 2110 G St., NW, Washington, DC 20052. Review of applications will begin on January 3, 2011, and will continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered. Salary will be commensurate with experience. The George Washington University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

1/3 - Application received confirmation via email x3

1/12- Interviews scheduled

1/14 rejection email

1/14 - received an email falling short of a rejection, but stating the search committee had selected 7 finalists of which the top 4 were invited for interviews/talks in late January and early February. (x3

- the finalists' job talks are on the CASHP webpage under "events" (including an internal candidate and a couple of already- tenured faculty from elsewhere)

University College London (April 1)
Lectureship in paleoanthropology

University of Arkansas at Little Rock (begin review immediately)
Forensic anthro

10/11: request for additional materials (x3)

11/1: scheduling video interviews (x2)

11/12: video interview done

11/19: scheduled on campus interview

12/8: email received that position has been filled (x3)

University of Auckland (October 8)
Biological Anthropologist (evolutionary focus) 10/14: asking referees for letters

11/1: Skype interview requested

11/8: Offer extended

University of Central Florida (November 1)
Bioarchaeology, paleopathology, skeletal biology

11/18: Request for interview (fly-out) (x2)

11/19: Request for additional info (rec letters)

Out of curiosity -- did they ever confirm your application or request more information, or just go straight to fly-outs within 2 weeks of the application being due?

I can't recall having gotten a confirmation or EOE card. They went straight to fly-out and requested rec letters the following day.

Only confirmation received was literally an invitation to interview – got a 'gut feeling' that this is a really quick process because they already have someone in mind for the position. Too bad - lots of candidates out there & this is a great program.

''In re: above - did you get a flyout too? (Just wanted to clarify, since you didn't update the above info with a x2.) I'm hoping this is a real search and they don't have someone in mind (well, unless that someone is me ;).''

Okay, I'll bite because the curiosity is killing me. What is the "don't be censored" comment in reference to?

You can probably find the previous comment in the page history. IIRC, someone suggested that the person with the 'gut feeling' about the search was at UCF and that that post was therefore unprofessional... and then decided to delete the comment? :::: We can't monitor truth on a wiki, though. (And since we're anthropologists, who's to say what truth is? Someone may think a job is spoken for, when it's really not.) Maybe this wiki needs a "discussion, rumors, and speculation" section, like the archaeo wiki has.

1/24 - Email rejection letter, stating the search committee picked someone else.

University of Chicago (November 30)
Vertebrate paleontology

has anyone heard anything about this position since applying?

University of Cincinnati (October 30)
Pleistocene paleoecology, joint position with Geology

- I've heard through the grapevine that they're more open to researchers with anthropology degrees than the job ad might suggest (9/29)

11/8 - Letters requested

12/1 - Campus interview scheduled

University of Delaware (October 15)
Asst/Assoc Prof, Biological/Cultural specializing in Medical Anthropology

10/15 e-mail confirmation of receipt of application

10/29 Request for a whole list of additional materials

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (October 15)
Postdoc in biological anthropology (1 year, renewable for 3). Teaching duties split between medical gross anatomy and anthro.

11/19 - Rejection received (email)

(Rejection email, however, noted that: "we anticipate advertising for a new postdoctoral position in biological anthropology, with an August 2011 starting date.")

University of Kentucky (October 1)
Skeletal biology of New World populations 9-15: A posting for a lecturer in biological anthropology just went up on the AAA site. Does anyone know if this is a separate posting or if the tenure track position was downgraded to lecturer? 9-17: Per one of the professors there that I know - these are two separate positions.

Short-listed (assuming means long-short), references requested (10/12) (x4)

On campus interviews scheduled (11/11)

11/21 - Paper notification received about lack of further consideration (rejection - dated 11/11)

---Was on the (long) short list but haven't received any word on an interview OR a rejection letter. Anyone else? Is this a tiered process? (Same boat as you...)

I think it means that if they don't like whomever they are having on-campus with then you may still be on the run....but sadly I think it comes down to that.

University of Kentucky (December 1)
Lecturer (non-TT) in archaeology and biological anthropology

Anyone know if applications for the TT position will just get automatically considered for this lecturer position? Or if I should send in another cover letter/CV/etc.?

I don't know for sure but I would assume you would have to send another application

12/3: received a confirmation of application letter from the department, stating they would begin reviewing shortly after Dec. 1st, and make hiring decision in early 2011. (X2)

To the above poster: did you ask for confirmation, or was it received unsolicited? I applied to this about 3 weeks ago and never got any confirmation. (X2) (12/6/10: Nope, didn't ask for it, just received a snail-mail letter with the update. Yours are probably in the mail?)

