Academic Jobs Wiki
Advertisement

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2011-2012

NEW PAGE for jobs that begin in 2013: Cultural Anthropology 2012-2013

HOW TO USE THIS WIKI The purpose of this site is to provide information about upcoming position searches in anthropology. If you have information or questions about a particular search, find the job below by university and edit its section. To edit, click on the Edit page button on the top left of the page. When you are finished editing, scroll to the bottom, enter in the security text, and press Save page. Please put a date with your information.If you have info on a search but can't find a section for that search, create a new post for that search.

ATTENTION: PLEASE READ AND HEED: Please don't post "Has anyone heard anything" as a question because that's the whole point of this wiki.

This Wiki-page is self-policed. Please be adults. Don't erase. Don't bicker. Be nice. Looking for jobs sucks enough.

NOTE: It appears that someone deleted the entire wiki last night (on 2/17) when trying to update Westminster. I've restored it to the earlier version, but please verify that your updates are correct and let's be careful to not delete the whole thing.

Use "Heading 3" when adding schools / positions to this page.

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY JOB SEARCH 2010-2011

Main Anthropology page

**2011-2012 JOBS:**[]

Arizona State University, Barrett Honors College, Feb 13[]

  • Full-time, multi-year faculty position
  • Primary responsibility will be to teach the first-year seminar, a two-semester interdisciplinary examination of important ideas from the earliest writing to the present. Special attention is given to critical thinking and argumentative writing skills.
  • Successful applicants will demonstrate experience and openness to teaching a variety of texts using multiple theoretical/disciplinary/methodological approaches.
  • Qualifications: A PhD in any field of the humanities or social sciences (including interdisciplinary and area studies, e.g. African American studies) that complements the academic focus of the existing faculty members. Experience in leading discussion seminars and teaching argumentative writing skills is required.

Bard College (TT Asst Prof Latin American Studies in the disciplinary fields of anthropology, history, political science or sociology) October 15)[]

Bard College Anthropology VAP (March 30th)[]

Bennington College (full-time anthropologist), Dec 15[]

  • Bennington College seeks a full-time anthropologist to teach a broad spectrum of courses to highly motivated undergraduates. Theoretical orientation and areas of thematic and topical interest are open; of particular interest are scholars who make use of empirical methods and/or with research interests in religion and ritual, human-environment interaction, language and culture, or politics. Geographical focus in Asia or Latin America is desirable.
  • Bennington is committed to a teacher-practitioner model. The successful applicant will demonstrate how his or her research and teaching interests will contribute to the shape of our future curriculum. Expected Start Date: Fall 2012
  • How to Apply: Please submit a statement of teaching and research interests, curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation to: Anthropology Search Committee, Bennington College, One College Drive, Bennington, VT 05201. Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2011.
  • This advert was posted to the AAA Jobs Database (http://careercenter.aaanet.org/jobs#/detail/4587361) on November 16.
  • Does anyone know whether Bennington has stuck with the "experimental contract system" (i.e., no tenure)?
  • I believe it still operates on a contract system, since the mid-1990s or so.
  • Definitely not a tenure-track position, the professors are reviewed every few years.
  • Anyone know what the teaching load is; 4-4?
  • Any thoughts on whether they're asking for a separate teaching and research statement (apart from cover letter)?
    • Acknowledgment of application receipt via email (12/6) (x3)
    • Request for phone interview via email (01/13) x2
  • Email of rejection (01/18)
  • Any news from those who had phone interviews? I thought the SC would be deciding on campus visits at the end of February?
  • No news here.... (3/2)
  • Campus visit scheduled
  • Email of rejection (05/4)

Case Western Reserve University (TT Asst. or Assoc.) - Medical Anthro/Global Health Dec. 5[]

  • The Department of Anthropology at Case Western Reserve University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in our program in medical anthropology and global health.
  • Geographic area is open but candidates with expertise in China are preferred. Candidates at all ranks under consideration must hold a Ph.D. or comparable degree by date of appointment.
  • Applications received by December 5, 2011 will receive full consideration.
  • Is this the same job that's been posted for a few years? I guess the search was unsuccessful last year.
  • Nope, I heard that they have had some people leave (retirements?) so this is another position.
  • I hate having to do this, but has anybody heard anything from these guys?
  • Received word that letters have been requested from referees (1/18)
  • Rejection letter by e-mail saying short list determined (1/25) (x2)
  • Scheduling campus visits (1/25)
  • Rejection letter by e-mail saying short list determined (1/26) x2
  • Had letters requested from referees but still haven't heard anything (2/4)
  • Offer made

Colby College (One-Year Visiting Prof), Cultural Anthropology (Latin America), April 23+[]

  • The Department of Anthropology at Colby College invites applications for a one-year position starting September 1, 2012, pending final budgetary approval. Preference to applicants with completed Ph.D.; advanced ABD will be considered. The successful candidate will be expected to teach five courses over the academic year, including Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, and four other courses determined in conjunction with departmental needs and the candidate's areas of interest. We particularly encourage candidates with demonstrated research and teaching expertise in Latin America. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, a statement of teaching philosophy, evidence of teaching skills and accomplishment, and three letters of reference to Mary Beth Mills, Chair, Anthropology Search Committee, Department of Anthropology, Colby College, 4700 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME 04901. We strongly encourage electronic submission and other inquiries to:anthropologysearch@colby.edu. Review of applications will begin on April 23, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled. Colby is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, committed to excellence through diversity, and strongly encourages applications and nominations of persons of color, women, and members of other under-represented groups. For more information about the College, please visit the Colby Web site: www.colby.edu.

College of New Jersey - Latin American Cultural Anthropology and History, Sept. 20[]

  • Joint appointment, Tenure Track Assistant Professorship in Latin American Cultural Anthropology and History, starting in August 2012. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate a specialization in Modern Andean Cultures that complements existing faculty interests.
  • Teaching responsibilities will include introductory courses in Cultural Anthropology; upper level courses in Social Change in Contemporary Latin America and Ethnic Identity; and each year, at least two courses in Colonial and/or Modern Latin American History. The typical teaching load is three courses per semester; two courses per semester will be in Anthropology, one course per semester will be in History. Applicants must have Ph.D. in hand, in Sociocultural Anthropology or Cultural Anthropology, at time of application.
  • Review of applications will begin immediately; applications that arrive after September 20, 2011 may not be considered. Receipt of application will be acknowledged by email. Interviews will be held by phone in early October.
  • Also posted at Latin American History 2011-2012
    • Materials received email 9.2

Community College of Baltimore County

  • Faculty member in Sociology/Anthropology. Responsibilities include teaching five courses per semester, committee work at the department, school, campus and college level, community service and participation in professional development activities.
  • Review of applications beginning in mid-February
  • More information: http://www.ccbcmdjobs.com

CUNY-Staten Island (TT Asst or Assoc Prof, Anthropology or Sociology, Jan 31)[]

Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, to start August 2012. Open to anthropologists or sociologists. Areas: critical race theory, critical legal theory, political ecology, science studies, globalization studies, gender and sexuality.

  • Email letter dated 15 Feb, receipt of app materials (16 Feb) x3
  • request for letters (2/24)
  • were you contacted or your letter writers? A: I was
  • Has anyone heard anything after requests for letters? It has been 2 or so weeks since. (3/14)
  • Email rejection 16 May

Denison University, OH, Quantitative skills (TT Asst. Prof), Oct. 3[]

  • strong quantitative analysis skills and "global perspective"
  • Sociology/Anthro joint department.
  • I was long-/shortlisted as one of 8 remaining applicant in mid Oct., and I sent the search committee additional materials, as well as requesting letters from referees. Yet since then, I haven't heard a single message from them. I don't know what is the status of that position.

Eastern Oregon University (Asst Prof of Anthropology), March 13[]

tenure-track position in Cultural Anthropology at the assistant professor level, beginning fall 2012. We are seeking an energetic generalist with a strong commitment to undergraduate education. Demonstrated teaching skills, active scholarship, and willingness to work closely with colleagues in both anthropology and sociology are imperative. Experience teaching distance education is a plus. Outstanding candidates with specializations in cultural anthropology and linguistics especially are invited to apply. Specific area of expertise and/or geographical region of study are open. Teaching responsibilities will include introductory anthropology courses offered both on-campus and through distance education. Development of courses related to the individual’s specialization is encouraged, particularly courses incorporating environmental anthropology, sex and gender, applied anthropology, museums and tourism, and service learning. Eastern faculty actively participate in academic advising, campus committees, curriculum development, and community outreach.

  • Does anyone know the teaching load at this university?
  • Any word on the status of this search??
  • At the phone interview stage (4/13)

Franklin and Marshall (Visiting Asst. Prof) Oct. 31[]

  • language and culture, economic anthro, visual representation or race and ethnicity
  • preferred geo: Australia and the Pacific, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean or the Middle East/North Africa
  • Also posted at Linguistic Anthropology 2011-12
  • Received acknowledgement of materials and request for diversity info (x 4)
  • Invitation for a AAA interview by email (11/9)
  • Invitation for AAA interview by phone and email (11/9)
  • Requests for more materials for long short list sent early December with deadline Dec 13
  • Has anyone on that long short list had any updates? (01/14)
  • 3 job talks scheduled (1/24)

George Mason (TT Assistant Professor of Anthropology)[]

  • Dept of Sociology and Anthropology-- sociocultural anth; area open
  • Review of applications begins October 14
  • 2-2 Teaching load; 55K starting salary
    • 10/20 requested letters and more materials
    • 11/03 they are inviting candidates for campus visits
      • Already? No interviews?
      • Rec'd rejection by email, saying they received over 240 applications (2/28)

Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton. (Full-time continuing position).[]

  • Review begins on October 15, 2011, Position begins on Jan. 1, 2012.
  • Ability to teach linguistic anthro required. Canadians given priority.
  • Also posted at Linguistic Anthropology 2011-12

Hunter College, Distinguished Lecturer in Puerto Rican Studies (non-TT) Review begins June 27[]

  • In the Centro de Estudios Puertorriquenos

Kingsborough Community College (TT Asst Prof), June 30[]

  • Must teach Sexuality and Culture
    • Acknowledgement received (7/13 x1)

Lewis & Clark College (TT Asst Prof), Oct 14[]

  • Areas that would be particularly complementary include analyses of expressive/material culture (language, performance, art, music) and/or globalization/ neoliberalism (poverty, structural violence, crime). In addition, we seek candidates who focus geographically on South Asia, Southeast Asia, Japan, or Korea.
  • We also have a preference for candidates who can contribute to the College's interdisciplinary Gender Studies or Ethnic Studies programs.
  • "Review of Applications will begin Oct. 15 and continue until position is filled."
    • Materials rec'd email (10/10), signed Admin Coord, for Oren Kosansky, SC Chair. Requested HR/diversity form.
    • interview requested for AAA (11/9) X3
    • for those who are getting interview requests, would you mind sharing what your regional area(s) are?
    • south asia
    • makes sense, since they lost two women from Anthro in the last year, both were Asianists.
      • that's not true, one is on sabbatical. but if you read the position description, it's an Asia position.
    • Anybody contacts following AAA interview?
    • Have any rejections gone out or job talk invitations been extended?

Lewis-Clark State College (Asst Prof), Dec 12[]

  • Multi-disciplinary social sciences degree program; contemporary indigenous peoples of the Americas; teach intro cultural anthropology, evolution/prehistory, gender, cultural ecology
  • Materials received email (12/21)

London School of Economics and Political Science, March 8[]

Department of Anthropology, Salary: £40,634 - £47,074 per annum inclusive

LSE's Anthropology Department, with a long and distinguished history, remains a leading centre for innovative research and teaching. We are committed to both maintaining and renewing the core of the discipline, and our training of PhD students is recognised as outstanding. As a lecturer you will carry out teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as conducting research.

You should have a doctorate in Anthropology. You should also have significant research experience, publications either out or forthcoming and teaching experience at graduate/undergraduate level.

The appointment will be from 1 September 2012 or soon thereafter.

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Deborah James at D.A.James@lse.ac.uk

To apply for this post, please go to www.lse.ac.uk/jobsatLSE/ and select "ONLINE RECRUITMENT SYSTEM". If you have any queries about applying on the online system, email hr.jobs@lse.ac.uk or call (+44)(0)20 7955 6659, quoting reference 1233281.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 8 March 2012 (23.59, UK time). Regrettably, we are unable to accept any applications that are received after this date. Interviews will take place in the week commencing 14 May 2012.

    • Request by email for writing samples (20 Mar)
    • Email rejection - 8 May (x2)

McMaster University (TT Asst Prof) Sept 30th[]

  • Request for more materials via email 10/20
  • so strange. the following additions were deleted (and apparently there are mass deletions going on on this page). For any other deletions, please see this log: http://academicjobs.wikia.com/index.php?title=Cultural_Anthropology_2011-2012&diff=189924&oldid=189873
  • And not just deletions. The person (who posted from an IP address in Ann Arbor, MI) also changed the number of resonses to interviews in many positions, most often reducing it by 1 (e.g. x4, to x3). What is the point of this stupidity? (I cleaned up the comments below)
    • Restored as much of the deleted material as possible. Users who engage in this sort of deleting activity in the future may be blocked Una74 02:54, December 14, 2011 (UTC)
    • Thank you.
  • Rejected 12/9
  • was the rejection received by email?
    • yes, an email from the sc chair
  • Campus visit scheduled on Dec 5 (email from Chair)

Middle Tennessee State University (TT Asst Prof)[]

College of Liberal Arts. Sociology/Anthropology Department: Anthropology

Tenure-track, at the Assistant/Associate Professor Rank. Start Date: August 1, 2012

The successful candidate will demonstrate skills and interest in developing and teaching courses in quantitative methods of analysis in anthropology, with preference for those with abilities to incorporate applications of GIS software; subfield areas are open, but we are particularly interested in linguistic, medical or paleoethnobotany. Geographic concentration open, but program strengths are in the southeastern US, Brazilian Amazon, and Southeast Asia.

The successful candidate will join a growing and dynamic anthropology program emphasizing the four-field approach, fieldwork, and cross-cultural experience with seven full-time faculty and 120 undergraduate majors (housed within a joint department of twenty full-time faculty and over 250 majors).

Excellence in teaching, research/creative activity and service is expected for all positions. MTSU seeks candidates committed to using integrative technologies in teaching.

  • Affirmative action survey received (12/19)

Miami University, Middletown Campus (TT Asst Prof)[]

  • Screening of applicants begins November 1, 2011 and will continue until the position is filled. Candidates whose applications are received by November 5, 2011, may be contacted for prearranged interviews at the AAA meetings in Montreal, Canada
  • Desire: regional expertise in the Americas; research foci may include diaspora, indigeneity, ethnohistory, expressive culture. Regional campus, 6-8 courses/year teaching load.
  • Email confirmation of application, request for diversity info (11/1) x2
  • email with invitation for AAA interview (11/11) x3
  • Not sure if they are meeting everyone who applied who will be at AAAs or long/short listed individuals - there were two emails that said conflicting things. Anyone else get a sense from this? (11/11)
  • I agree, it's unclear in the emails. They are listed on the AAA Placement Center schedule as accepting CVs/walk-ins, so it could very well be the former.
  • It seemed like the second email may have been intended for the admin and not for us?
  • Yeah, that was a slip up for sure. I don't know if they're just interviewing us because we indicated we'd be at the AAAs, or whether there has been some decision made around a long list at this point. (11/12)
  • received curt notification of interview time slot at AAA (11/12)(x2) (11/14 - x1)
  • were some lines removed here? Have others heard post-AAA interview? (12/13)
    • Posts that wew deleted 12/13:
    • "email requesting phone interview (12/2) x2 and recs (12/5)
    • did this position go from TT to Visiting?"
  • had post-AAA phone interview, was told interviews would continue into January with short list decision in late Jan (12/13)
  • the campus is going to go a la Ivy Tech in about a year. FYI. Q: what does that mean? we knew from AAA interviews it is a satellite campus -- do you mean something more?
  • Read the following. http://www.journal-news.com/news/hamilton-news/mu-faculty-protest-regionals-proposal-1318499.html#.TyFgdXM34Ms.mailto The MIddletown campus is included with this.
  • Campus visit scheduled (2/2). x2

New York University TT Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies (Discipline Open) Nov 15th.[]

  • Received letter stating that they'd had far more applicants than expected, and would invite people to campus early in the spring semester. (2x)
  • History wiki says 4 finalists have been invited to campus

New York University Kevorkian Center Clinical Assistant Professor Feb 15th[]

Middle East Studies position open to antropologists

  • Four candidates have been invited for job talks

New York University Kevorkian Center Assistant Professor/Faculty Fellow Feb 15th[]

Middle East Studies position open to anthropologists

Northern Kentucky U., Department Chair (Assoc or Full Prof with tenure) Review begins Aug. 15[]

  • Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Philosophy

Northwest College (Wyo) TT Cultural Anthropology/Sociology March 8[]

Oakland University TT Medical Anthropologist. Jan 2[]

  • Medical Anthropologist in joint Soc/Anth department

Portland State University, Applied Medical (TT Asst. Prof.) Oct 14[]

  • Applied / Medical
  • Area preferences: Native North American, Latin American, Caribbean
  • Ability to teach Quantitative Methods a plus
  • Does anyone know what happened with last year's search? Did it fail [yes it failed] and is this a repost?] A: yes they said they had bureaucratic problems and lost their candidate last year (saw this on a department listserve email).
  • Received request for personnel/HR data forms and submitted (9/19)
  • Email included this info (pasting it here but feel free to delete if not wanted):
    • Late October: The search committee will develop a preliminary short list of about 15 individuals and request that candidates on that list send us samples of publications and syllabi of relevant classes. Candidates should also contact their references and request that they send us letters of recommendation. We will contact individuals on the short list to set up an interview by Skype or by telephone in mid-November.
    • In early November, we will also notify candidates who were not selected to be on the preliminary short-list.
    • Late November: The search committee will select a very short list of individuals to come to PSU campus for formal 2-day interviews. These candidates will receive additional information at this time about the interviews
    • January and early February: Candidates will visit PSU campus, meet faculty, administrators, and students, and present their formal "job talk.
    • Mid-February: We will tender our offer.
  • Email rec'd with invite for Skype interview (prelim short list of 9 individuals) 10/27
  • Rejection received 11/1: "The search committee has now finished reviewing the applications. Four committee members read each of the 68 files that we received. We have chosen 9 applicants for preliminary interviews." (x4)
  • Good luck to the preliminary interviewees. Show of hands for how many of us got rejected for both this search and last year's? A: yep; hand's up here, you're not alone! X2
  • Rejection from preliminary short list received. (Down to three for campus visits 11/28).
  • An offer has been made (as of ~ a week ago)
  • Was offer accepted? No.
  • Why not?

Rice University. TT Asst. Prof. Nov. 1. []

Wide call - seeking various specializations (medical; linguistic theory; ecological; Latin America). Interviewing at AAAs.