12/16: Email requesting recommendation letters (the "short list")(X3)

University of Oregon (October 15)
Biological anthropologist

10/29 - Letters requested from references (x2)

-Question - were the references requested from the applicants or directly from the references?

I received an email that said they would contact my refs and then received an email from a ref saying he was asked to write a letter - so they contacted both.

1/11- Rejection email (x6)

Question - did the rejection emails come to those on the long list (who were asked to get letters of ref)?

-I was never long-listed (no request for letters). Just rejected. (x3)

-I was long-listed (letters requested) and have not received an e-mail rejection. Has anyone heard anything about a short list?

-Campus interviews have already been scheduled.

University of Pennsylvania (November 1)
Skeletal biology, life history, evolution (associate level specified) Associate level is specified but I heard from a good source that they may open it to the assistant level depending on the pool of candidates...so apply!!!

Dec 10 -- Has anyone who applied for this position heard anything??? I submitted the on line application November 1, received a confirmation number, but have had no other contact.

I applied, but haven't heard anything other than the initial confirmation number either. (X7)

Dec 20th--I applied and recieved confirmation of receipt of materials (immediately--next day), but have not heard anything since.

University of Rhode Island (posted Aug. 6, begin review immediately)
Physical anthropologist. Appears to be to replace their paleoanth/primate person who retired. 20/10/10--Position is no longer up on HR website (i.e. applications no longer accepted?)

10/20/10 - Anyone who applied heard anything back from these folks? -Haven't heard anything. Given that they were starting review "immediately" that may mean they already had someone in mind for the job and didn't bother with the rest of us. That, or they lost the funds.

10/21/10 Correspondence with URI said "the review process is now underway." No notification or request for materials yet (at least for me!).

11/2/10 Requested letters of reference from a short (not long) list of applicants (x2)

Did you hear this from your referees or did URI contact you directly? Thanks.

I received a phone call from the head of the search committee, asking me to contact my references.

11/8 Scheduled campus visit (x2)

Offer accepted.

University of South Carolina (November 1)
Paleoepidemiology, bioarchaeology

-email confirming application received (11/1) x9

-letter received confirming application received with affirmative action card (11/8) x10

-letters requested from references (11/11) x3

-On campus interview scheduled for mid-January (12/3)(X2)

- First, second, third interviews completed (1/13-14 & 1/18-19 & 1/20-21) with two more scheduled: 1/24/25 & 1-26/27.

University of Tennessee-Knoxville (senior hire; October 15)
Forensic anthropologist to direct Forensic Anthropology Center

University of Utah (November 15)
Invitation to identify (i.e. application received): 11/17 (X3)

Letter from chair asking whether to waive rights to see any letters of recommendation (11/20) x4

HI I got one of those letters but my references have not been contacted yet...does anybody knows?

Long-listed (request for refs, pubs and other materials) (12/10). The letter indicates that they will be deciding on a short list in January. (I did too - 12/10) So do you know if they contacted your references? or do you have to do that?

Did you get a letter or an email?

An email from the department's administrative assistant (12/13)

Anyone got a letter to "waive rights to see letters of recommendation" and never heard from them again?

--Yes, but I think that they probably just sent that out to everyone, regardless of whether they were going to ask for letters or not, as a formality. I recieved the letter to waive my rights, but they did not request reference letters from me.

Careful, that letter was conditional: IFF they ask you for letters, then do you waive your rights or not. (Strange HR practices.) Thanks I did not remember the conditional part of the letter (obviously)

Ref letters requested (+ pubs) (12/16)

University of Vermont (priority to applications submitted by November 1)
Asst Prof TT, Sub-field and geographical focus entirely open. A broadly trained anthropologist who will contribute both to the department and to the UVM trans-disciplinary Spire of Excellence in Food Systems (http://www.uvm.edu/~tri/?Page=foodsys.php; this stipulation is very broadly conceived by the department to include anything from production to consumption, and virtually anything in between; for example, someone with a focus on human biology and nutrition or paleodiet would fit our definition). Apply online at www.uvmjobs.com. Search for the position using department name (Anthropology) only.

11/24 Anyone heard anything?

--Nope (x5)

''I get the feeling they're looking for someone in particular and not finding that person. My advisor got an email around the deadline from a faculty member at UVM (not on the committee, oddly), who had been asked to circulate the announcement to get more bio anth applicants. It seemed strange that they were trying to advertise the position further just days before the deadline. But have heard nothing since then.''