  • Materials received email (10/27) x2, 11/2 (but I requested confirmation of receipt via email since I had sent close to deadline).
  • Any other info. sense of timeline when the two of you reveived the "materials received" email?
  • Q: Could someone kindly tell me the name of the search committee chair?
  • A: James D. Faubion, Professor and Acting Chair
  • Thank you!
  • Q: Does anyone have a link to a posting for this job handy? I wasn't able to find anything on the university's web-sites.
  • A. Here you go:
Rice University seeks applicants for a position at the level of assistant professor with one or more of the following areas of expertise: medical anthropology; critical environmental/ecological anthropology; or linguistic theory. The geographical area of specialization is open, but specialists in urban Latin America will receive special consideration. We are looking particularly for applicants with a strong command of social and cultural theory, an excellent record of scholarly activities and publication (appropriate to career stage) and who have undertaken innovative field research. Applicants should complement and enhance existing departmental research strengths and be prepared to contribute to Rice Anthropology's distinctive culture of graduate training and undergraduate teaching. Rice is an equal opportunity employer with a strong interest in the diversity of its faculty. It offers spousal and domestic partner benefits. The department strongly urges women and minority candidates to apply. Applicants seeking an interview at the 2011 AAA meetings should send a letter of introduction, a curriculum vita and the names of at least three referees to Chair, Search Committee, Department of Anthropology—MS 20, Rice University, P. O. Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251-1892 no later than November 1, 2011. All applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by November 1. The deadline for the receipt of applications is November 30, 2011.
  • Q: Did anyone get an invitation for a AAA interivew from Rice? I'm assuming people will be contacted this week so there is ample time to schedule? (By "this week", I mean the week of 11/7)
  • A: people will post if they get an interview. if history is any precedent, you can hear about AAA interviews up until the day before the conference. sometimes people even get called during the conference, but this year (with international calling for most of us), that might be less likely.
  • Ah, thank you. How is waiting so long to arrange interviews to anyone's advantage?
  • It's hard work to sift through a ton of applications. It takes time. That's the only reason why they wait -- SC members have teaching and other responsibilities too.
  • request for additional materials, not doing AAA interviews due to scheduling issues. 11/17 x6
  • Did some stuff get deleted? I was about to ask a question related to someone's phone interivew...but its gone! Can people re-post relevant updates so we can continue the conversation?
  • Congrats to the applicant (or is it applicants?) invited for a phone interview! (This update was posted earlier today before the mass deletions on this wiki). If you are comfortable sharing, what is your regional speciality? Did they mention anything about timeline in the email?
  • Q: So six wikians were asked for more materials, one was asked for a phone interveiw and 0 received a rejection?
  • A: Seems about right. Rice asked for a writing sample and letters of rec in November, but I have not heard back.I suppose it's safe to assume that I won't hear back either...Much luck to the person who got the phone interview. By the way, what's your topical speciality?
  • It funny though, with the mass deletions, that phone interveiwee's post isn't even up here any more. It's probably safe to assume we won't hear back, but its also strange that person hasn't checked back in to communicate or browse related posts. Maybe if you get a phone interview you're the type of person whose so busy and productive, you don't waste time checking the wiki ;)
  • Just chiming in here, not trying to raise or diminish anyone's hopes, but not hearing doesn't always mean never hearing. Sometimes SCs only send rejection letters after an offer has been made. Sometimes not receiving any news means you are not in the SC "top flight" of candidates but are in a "reserve" pool until the process is done. Others?
  • Phone interviews conducted end of last week/beginning of this week. (Requests for and scheduling of phone interviews via email)
  • Campus visits being scheduled (1/9)
  • Received request for filling out demographic survey. Seems classier when schools make this request immediately after an applicaiton is submitted, just saying... (2/1) How's this for classy: I got a demographic survey recently from a job at U Michigan-Flint for which I applied one year ago.
  • Exactly my thoughts when I received the request from Rice
  • rejection letter received via USPS (dated 1/27)

Saint Louis University, (TT Cultural Anthropology/Intercultural studies)[]

  • Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice and a secondary appointment in the Center for Intercultural Studies
  • Sub areas are open, but the Department and Center have research interests in intercultural studies, health/medicine, urban, immigration, and environment.
  • Review of applications from late October
  • Online Application here
  • Email 11/4 Long List, request for letters, planning video interviews soon. (x3)
  • They were listed as having interviews at AAA too. Did anyone get contacted for or have an interview there?
  • got a rejection email (11/21) before I had a chance to schedule a video interview with them... a little odd. Anyone else? A: Same situation for me (11/22) and me (11/23)
  • Invitation for job talk (11/23)
  • Two questions 1) Did anyone interview for this job and if so, where/how? 2) Have they explained to anyone scheduled to have an interview why their interview was canceled?
  • A: Yes, I had a video interview. I think they only did video interviews, not AAA interviews (though I can't be sure). A: Do you mind telling when it was? A: Their video interviews were 11/15-11/22.
  • Does anyone who had an interview canceled mind sharing what happened? (i.e. Did you get the general email about doing video interviews, but then they never contacted you for one, or did you get an invitation for an interview or schedule an interview only to have it canceled? ) A: I received an email around 11/4 congratulating me for making the long short list and saying I'd be contacted soon to schedule video interviews. That second part never happened. Next contact from them was rejection email on 11/22. (x2)
  • To whomever censored the comment that the interview cancelations were "very odd" - they were very odd. Not only that, they were rude and unprofessional.
  • Q: Can anyone elaborate on how the interview cancelations were unprofessional or rude? Did the rejection letter acknowledge that you had been initially long listed? A; No, it was a form letter with no acknowledgement of long list or prior contact with search committee
  • Referees contacted w/request for phone call (this is after a job talk) (12/22)

Seattle University (WA) - Replacement Faculty Positions - July 21, 2012[]

The Department of Cultural Anthropology seeks applications for a full-time Instructor beginning September 2012. Salary will be based on experience and qualifications. AOS: Open. AOC: Ph.D in Anthropology.

Applicants should submit applications online at jobs.seattleu.edu, including CV, contact information for two references, teaching materials (including evaluations) and a writing sample. Applications received by July 21, 2012 will receive priority consideration, but the position is open until filled. Candidates are encouraged to visit the candidate information Web site: www.seattleu.edu/artsci/philosophy/candidates.htm.

SUNY- Potsdam, TT, March 15[]

  • careercenter.aaanet.org/jobs/4649415/assistant-professor-cultural-anthropologist
  • The successful candidate will contribute to the five-field focus of the department, our majors in Anthropology and Archaeology, and our minors, and to college-wide interdisciplinary programs. Candidate must be committed to excellence in undergraduate teaching, and have an active research program that compliments existing departmental strengths with potential for undergraduate student involvement. Candidate will be expected to teach lower and upper division courses, including Survey of Linguistic Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Anthropological Theory, Ethnographic Field Methods, and classes in her or his topical and geographic specialties (preferably non-North American). Other responsibilities include advising and mentoring of students, conducting and publishing research, community outreach, and participating in department and college wide service activities.

-E-mail acknowledging that application materials were received (2/5) (x5)

-The confirmation of receipt email also notes that the search is expected to be completed by June...

-Phone interview request 3/21 (x3)

-Rejection by email 4/4, 5/14 (x2)

Temple (Visiting Asst Professors) March 15[]

two full-time, nine-month, Visiting Assistant Professorships (Teaching/Instructional) for the 2012-2013 academic year. These positions are not tenure track and not renewable. We seek candidates able to teach undergraduate courses in linguistic and social-cultural anthropology, as well as large survey classes entitled “Representing Race,” “World Regions and Cultures,” and “Youth Cultures.” The standard teaching load is four courses per semester. Candidates must have completed their Ph.D.

University of British Columbia Okanagan (Asst Prof TT), Jan 1[]

  • We are seeking to fill a position in Cultural Anthropology with a candidate who has a strong background in anthropological method and theory. He/she should have an established research program preferably in anthropology of gender and/or globalization. Candidates with a commitment to teaching, including introductory anthropology courses as well as one or more of the following would best meet our program needs: anthropology of gender, kinship and social organization, anthropology of religion, applied anthropology.
  • Where did this come from?! Link to more details?
  • Here it is (scroll down for the Anthropology job): http://www.ubc.ca/okanagan/hr/careers/faculty/tenuretrack.html
  • Rejection by email (1/19)

University of California, Irvine (2 TT positions, Asst. / Assoc. Prof) Nov. 1[]

  • Applications received by November 1, 2011 will receive the fullest consideration, but screening will continue until the position is filled.
  • We welcome applicants with a strong record of ethnographic fieldwork and theoretical innovation in one (or ideally two) of the following areas: 1) environment, science, and technology; 2) language and culture; 3) urban studies; and 4) feminist theory. Geographic area of expertise is open, but candidates with a research focus in Latin America are particularly encouraged to apply.
  • LINK - AAA
  • Also posted at Linguistic Anthropology 2011-12
  • Any word on this position? I haven't heard a drop of news... (11/21)
  • Faculty were scouting applicants at AAA (11/21)
    • What does that mean? And how do you know?
    • (I am not the original poster), but UCI usually sends people to watch the AAA presentations of interesting candidates (many schools do that). However, people on the search committee told me that they had not even started looking at applications yet and would do so after the AAAs. (11/21)
  • Just received word from my letter writers that UCI asked for my letters. Presumably that means a long list of some sort has emerged or is emerging.
    • Do you know when the request for letters went out?
    • Is this in addition to the letters that were required with the initial application?
    • letters were not required with the initial application
    • Ditto on comment above (no letters requested in original ad); one of my letter writers alerted me to the request for her letter on 12/14
    • my letter writers just alerted me today (1/18) that they got a request. what can this mean? (x5 - 1/19)
    • congrats! I am curious: does your research focus on Latin America? Are scholars whose work focuses on other regions being considered?
    • I know someone who works on Lat Am and who received the letter request (1/18) (x2).
    • I wrote above on 1/18, and I work in Asia.
    • Anybody have any news?
    • invitation for campus visit (2/9)
    • congrats!
    • Q: did they call or email you? And did they say how many finalists had been invited to campus?
    • R: I got an email. No word on how many others were invited. I too would like to know!
    • R: From what I know, there were 4 invited for the Associate position and 5 for the Assistant position.
    • does anyone know what happened with this search? (4/23)
    • email rejection (5/22)

U of California Irvine, Lecturer with PSOE[]

Seeking sociocultural anthropologist with strong record of teaching and lecturing... experience in other subfields welcome.

  • link to position hasn't been posted on UCI jobs website... there appears to be no way to submit an application right now (12/2) It is up as of this afternoon (12/2)
  • I had a reference get an automatic email from UCI thanking them for "applying to the position of lecturer". Did this happen to anyone else? (12/19)
  • offered. declined.

University of Cape Town (South Africa), TT Social Anthropology Oct. 3[]

  • Job starts January '12
  • Expertise in contemporary fields of Social and/or Cultural Anthropology is required, preference given to candidates with demonstrated research competence and proven teaching ability
  • e-mail the completed UCT Application form and all other relevant documentation as indicated on the form, to Mrs C Snyders, Staff Recruitment and Selection, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa. E-mail: Charlotte.Snyders@uct.ac.za
    • reference letters requested "urgently" (10/11); emailed referees directly
  • Had preliminary interview 10/28 via phone. Will have skype interview with whole committee 11/25 plus have to give a seminar on topic of their choosing, Haven't heard details.

University of Chicago-- TT Open Rank, Sociocultural Anthro - June 30, 2012[]

  • The University of Chicago Department of Anthropology seeks to add one or more faculty in sociocultural anthropology beginning in the 2012-2013 academic year.
  • Multiple hires possible. Political cultures of law and governance, the cultural and knowledge practices of institutions, or the historical anthropology of colonialism and postcoloniality. Other areas of interest include religion, medicine, gender and sexuality, environment, and markets. Especially interested in African and Latin American studies. Application at: http://tinyurl.com/6m7wtco and includes cover letter, CV (four refs), two article-length publications.
  • Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2012. However, applications will be considered until the position is filled or the application deadline of June 30, 2012.

University College London, Medical Anthropology, (TT Lecturer), April 1[]

  • Interviews scheduled for May 30th and May 31st
  • Reference letters requested May 31st

University of Houston - African Religious Practices in the Americas[]

  • The Department of Comparative Cultural Studies at the University of Houston invites applications for a tenure track position at the Assistant Professor level. Applicants in the following areas will be considered: A scholar in comparative religions and cultures who studies the influences of the African diaspora in/on belief systems and ritual practices in the Americas, with particular interest in the Caribbean and/or Brazil, as well as in North America. This position is placed in a newly created department that combines degree programs in Anthropology, Religious Studies, and Liberal Studies. We encourage applicants to demonstrate how their research and teaching will stengthen our interdisciplinary and comparative objectives. Please send curriculum vitae, statement of research agenda and teaching philosophy, and record of teaching experience by February 15, 2012, to Dr. Lois Parkinson Zamora, Department of Comparative Cultural Studies, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5020.
  • Also posted at Religious Studies 2011-2012

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (open rank TT), Dec. 1[]

  • t-t appointment in Graduate School of Library & Information Science (note: this is the academic unit of the iSchool, not the library)
  • any area related to the circulation of information & production of knowledge, including archives, organizations in diverse communities --representations of race/ethnicity; cultural heritage; critical approaches; technology in society; political economy of information in any geographical region
  • PhDs from across the disciplines encouraged to apply
  • Link to ad

University of Maine - Assistant Professor, Native American Studies[]

  • Tenure-track, assistant professor position in Native American Studies with a primary focus on research and outreach with Wabanaki Tribal Nations in Maine – Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Houlton Band of Maliseets and Aroostook Band of Micmacs. While the field of study is open, preference will be given to applicants from the fields of history, anthropology, and education.
  • Review of applications will begin January 20th, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled.
  • Also posted at US History 2011-12

University of Maryland Baltimore County VAP (March 30th)[]

Department of Sociology and Anthropology--Visiting Lecturer, 3/4 time position

  • Any particular reason this job has been listed in the "completed/cancelled" searches list?
  • Maybe because it's confusing to have two lists?
  • Request for letters sent by email (4/20)

University of Massachusetts - Amherst - Computational Social Science (TT Asst Prof), Dec 9[]

  • Part of the Computational Social Science Initiative, with potential tenure home in Anthropology (among other disciplines)
  • Rejection via email (2/1)

University of Michigan - Economic Development and Trade (Advanced AP or Early Associate) - Anthropology and International Studies[]

  • request for more materials (Dec 13)
  • what kinds of materials? B/c teaching portfolio and writing samples were required with the application. (A: publications and reference letters)
  • 4 finalists currently being interviewed on campus (2/17)

University of Michigan - War, Violence and Human Security (Open Rank, multi-field hire in a research cluster), Nov 11[]

  • Received email acknowledging receipt of application, and diversity survey 11/11
  • I heard there weren't many applicants for this position-- maybe because the requested application materials were so extensive...
  • It looks like they might have some excellent finalists. The dept. website shows a couple of speakers whose research fits the bill scheduled for talks, but they might not be candidates.
  • they are candidates--talks are currently underway (3/10)
  • Mike McGovern and Erica Caple James?

University of Missouri (Columbia)[]

There was a posting here that has been deleted twice (please stop this!!) and confused with the UMKC job below. The search was for a cultural anthropologist "to contribute to the department's focus on human evolution, ecology and adaptation" at the Assistant or Associate level. Applications were due Nov. 14. Does anyone know what happened with this search?

  • I am curious too. still waiting to hear something... (2/24)
  • Finally received a rejection via email. It was a form letter from HR that said "do not reply." Ah, there's nothing like adding the impersonal touch! (3/31)

University of Missouri-Kansas City (Jan 15)[]

  • one year position with possibility of second year renewal; must be able to teach intro to cultural anthro and other courses that complement the current faculty
  • 2/10 phone interview scheduled for next week

Universite de Montreal (TT Asst Prof, Environmental Anthropology), Feb 15[]

  • They have invited candidates for campus interviews. (3/11)

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (TT Asst. Prof South Asia/China, Oct 14[]

  • interested in the following topics: the anthropology of the body; biomedical technologies; pharmaceuticals; critical studies of biomedicine, material culture and consumption; global culture and translation; anthropology of the media; intellectual property; landscape; or ethics and religion.
    • Has anyone been selected for an interview?
    • Received email from SC Chair stating preliminary SC meeting was held and Chair has now asked the dept admin to get in touch with candidates if there are missing application materials. Invited to submit additional materials (ie new publications or updated activities), and said SC will meet after winter break to decide on campus invites. (12/12) X4
    • I was one of the people asked for additional materials in December, but I haven't heard anything yet. Has anyone?
    • I was also contacted, and also have not heard anything. (1/28)X2
    • Still nothing (2/1) X2
    • Still nothing (2/5) X2
    • Campus interviews scheduled (the date here is either 2/6 or 2/7 - could the OP please clarify?)
    • (OP): I am not a candidate for this job but friend on faculty there said that they have interviews starting later this week (2/8)
    • 4 people invited for campus interviews during February

University of North Dakota, American Indian Studies (TT Assistant Prof.) Sept. 1[]

University of Notre Dame, Dept. of Anthropology (TT Asst. Prof.) Oct. 15[]

  • Medical Anthropologist position.
  • Received letter USPS (x2 dated 9/22) stating review process as such: app review begins 10/15; first round AAA interviews (or video conference if not attending AAAs); second round phone interviews with "short list"; third round campus visits with "several candidates". Requested completion of faculty data survey form on-line.
  • 11/8 Phone call requesting AAA interview and rec letters. Stated that the long short list contains 12 individuals. (x 2)
  • 11/15 - rejection letter via snail mail x2
  • Anybody know -- have they drawn up a short list yet?
  • Heard through the grapevine that they have scheduled on-campus interviews (2/13)

University of Puerto Rico. TT Asst. Prof. Oct. 31[]

  • Sociocultural Anthropologist.
  • Campus visits scheduled. (11/20-ish) About 100 applicants, 3 brought to campus.
  • received rejection letter via USPS (@12/05) stated that there will be a temporary lecturer position opening for AY 2012-13 and that applicants can be automatically considered for this position if they so choose

University of Richmond (VA) - Cultural Anthro. (TT Asst. Prof) - Nov. 1[]

Seeking a candidate whose primary focus is the Middle East and/or North Africa with an emphasis on Islam. Fluency in a major Middle Eastern language is strongly preferred. To apply for this position, please visit www.urjobs.org - Members of the search committee will conduct pre-arranged interviews at the AAA conference in Montreal.

  • Received email for a AAA interview (11/10) (x2)

U. Rochester (TT Asst. Prof) Feb 3rd[]

Africanist-part of a university-wide Africa cluster hire

asked for references, referees contacted directly via email. I am assuming this was an automatically generated request and probably doesn't mean anything, but posting in case not. 2/3/12 (x1-and yeah, i think these are automatic for all applicants)

  • any news? (2/23)
  • Campus interview scheduled in March
  • would you mind sharing how and when the SC contacted you for campus visit? did they do phone interviews first?

University of Texas - Arlington (TT Asst. Prof.) - Nov. 11[]

Medical Anthropology; Globalization & Global Health; Latin America/or the U.S. Interviews @ AAAs.