--Archaeology wiki says "Phone interview scheduled 12/13"

University of Washington (July 26, 2010)
Asst Prof: Global Health demography, measure of mortality in developing countries http://www.washington.edu/admin/acadpers/ads/aa2559.html

University of Washington (November 30, 2010)
Seek applicants with an active research program in anthropological genetics and human molecular evolution, with a willingness to facilitate student access to both laboratory training and fieldwork. We encourage applications from individuals with a strong interdisciplinary commitment who could build ties across campus with other units (Genome Center, Global Health, Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, etc.).

-Anyone find a good link for the Genome Center? Looks like it might have been renamed?

-12/2 Affirmative action letter thing received (x2)

-late december - received email asking for reference letters, teaching, research and diversity statements

University of West Georgia (December 31)
Broadly trained physical anthropologist with "an active research agenda which includes an understanding and appreciation of culture".

-letter received confirming application received with affirmative action card (11/28) x4

- FYI, my letter came to my university address (even though my home address was on my cover letter); so check your school mailboxes :)

-I e-mailed the chair, got a confusing answer, and don't want to push it by requesting clarification: is an official graduate transcript enough or do they want undergrad transcripts as well?

- When I emailed the chair, he just said they needed sealed, official transcripts. I took it to mean undergrad and sent that transcript as well. Better to err on the side of too much information, I figured.

HR form received in the mail (1/14)

University of Wisconsin - Madison (October 1)
Department of Psychology, Primate behavior - has anyone heard anything more about this??

University of the Witwatersrand (August 6, 2010)
physical anthropology (teaching osteology, human biology and palaeoanthropology)

University of the Witwatersrand (December 10, 2010)
Teaching of osteology, human biology and palaeoanthropology to undergraduate and postgraduate science students

-anyone know if this is the same position posted above with an extended deadline or a second job? It just showed up on the AAPA website.

Valdosta State University (December 3)
teach forensics/criminal justice courses. seeking physical anthropologist.

1/21 telephone interview scheduled

Washington University (December 10)
human physiology (energetics, nutrition, endocrinology, development and related areas) in a comparative primatological and evolutionary context. 

12/17 heard from recommendation writer letter of rec requested x2

interview scheduled 1/20

Wayne State University (October 15)
specialties in one or more of bioarchaeology, forensic anthropology, osteology, human health, and disease highly desired -08/18 Changed to a temporary 2 year lecturer position - offer made

Wildlife Conservation Society: New York: Gorilla Coordinator (September 15)
WCS seeks a Gorilla Coordinator to help develop and implement an overall strategy for conserving all four taxa of gorillas in the wild. More information may be obtained from Carolyn Gibson, hr@wcs.org. Apply online at http://www.wcs.org/about-us/careers.aspx/ (I saw this posting on SICBs website: http://www.sicb.org/jobdetails.php3?id=2182).

William Paterson University (Open until filled)
Looking for someone to "teach introductory and diverse electives for an undergraduate program as well as to offer Anthropology of Education classes for students in education majors. Successful candidate will work closely with faculty in Anthropology in developing curricula in support of program needs, and also serve as liaison to the College of Education."

12/21 - Received e-mail confirmation and AA form (x2, 1/4)

Yale University (December 1): tenure track position in human evolutionary demography.
Demographic assessment of modern human populations, including foragers, horticulturalists, and other non-western populations, as well as non-human primate populations. http://www.physanth.org/jobs/yale-university-tenure-track-position-in-human-evolutionary-demography

-i sent an application for this job to the email listed in the announcement, but have not received confirmation of my application from that email address or any other source. has anyone else? (x2)

I got an AA form and a confirmation letter a while back.

-received a really tasteful rejection letter by email (12/17) stating they'd interviewed three people in the recent weeks, although they have not yet come to a final decision regarding the position (x3)

- Reference letters requested (Dec 17)

Yale University (January 15 2011) postdoc in Geology and Geophysics
linking research in geosciences with anthro, biology, etc.

-note for those applying - I had a hard time getting any response from anyone in the Geology dept. last year (despite repeated attempts), and I have heard that other applicants had the same experience. So good luck.

Discussion, Rumors, and Speculation
Discussion from under the UCF posting:

-DON'T BE CENSORED PEOPLE!

-Okay, I'll bite because the curiosity is killing me. What is the "don't be censored" comment in reference to?