  • Materials rec'd email/ request for applicant data survey (10/11)
  • Email request for AAA interview (11/12)
  • Request for reference letters sent to me by email (11/28)
  • Contacted 1/19 for short list (but declined; offer elsewhere)

University of Texas, Austin - TT Asst. Medical Anthropology/African Studies - Jan. 15[]

Medical Anthropology: University of Texas at Austin - Faculty Recruitment. Job Information. Job Type: Tenured/Tenure Track. Job Rank: Rank Open. Job ID: (0) 11111600001. College: Liberal Arts. College URL: http://www.utexas.edu/cola/ Department/Unit: Department of African and African Diaspora Studies. Department/Unit URL: http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/aads/

Field of Specialization: Science and Medicine within the Social Sciences, with a preference for African Studies. Job Description: The Department of African and African Diaspora Studies invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor (tenure track) or Associate Professor (tenured), with a background in Science and Medicine within the Social Sciences and with a preference for a specialization in Africa, to start Fall 2012. We are seeking outstanding scholars with a strong background in Science and Medicine (public health, medical anthropology, pharmacy, bioethics, history of race in science and medicine) within the Social Sciences (Economics, Education, Environment, Geography, Law, Medicine, Sociology, Political Science, and Psychology), with a preference for specialists in African Studies. We are especially interested in outstanding candidates who focus on critical theories in an intersectionality of race, gender, sexuality, and social class.

Review of applications begins January 15, 2012, until the position is filled.

University of Vermont (1 year Lecturer, Possibility of Renewal) - Open Until filled[]

  • Experise in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Possible areas of teaching include introduction to socio-cultural anthropology, development, globalization, social movements, research methods, and race and ethnicity in cross-cultural perspective
  • Invitation for short "informational interview" (not sure what that means x3) at AAA, 11/15 11/14 (turns out it was essentially just a standard AAA interview).
  • According to the AAA interview, they expect to proceed with requests for "dossiers" probably in early December, with follow up Skype interviews early 2012. They will not be doing on-campus interviews for this position (11/22).
  • My letter writers were contacted directly, asked for references to be sent in (12/19). No communication with me directly.
  • Check your mailbox. Returned from break to find snail mail letter (dated 12/20) requesting more materials at office. Letter writers contacted. fyi, i withdrew my application (have an offer) so one less in the pool.
  • Thanks for the head's up -- just found a snail mail letter too. Oh, and congrats!
    • Contacted via email for skype interview 2/2
  • Heard that an offer has been made.

University of Waterloo TT Asst Prof. Sept 30th (deadline passed).[]

  • Campus visit scheduled (11/17) (X3)

U Wisconsin-Milwaukee (with Milwaukee Public Museum), TT Open Rank - Dec 15[]

  • applied 12/15 no word (x2)
  • Attended campus interview 02/17-18 (x1) and awaiting word
  • any offer made?

Vanderbilt University (Center for Medicine, Health and Society), 2 positions (Oct 1)[]

1) Tenure-track assistant professor and 2) Tenured position, open rank, both in the social and cultural aspects of medicine and health. Fields of specialization open. Fall 2012 start.

  • was told by a connection that there were *900* apps between the two jobs. has anyone heard?
  • according to the history of sci/med/tech wiki the tenure track asst prof line has a long short list and the candidates on it have been invited to submit more material. No word on the tenured position. (11/30)
  • i think the info on the sci/med/tech wiki is for a separate job in the history dept that is specifically pre-20th c history of science (not medical humanities).
  • FYI: Bioethics & Medical Humanities 2011-2012 page now up; posted this position there (12/12).

Western Oregon University - TT Asst. or Assoc. Prof []

  • cultural anthropologist - tenure-track position at the assistant or associate professor level.
  • Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. [job posted May 25, 2012]
  • Start Date: September 16, 2012

Westminster College (TT Asst Prof)[]

Review of applications began in Nov. Said that they would contact applicants by end of January 2012.

Anyone have any updates? I have not yet been contacted about my application status.

  • No word from them and no update. March 1. (1)

Wheaton College, Illinois (TT joint appointment Urban Studies-Anthropology, Asst Prof) []

Review beings immediately for Fall Appointment

Wheaton College, Illinois (TT Asst or Assoc. Prof). Review begins Oct. 15[]

  • Geo is open, pref NOT S/E Asia
  • Preference for competency in "qualitative or quantitative analysis of ethnographic data" (hopefully we all meet that)
  • Statement of Faith required -- Christian school.
  • Department webpage states: "Anthropology's exploration of human universals is based on a distinctively Christian perspective, combining a biblical orientation with empirical precision" --- suggests missiology would be the target.
  • Yikes.
  • Yes, a Christian school, but decidedly NOT a missiology position. Cultural Anthropology. Pure and simple.

Williams College (VAP 1 year)[]

  • Received email acknowledgment (10/31 x5)
  • AAA interview scheduled by phone (11/10)
  • Requested more materials (11/23)

York University, VAP - April 20[]

York University (TT Asst Prof)[]

  • Campus visit scheduled Dec 19.
  • Q: Congrats on the interview, hope it went well! I'm curious about when (and how) you were notified.
  • A: Contacted by email and phone by the SC chair. No previous interview; went straight to campus visit.
  • Received confirmation of materials received, asked to sign recommendation waiver and answer question about citizenship - 11/2/11 (Correction: not recommendation waiver, but affirmative action form)
  • Q: was this an email confirmation or by snail mail? Haven't gotten one and wondering whether to contact them to ask if they received my application . . .
  • A. Email confirmation, it said:
Dear....
We have received you application materials. In review of your recent application for the position of in Cultural Anthropology, I wanted to confirm your citizenship status to include in your application file. Thank you
  • Q: Why a recommendation waiver? Did they not request letters of rec from the get-go?
  • A. Sorry, I confused 2 schools, it was not a recommendation waiver, but an affirmative action form. The email said:
Kindly find embedded at the end of this email, a copy of our Affirmative action form that you will need to fill out for us to add to your application file.
Thank you
  • Q: Anybody know whether everybody got this email or just Canadians, or just some other subsection of people they're interested in? (I got it, and am a Canadian, and wondered if it was just pro forma or a good sign)
  • A. I got it too and I'm Canadian (x3). I think it might be pro forma - it came too soon after the deadline.
  • I did not get this, but I'm not Canadian.
  • I did get this, also not Canadian. (American)
  • I have not received this or any other acknowledgement (non-Canadian). After seeing these posts about e-mail confirmation, I went ahead and broke the golden rule of not contacting the search committee, just to ask for confirmation that my materials had arrived. Still no response. Posted 10 November. (x1-I think that means we're out of the running)
  • I did get this and am not Canadian.(x2)

Cancelled/Closed/Completed Searches[]

Congratulations to all who've accepted jobs!

Agnes Scott College - tenure-track, Medical Anthropology/Anthropology of Health[]

  • Open until filled (posted 8/30/11)
    • Materials received, including all letters of reference. Via email 9/12 (Ditto, 10/22)
    • Request for interview/meeting at AAA's (11/8, x5)
    • To those of you who had AAA interviews: do you recall their timeline? Please share!
    • finalists selected and notified.
    • Rejection via email, 2/9

Amherst College -- TT Asst. Prof political anthro, South Asia Oct 10[]

10/12 - requested rec letters. not sure if this means I made a long list, or if they are doing this for all applicants (X 4)

Q: How did you find out they requested them? They emailed. Q: Did they email you or your referees? A: both (Poster: Do you mean 10/12?) yes. corrected.

10/25 - AAA Interview Scheduled x6

11/3 -- AAA Interview scheduled.

11/21 - is it appropriate to talk about interview experiences on the wiki?

A: Probably not. We know what it was like and it is not worth the energy to revisit it. In this stressful time, we should all be thinking happy thoughts. A2: I'd also say that it reveals a bit too much info for an anonymous, open website. And don't forget that search committee members do visit this site and I wouldn't want to jeopardize my candidacy by boasting/complaining/being generally indiscreet about how specific interviews went. A3: If the interview was remarkably great or remarkably terrible, you could post on Universities to love OR Universities to fear when the time is right. But agree with others, now is not the time to do so, as you might jeopardize your candidacy. Wait until the season is over.

A4: The issue is what you reveal here, not whether or not to discuss the interview. If you want to bring something up that doesn't reveal who you are, then you should feel free to do so. This is, afterall, one of the rare times we get to speak with fellow interviewees.

2/25: I figured this already, but got a formal rejection email this morning (x2)

2/27: offer made and accepted.

Anyone know who got hired?

Appalachian State University (TT Anthro & Sustainable Development)[]

  • Request for letters and more materials (12/5) x 3
  • Has anyone heard anything on this? Their last communication was the request for letters and materials and said that they would be in touch by mid-January.
  • campus visit scheduled
  • heard they have an inside candidate (x2)
  • received word today that their first choice accepted the offer -- congrats!

Ball State University (Environmental Anthropology; One-year Visiting Position)[]

  • E-mail request for letters of rec, transcripts, and teaching evaluations (1/31) x3
  • Request for phone interview (3/1) X2
  • Request for second phone interview (3/12)
  • Offer made (3/15)
  • Offer accepted (3/20)

Bates College (visiting assistant professor of anthropology), Feb 15[]

  • "The successful candidate will need to teach two sections of introduction to cultural anthropology, a history of anthropological theory course, and two electives. The research focus is open but the department encourages applications from candidates able to offer courses in the area of medical anthropology, Arab/Muslim world, immigration, linguistic anthropology, or South America. A Ph.D. with teaching experience is preferred, but ABDs will be considered. "
  • Received Diversity Survey (02/17)
  • any news? (3/6)
  • Request for letters (3/15) (x1)
  • any news since letter requests? (4/2)
  • Rejection letter - position has been filled (4/18)

Bowdoin College, TT Asst. Prof. Oct 7 political anthropology (deadline passed)[]

  • Review of applications will begin October 07, 2011, and will continue until the position is filled.
  • Received email asking for additional materials (writing sample) on October 28 (☓2)
  • Request for phone interview (Nov 3) (☓2)
  • Heard from a student at Bowdoin that there was already campus visit (Dec 6)
  • Offer made and accepted
  • Anyone know who got hired?

Brown University (TT Asst Prof Feb 1 socio-cultural anthropology/population studies)[]

http://careercenter.aaanet.org/jobs#/detail/4614143

  • Word on the street for this one: apply early. They'll be reviewing applications fast.
  • Anyone else speculating that this is an inside hire for one of the post-docs? I am familiar with the discussions on inside hires below but given the area focus and research interests in the job description and the comment above it seems like this could be a possibility.
  • not one of them, but i know 2 of 3 of the post-docs already have jobs lined up. so, it seems that the announcement came at a time that would actually preclude the "insiders" from applying.
  • I know one of the department faculty, who stated it is not an inside search. Take that as you will. I think they're probably rushing the process because it's a late approval for a search, and they don't want to miss the boat on somebody great.
  • Received an e-mail requesting writing sample and letters. They also e-mailed references for letters today (1/13)X2 (1/20)
  • Anybody know whether they have moved ahead on this????
  • No updates on my end. Like the forumite above, my last interaction with them was about writing sample and letters, on roughly the same days listed.
  • They have not yet moved to the short list (as of 2/17)
  • Received letter saying the search has been postponed till next year. No explanation why...

Brown University (VAP Anthropology and Gender) deadline passed[]

  • Has anyone heard anything from these folks?
  • Interviews scheduled at AAA (11/8)
  • Informed on a short list of 3 candidates (3/1). Any offers yet?
  • Can the person who posted on the list of 3 candidates share how he/she found out? (3/10) I was interviewed at AAA and have not heard a word since. A: I received notification via email.
  • Rejection via snail mail - search complete. (4/23)


Brown University (Postdoc Positions at Population Studies & Training Center) - Feb 1[]

Bryn Mawr 1-year visiting lecturer. March 19th.[]

  • Latin America or Middle East
  • References requested (3/28)
  • Offer was made and accepted (05/06)

Bucknell University, (TT/Assistant Prof) Oct. 15 medical/gender/East Asia[]

  • medical anthropologist or an anthropologist of gender and sexuality
  • research and teaching focus on East Asia, especially China or Japan
  • They will be interviewing at the AAAs, if your application is received by first week of November you will be considered for an interview.
  • AAA interviews scheduled (x 4)
  • Campus interviews scheduled for Mid/Late January
  • For those who are invited for the campus interviews, Congratulations!!! The program sounds great! Can I ask if you are working on medical or gender field?
  • I am not one of the job candidates but a friend on the search committee told me that some do gender, some do med anthro and some do both.
  • Offer made and accepted. (2/17)
  • really? They made an offer already?

California State University Channel Islands, Asst Prof, subfield open Oct 24[]

  • Subfield specialization open, preference for applied research and teaching
  • Preference for ability to teach courses in at least two subfields of Anthropology, and whose teaching and research has an applied direction within any sub-discipline
  • The candidate will assist with the implementation of the B.A. in Anthropology which is anticipated to open in fall, 2012.
  • Application details here
  • Also posted at Archaeology Jobs 2011-2012, Linguistic Anthropology 2011-12, Linguistics 2011-2012 & Physical Anthropology 2011-12
  • Teaching school, requires a 4-4 teaching load.
    • Invited for phone interview 11/1 (x2)
    • Rejection via email (I did not have an interview) 1/6 (x2)
    • According to the Archaeology page, offer made and accepted 4/27

Cal State San Bernardino (TT Asst. Prof) Dec. 15[]

  • sociocultural search
  • ability to teach language and culture would be useful
  • geo open, excluding Meso-America, Sub-Saharan Africa, SE Asia
  • Also posted at Linguistic Anthropology 2011-12
    • received a request for diversity/HR forms and emailed them back (9/22) x3
    • Reference letter request (4/4) Question: Did your referees tell you this - or did they ask you to request them directly?
    • Referees told me this (4/5)x2
    • AAA interview scheduled (11/7) x3
    • AAA interview scheduled (11/9), though as far as I know, my referees were never contacted
    • rejection letter sent via USPS (11/09). good luck to those getting interviews!
    • Are there any others who applied prior to AAA, were not interviewed, but also have not yet received a rejection?
    • Contacted by email for an interview 12/19, references were asked to submit letters several weeks ago. Q: Did you interview with them at the AAA as well? A: No.
    • for person contacted for interview 12/19, was this for a preliminary phone or video interview, or for a campus interview and job talk? A: Preliminary interview
    • Has anybody been invited for a job talk yet?
    • Recieved rejection letter that I didn't make the shortlist 1/28/2012. (x6, 2/6, 2/7)
    • Anybody else not received rejection or been invited for job talk? (2/3)
    • Still no one invited for job talk? (2/4)
    • Heard that two candidates got invited for a job talk and depending on how they go they may invite a third. How many have both not been rejected and not gotten invited for a talk? (x1)
    • interviewed with them, and have not been rejected or invited for a talk (x4)
    • rejection letter, after interview (2/10) x2 (2/15)
    • Curious, was the above rejection letter by post or email? by post
    • Anybody else interviewed, not invited for a job talk but not rejected either? (2/21)
    • heard that an offer was made and it was accepted (2/25)

Colby College (TT Asst. Prof), Anthropology Nov 1[]

  • Email rec'd requesting interview at AAA or by Skype (11/8 x4) (11/10 as well)
  • Received invitation for campus visit / job talk. (12/2 x2)
  • I'm pretty sure an offer has been made.
  • Rejection email (3/16)
  • Has an offer been accepted? A: yes
  • Congratulations :)

Colby College (TT Asst. Prof) Social sciences/gender/sexuality Oct 1[]

  • Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program (WGSS) at Colby College seeks scholar with advanced training in women’s, gender, and/or sexuality studies and social science methods whose work focuses on areas and/or populations outside the U.S
  • Position carries a five-course load and includes classes in the program’s core curriculum and electives in the candidate’s area of specialization
  • Interviews at National Women’s Studies Association Conference in Atlanta.
  • Also posted at Queer/Women's/Gender Studies 2012
  • Email rec'd requesting interview (at NWSA or AAA) -- 11/2
    • Invite for campus visit 12/15
    • Offer has been made

Colby College (One-Year Faculty Fellow), Human Rights & Anthropology, rvw begins March 15[]

We seek a scholar with a PhD in anthropology and demonstrated research and teaching interests in the human rights arena. The ideal candidate will have an interest in exploring international human rights policy and its impact on diverse communities and social settings. Subfields may include 1+ of the following: refugees and displaced populations, genocide or racial/ethnic violence and their aftermaths, civil war and other conflict zones, environmental and/or indigenous rights movements, religious/ethnic/gendered/sexual modes of persecution, health and social justice and/or the roles and practices of international institutions (courts, NGOs, humanitarian aid), among other topics. The successful candidate will have strong interdisciplinary interests and will be able to teach four courses that will complement the existing Global Studies and Anthropology programs, including one section of introduction to Anthropology.

Please submit CV, graduate transcript, three letters of recommendation, brief statement of teaching philosophy, and official summaries of teaching evaluations, in electronic format to Professor Patrice Franko at pmfranko@colby.edu -- please clearly note GS Job application in your subject line.

3/30 - a short list has been made. request for skype interview via email.

4/10--Have job talks been scheduled? Q: Yes. One is definitely scheduled; they may be ongoing.

Offer extended and accepted.

Concordia University - Critical Anthropological Theory Position Nov 1[]

  • Received email confirmation of application materials rec'd 11/7/11
  • I know for a fact that they received my materials, but I didn't get an email confirmation 11/11/11 (x2)
  • Just curious -- how many applicants to this position are checking in regularly on this website? (x4)
  • It seems like they should be interviewing at the AAAs since the conference is in their own back yard (and perhaps they are) -- but then again they have so much information about candidates up front (letters, writing sample, research and teaching statements, etc.) that maybe they don't feel the need?
  • Received email & follow up phone call for campus interview 11/15. The letter said five were short-listed.
  • PFO letter received December 12th (x1)
  • I heard the person hired for this has three books out.

Cornell University (Postdoc with possibility for TT) Nov 1[]

CUNY-Baruch College (TT Asst Prof Sociology or Anthropology), Nov 1[]

  • EOE card/acknowledgment of receipt of materials. 11.1 (x4)
  • Additional materials requested (writing sample & teaching evaluations) via e-mail. (x2) 11/28
  • Invitation for job talk & campus interviews in early February via email 12/15
  • Rejection by email (no add'l materials or interview requested) 3/27
  • Search is complete. They received nearly 400 applications. 3/27

Dartmouth College (Postdoctoral Fellowship in Anthropology, April 9)[]

  • 2 year position with possibilit of 1 year renewal
  • teach two courses per year
  • transnational structures/politics of recognition and: indigeneity and belonging, social and religious movements, and the commodification of culture
    • Request for more materials (letters, writing sample) x3 When? A: My request came mid-April, and the materials were due April 30.
    • Any news? (5/8)
    • 5/8- nothing since an email indicating that my "file is complete" came a week ago.
    • anyone know if they did interviews? haven't heard back since the "file is complete" email
    • Offer made and accepted. (5/14)

Davidson College[]

Tenure-track position, asking for an environmental anthropologist, Latin America.

  • received email invitation for AAA interview (11/10) (x2)
  • heard thru the grapevine that they have already extended invitiations for campus visits (12/15)
  • rejection letter by mail (12/19)
  • has anyone else who had an interview not heard anything since AAA? (2/2) A: I haven't either. I suspect they're holding some long list applications in reserve until they get an offer accepted.
  • offer made and accepted

DePauw University (1 yr), Feb. 13[]

  • materials received email (2/24) x2
  • received an e-mail update that there are now 2 positions: one for a 2 year period and another for 1 year that would include teaching a Human Origins course. The e-mail also informed that phone interviews will be conducted between March 16th and 20th and campus visits will be the first weeks of April. (3/9)
  • Request for phone interview (3/15)
  • Campus visits scheduled for early April (3/25)
  • Offer made and accepted for 2-year position (May 4).