-You can probably find the previous comment in the page history. IIRC, someone suggested that the person with the 'gut feeling' about the search was at UCF and that that post was therefore unprofessional... and then decided to delete the comment?::: The now-deleted comment was posted on December 1 and I posted the remark about being censored a day later in response (just as I did long ago at the top when someone asked us to keep quiet about turning down job offers lest we hurt the second choice's ego). The wiki is not a place to bully one another into silence... it's for sharing information, ALL of which is beneficial to us (as long as it's true). :::: We can't monitor truth on a wiki, though. (And since we're anthropologists, who's to say what truth is? Someone may think a job is spoken for, when it's really not.) Maybe this wiki needs a "discussion, rumors, and speculation" section, like the archaeo wiki has.

-12/11/10: As one of the lucky candidates interviewing at UCF, all I can say is that I'm nervous about the interview, whether or not they have someone in mind. I just hope I have a non-zero chance at the job! Response: Good luck to you!!! and even is they do have an internal candidate remember that it is not over until it is over, maybe you will wow them, and it is common that NOT everyone in a department likes the same person, so you just have to give it all you have got! so either don't think about it but if you do...use it to make you even better :) ::: Aw, thanks, anonymous wiki person, for making me smile. :)

Purpose of this Wiki

- 12/09/10 To kick this off with the obvious newbie question...is this wiki-fied opening up of the process a good thing? I'm inclined to think so (aside from the time sink side of this) in that it allows us to plan our lives a little bit more in real time and understand the process a bit more. However, those familiar with the process more than I might be able to forsee some negatives?

-12/09/10: I would like to speculate that this Wiki has potential to devolve into an unprofessional snarkfest as evidenced by the UCF exchange. Sure, "don't be censored people", but maybe we can contribute here with some civility even in anonymity. If the commentary is unnecessary, I suggest we leave it out. It waters down the truly relevant information. Season's greetings. (well said and ditto from the "don't be censored people" person)

-12/10/10 We should definitely keep this civil and polite. BUT, if someone is trying to play mind-games I would like to know (if I was one of the lucky candidates at UCF ...which sadly I am not). And yes...don't censor!

-I have information I could contribute to this webpage and haven't yet. Mainly because I am not sure why I should. Anyone want to lay the argument out for me?

-A wiki only works if people contribute. You seem to have found some utility in the wiki yourself or you wouldn't be reading and posting. That utility came from people willingly sharing information. In the context of an academic jobs wiki, though, I suppose that what most of us get out of it is time: not waiting for an email/letter/call about a job. You don't have to share your information now, but eventually that information will come out - in the form of a definitive job offer and acceptance. I don't see any point in not sharing information that will come out eventually. There's no power in keeping information to yourself, and you may set someone else's mind at ease with respect to a position (whether they do/don't have a chance). My $.02.

-Here is how the academic job market went before there was this wiki: Submit application in August. Receive HR "race" card (maybe). Hear absolutely nothing for 8+ excruciating months. After 8+ months, maybe receive rejection letter, maybe receive absolutely nothing. With the wiki, you learn that others have been longlisted, etc. and you can get on with your life.

Technical Issues

- 12/10/10: This wiki's history just gave my IP address credit for a bunch of edits that I didn't make so you may want to add that issue to your list of reasons to use this wiki kindly but cautiously and that's that.

Phi Beta Kappa in Job Descriptions

-12/11/10 - In re: the MS State post above, which says "Phi Beta Kappa" encouraged to apply - any ideas why? Would they really decide not to give a candidate a job because of grades earned 15 years prior? I've never seen anything like this in a job ad. (Not that it will stop non-PBK me from applying...)

-I thought that was weird too. I always thought "Phi Beta Kappa" and such were a scam (i.e. pay us money to say that you have high grades, when your GPA says this more accuratley). However, I have it on good authority from one respected senior physical anthropologist that "Phi Beta Kappa" is taken seriously on CVs (this person was not referencing this job in particular). I'm hoping this weird old-boys club disappears.

- There was an article or discussion (in the Chronicle?) a couple months ago about HR departments inserting these kinds of requirements/preferences (specifically PBK) because of the flooded market.

-here is the link: http://chronicle.com/forums/index.php?topic=60434.0 - still pretty stupid

- Interesting. Still, you'd think HR would require, say, "PhD in hand" or "history of successful grant funding" to curb applications for faculty positions. PBK is ridiculous. What's next, "Must have an SAT score of 1500 or higher"?

- Requiring/preferring PBK is particularly bad since: 1. not all colleges have a chapter 2. international applicants will be at a disadvantage.