Emory University (TT Asst. Prof), Feb. 15[]

Cultural anthropologist of contemporary China (the PRC)

Q: Does anyone know why this position changed from a position for an anthropologist of China specializing in religion to simply a position for a cultural anthropologist of China? A: Actually the job ad on AAA does not specify religion -- it touches on a broad range of topical foci. Perhaps the initial description on this wiki was a mistake and someone corrected it.

Q: In the November 2011 print issue of AN, Emory advertised a postion for a "cultural anthropologist of China with demonstrated competence in the study of ritual/religion..." In mid-December, Richard Thomas (of AAA) sent a "revised announcement" to SEAA's listserv that broadened the description to "cultural anthropologist of contemporary China," indeed listing a broad range of topical foci (likely the description that now appears on the AAA's job ad). The deadline also changed from December 15 to February 15. I wonder why? A: Very likely because the initial ad elicited too few applications to run a search, since it was such a narrow focus.

  • Heard they got about 50 applications. (2/16)
  • Have they made a shortlist? (2/20)
  • received a request for more materials (recs and writing sample) (2/21) x3
  • Invited for campus visit by email (3/15)
  • offer made (5/1) and accepted (5/16)

Florida International U. (TT Asst/Assoc). Nov. 25.[]

Medical Anthropologist; Department of Global & Sociocultural Studies.

  • Received email from SC that application is received/complete 12/13 (x3) - email stated that they will contact after winter break
  • Has anyone heard anything else? Been contacted?
  • I'm also curious--haven't heard a word from them since last December (2/20)
  • I also thought it was odd they haven't even at least moved on to a long short list and requested more materials. My thoughts are that they went for Associates and I think most of those folks aren't on the wiki. (2/20)
  • This makes sense--probably the committee is more interested in senior candidates (2/21)
  • The search is concluded; but I'm not sure if they chose a junior or senior scholar

George Washington (TT Asst Professor of Cultural Anthropology - Nov. 1)[]

  • PhD in hand December 2011
  • science and technology studies (STS), materiality/material culture, heritage, and museums,
  • Western Hemisphere, South Asia, or East Asia.
  • A completed application must include all of the following: a letter of interest detailing research and teaching interests and experience, current curriculum vitae, course syllabi (if available), writing sample, and names and contact information (preferably email address) for three references. Please send these materials as email to GWculturalanthsearch@gmail.com, or as hard copy to: Chair, Open Search Committee, Department of Anthropology, 2110 G Street NW, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2011 and will continue until the position is filled.
    • Acknowledgment of receipt and will contact after Nov. 01.
    • Has anyone else gotten an acknowledgment of receipt from them? I submitted via email (on 10/20 ish) and have not heard anything -- wondering if it's worth emailing them for confirmation. Thanks.
    • Got an email acknowledging receipt today (11/2): "We began reviewing materials on November 1st. If we need additional materials, we will contact you." (x7)
    • Request for phone interview (11/18) (x2)
    • Request for references (11/28) (x2)
    • Campus Visit Scheduled (12/14)
    • Received an email requesting "demographic information". Looks like someone forgot to ask for this info earlier. At least it wasn't another request to wire cash to the SC Chair. (1/6) x2
    • Rejection by email (2/7) (x3)

George Washington (TT Asst Professor of Anthropology - Gender & Culture - Nov. 1)[]

  • PhD in hand December 2011
  • specialization in gender and culture
  • political economy, conflict and violence, human rights, ethics and research methods, and health
  • Western Hemisphere, South Asia, or East Asia.
  • Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2011 and will continue until the position is filled.
  • 10/22 Email acknowledgment from search chair-- will contact in early Nov (x5, 10/30)
  • Email request for interview at AAA's or by phone (11/10) x5
  • I'm one of these who was emailed about a AAA interview, but I haven't heard back about scheduling. Have folks been contacted with their interview schedule yet? (11/11)
    • No... but I'm sure it will come. -OK, Thanks
    • 11/15 received notification of AAA interview day/time
    • Has anyone heard from them after the AAA/phone interviews? (12/13) A: heard through the grapevine they have followed up with some candidates
    • Campus visit scheduled late January per a colleague (12/16)
    • received a scam email (asking for money) from their gmail "anthjobsearch" address. They obviously got hacked. Anyone else get this? (12/19) x2
    • In that case, I hope that Ni-ger-ian banker is enjoying reading all of our writing samples.
    • EEO email received today; no other contact since AAA interview, so I'm out (12/21). good luck to those getting campus visits.
    • rejection email 2/7

Georgia State University, Medical (TT Asst Prof), Oct 30[]

  • medical anthropologist
  • Geographic area is open
  • Invited for AAA interview by email (11/10)
  • Request for 3 letters of reference to be submitted (request received via email, sent to me directly) (11/23) (X2)
  • scheduling campus visits
  • A colleague JUST got asked to do a campus visit (3/17). When were the other campus visits scheduled? This seems very strange.
  • Offered and accepted

Grand Valley State University (TT Asst. Prof), Nov 1, 2011[]

http://careercenter.aaanet.org/jobs/4523022

  • Looking for a "broadly trained" sociocultural anthropologist, but with specialization in language and gender
  • Required geographical area: Latin America
  • Also posted at Linguistic Anthropology 2011-12
  • Invitation for a AAA interview by email (10/31) x5
  • Has anyone been contacted since interviewing at the AAAs?
  • I got a receipt of application email. They said they were not "seriously reviewing" apps until Dec 1st. I was unable to attend AAA (and said so) so I don't know whether I would have been interviewed there or not. (12/14).
  • email asking if still interested in position 1/17 (x2)
  • email request to schedule Skype interview 1/20
    • Q: Were you interviewed at AAAs too or is this your first interview with them?
    • A: Yes, I was interviewed at the AAAs, this is a second interview.
  • request for letters following skype interview 2/2
  • Campus interviews scheduled
  • Offer accepted

Indiana University, Digital and Social Media (TT Asst. Prof) Review begins Oct. 10[]

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) TT - Deadline Passed (1/15)[]

  • Assistant Professor of Anthropology
  • Sounds like a diversity hire . . .
  • Request for more material (1/23) x3
  • They have a "long short list" and are trying to narrow it down. Only found out after I emailed them.
  • Thanks for posting the update. Did they tell you by when they expected to narrow it down?
  • No, they didn't except for that they would be making their decisions very soon and to please be patient. HELLO???? it's been two months since they asked me for letters!
  • How could it be two months since they asked you for letters, when the deadline was only one month ago?
  • I agree - I only had materials requested a few weeks ago, so that is not long at all in the scheme of academic job searches...
  • I know the job search just ended a few weeks ago, but they asked me for more information at the beginning of December. No one else was contacted this early?
    • Can you be more specific when you say that the job search ended a few weeks ago? Do you mean that they've made an offer, or that they've cancelled the search?
    • Maybe the poster above who was contacted early means that the deadline for submission was a few weeks ago, rather than that the search has come to a close? Or perhaps I'm being delusionally optimistic . . . in any case, I was asked for more materials in late January and have not heard back since.
    • I recently learned that they have selected applicants for campus interviews (3/3)
    • I heard that a candidate was chosen and accepted offer.
    • Rejection letter - noted hire completed.

James Madison University (TT-Asst. Prof)[]

  • Request for phone interview (asap), 11/9 x2
  • Invite for on-campus in January, 12/9 (3 candidates)
  • Any offers yet?
  • I heard someone accepted an offer this week.

Kansas State University (TT Asst. Prof) Oct 15[]

  • language and culture; linguistic anthro
  • Review of applications will begin Oct 15, 2011. Letter of application, CV, & names of three references. Submit to <anthroksu@gmail.com>
  • Also posted at Linguistic Anthropology 2011-12
  • offer made and accepted (Jan)

Knox College (TT Asst Prof Anthro in Soc/Anth dept) Oct 1[]

  • They contacted my referees asking for letters 10/24 (x3)
  • potential inside candidate? they have a visitor who is ABD . . . . but you never know I guess.
  • Email invite for AAA interview 11/7/11
  • My referees were contacted for letters saying I made the short list but I was not contacted for an AAA interview 11/8 (x3)
  • Do you think they made another cut after requesting letters?--yeah I was wondering that too. When they said "short list" did that actually mean "long list"?
  • Probably. But they certainly forced our letter writer to do some extra work.
  • Anybody have any contact from them since the AAA's?
  • yes I met someone who had a campus visit scheduled (12/9)
  • A friend of mine will have a job talk in late January.
  • offer made and accepted -- congratulations!

Lafayette College (TT Asst Prof)[]

  • gender, religion, globalization, East/South Asia, Middle East
  • email request to fill out demographic survey 11/3 X2
  • Request for letters and AAA interview (11/3) x4
  • scheduling skype interviews (for people that weren't at AAA) 11/28
  • campus visit scheduled (12/13) X2
  • Informed that search is completed (late March)

Loyola University Chicago (Instructor, 3 yr appointment)[]

  • Four fields emphasis
  • Email request for more materials and reference letters 1/10 x5
  • Campus visit scheduled for Feb.
  • Congrats! When were you contacted to schedule the on campus visit? A: 2/2
  • Offer made and accepted

Marshall University[]

tenure track, with interest in global and international issues and expertise that complements that of department.

  • confirmation of application received (11/14) x4
  • had phone interview x2
    • On what dates?
    • week of Jan 9th
    • request for official transcripts
  • campus interview scheduled for 2/23
  • has an offer been made?
  • yes; received a rejection email (personalized & very polite), over 100 applicants 3/29

Mercer University, Medical Anthropology (TT Asst Prof)[]

  • Job posted 10/14/11; open until filled.
  • Candidates should have broad training in Medical Anthropology with a global focus. Additional graduate training in Public Health or a related area, expertise in cultures of the Americas or Asia, and membership in Phi Beta Kappa are considered advantages.
  • A friend had a recent phone interview and is scheduled for a campus interview soon (1/30).
  • Offer made and accepted (by a friend) (02/17)

Mississippi State University[]

Joint African American Studies/Social Science Position

  • African American Studies Program at Mississippi State University in conjunction with the departments of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures, Political Science, Psychology (Social), and Sociology, seeks applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position beginning on August 16, 2012. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong interdisciplinary background and expertise in African American Studies. A robust research and publications agenda and the ability to teach undergraduate and graduate students are also preferred. Completion of the Ph.D. in one of the social sciences, the tenure department, is required by the time of appointment. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Review of candidates will begin on January 15, 2012.
  • Send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation to Professor Stephen Middleton, Chair, African American Studies Search Committee, Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 846, Mississippi State, MS 39762-0846. You may also email your application (pdf format only) to <ljh154@msstate.edu>. MSU is an AA/EEO employer. A personal data information form must be completed and submitted for this position on http://jobs.msstate.edu .
  • See also: African American Studies 2012
  • invited for campus visit 2/12
  • received rejection letter 3/12
  • informed a candidate had accepted an offer

Mount Holyoke College, Legal Anthropology (TT Asst. Prof) Oct. 31.[]

  • Specializations may include intellectual and cultural property, human rights, itnersections of secular and religious governance, land rights with aboriginal peoples, and more.
  • Area preferred Africa, Native America, Middle East, or Southeast Asia
  • Has anyone been contacted for a AAA interview? The job announcement said they would be conducting interviews at the AAAs. (11/10) X3
  • Received email notifying of AAA interview (11/10)
  • E-mail rejection letter today (11/17). At least they were relatively quick about it. BTW: Just so those who are having AAA interviews don't panic, I was NOT one of the ones who had a AAA interview, so I already knew I was out of the running.
  • Email requesting additional material - writing sample and reference letters (11/22) x3
  • Email rejection after AAA interview (12/7)
  • Email rejection after being informed that there is now a short list (12/20)
  • Email to schedule a campus interview (12/20)
  • Offer made (2/22) and accepted (3/6)

Mount Holyoke College, Transnational Social Movements (TT Asst. Prof). Nov. 1[]

  • In the International Relations Program
  • Globalizationm conflict resolution, human rights/democracy promotion, environmental protection, new media
  • Particularly welcome S/E Asia or Africa and with strong QUANTITATIVE methods.
  • Hire made (not sure of when, but was told by someone at Mount Holyoke that they had hired a political scientist to fill this position).

New York University TT Asian American, Pacific World, or Asian/Pacific Diaspora Studies Oct 15[]

  • Department of Social and Cultural Analysis is an interdisciplinary department developing innovative, transregional approaches in urbanism, migration, critical ethnic studies, gender and sexuality, ecology, and economic life.
  • Candidates should hold a PhD in social science, humanities, or interdisciplinary studies
  • Also posted at Other Ethnic American 2012 & Comparative 2012
  • campus visits scheduled
  • added this earlier today but it was deleted; rejection email received (12/13) x2
  • does anyone know who got hired?
  • This has nothing to do with the position, but for those who did apply for this position, here's a little (totally irrelevant, merely interesting to read) recent news from the department: http://gawker.com/5873148/the-crazy-department+wide-emails-that-everyone-at-nyu-is-talking-about

Oberlin College. Medical Anthropologist. TT Asst. Prof. Nov. 1[]

  • judging from the faculty list (esp. visiting faculty), could this be an inside posting? Any info?
  • As an Oberlin alum who witnessed a search about a decade ago, the current chair typically tends to favor visiting faculty. That said, the last hire who was a visiting faculty had tenure problems.
  • 11/4: AAA Interview Scheduled (x2) (this was fast; when did you submit applications? [10/20. Guess they're efficient?])
  • Letter of receipt, Diversity form (11/4) (x 4)
  • 11/8: AAA Interview Scheduled (x3)
  • Does anyone (who had a AAA interview) recall their specific timeline? A: They have already done campus visits. --- Really? Within weeks of the AAA? Wow. -- Can anybody confirm this, that they have already done campus visits? A: Yes, I inquired & was told they have done 'some' campus visits, but ~six apps are still active (not all invited yet, and it's unclear if others -- of the six -- will be invited, or when they will know).
  • Maybe this is an inside gig after all....
  • I heard they made an offer.
  • Offer accepted.
  • Congrats!
  • Rejection letter by mail, 2/2 (x3)

Saint Mary's College of Maryland (TT asst Prof)[]

  • To apply, please submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and three references to Bill Roberts, Chair, Department of Anthropology, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, 18952 E. Fisher Rd., St. Mary’s City, MD 20686-3001. Subsequent to a review of applicants, candidates will be invited to meet with members of the search committee at the annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association in Montreal, CA, or by telephone.
  • Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
  • Has anyone heard about interviews @ AAA's?
  • Contacted for AAA interview.
  • Email rejection, position has been filled, 3/8

Scripps College. TT Asst. Prof. Sociocultural. Nov. 1.[]

  • They emailed asking for a writing sample 10/25 (X3) and on 11/2
  • just curious, if you don't mind sharing, for those who're being asked for more materials - what is your regional specialization? and congrats on passing on to the second stage! For those who heard something, How early did you apply? The deadline hasn't even passed! Congrats!
    • I submitted my materials on 10/10. My regional specialization is SEAsia.
    • Submitted around 10/15, heard back with more materials request in about a week. Region: Caribbean
  • Anybody know: is this an inside search?
  • Scheduling campus visits 11/22
    • 9/27 or 9/28. Americas.
    • Submitted on 11/1, got email request for writing sample the next day. Sub-Saharan Africa. Looks like they're going for a wide spread of regions.
  • interview at AAA (request sent by email 11/7, 17 time slots over 3 days) x3.
  • Please tell me they're not actually interviewing 17 people. Had this reaction to their email as well. Sounds insane. A: My guess is 15 people with a couple of openings to make sure a time could be made. But maybe just 10? who knows!
    • question - does anyone know what's the teaching load for this position? can't find it in the original ad. thanks! A: 3/2
  • Rejection via email (no add'l materials or interview), 3/2 x2
    • I believe this search has been completed.

Sewanee: University of the South, International and Global Studies[]

  • Social/cultural
  • Globalization in the Middle East, or Africa or South Asia (global/local interactions related to health and health care policies, the experiences of labor in a globalizing economy, and/or subaltern perspectives.)
  • commitment to teaching in and curricular planning of the program's core courses, and will have the opportunity to develop new thematic courses in areas of his or her expertise.
  • Candidates should have a Ph.D. or ABD with promise of completion by August 2012 in any social science or humanities field.
  • Please send a cover letter, c.v., brief writing sample, sample syllabi, evidence of teaching excellence, a graduate transcript, and three letters of recommendation via email to: fachire@sewanee.edu with subject heading: "IGS Search." Applications received by October 20, 2011 will receive full consideration.
  • 3/29: Rejection by e-mail; says another individual was selected.

Smith College, South Asia (TT Asst. Prof.) Review begins Sept. 15[]

  • South Asia
  • Religion, public policy, law of special interest.
  • Submit application by Nov. 1 for consideration for AAA interview
  • 11/3 Has anyone heard anythng back from these people/been called for an interview at the AAA?
  • Why does the Amherst south asia anthro position have a x6, yet there's nothing here? I would assume some of those candidates would get an interview here. Any thoughts? (response: maybe they're just behind? seems like they sent out notifications today)
  • AAA interview scheduled by email (11/11) X3
  • Any word on if they have an inside candidtate (a current lecturer in anthro depart.)?
  • There is currently a lecturer in south asian anthro and religion http://www.smith.edu/anthro/faculty.php but that doesn't mean this person necessarily has an advantage over other candidates. Check out the discussion on 'inside' candidates on the swarthmore discussion below.
  • Request for more materials and letters of rec (11/21)
  • Offer was made
  • Did he/she accept? A: Yes
  • Does anyone know if the position went to the inside candidate?
  • No, it did not go to the inside candidate.

SUNY-Purchase College, TT Assistant Prof, Oct 30[]

  • We seek candidates with research expertise in new immigrant societies in the urban U.S., with an emphasis on South Asian Islamic cultures and transnational gender/sexuality studies.
  • Job went to current faculty members' wife.


Swarthmore College, TT Assistant Prof, Oct. 21[]

  • Tenure-track position in anthropology at the Assistant Professor level beginning Fall 2012. We seek applicants who specialize in the anthropology of Latin America and/or Latinos and Latinas in the Americas, with a research agenda that focuses on one or more of the following areas: visual anthropology, immigration, borderlands, globalization, and neoliberalism.
  • Application deadline is Friday, October 21, 2011.
  • I think I recall that there was a Visiting Position with this description last-year -- anyone know if this is an inside gig for a visiting person, or what the status is?
  • Folks: We need a wiki-wide discussion of 'inside gigs'. This comes up year after year. The idea of an inside candidate is a bit overblown. Sure, many visiting positions turn into TTs, and schools are compelled to run an open TT search to make that transition legit. However, I've been on the other side and have seen many cases of 'outside' candidates beating out the supposed 'inside' candidate for a TT position. A visiting position doesn't guarantee anything, and if someone else comes along that fits better, search committees will go with them. Although I'm willing to be proven wrong... [thanks for the info; this is helpful]
  • as someone currently in a "visiting" position, with no job security whatsoever for next year, I give the intervention above a wholehearted second. it is awkward, however, to go on a campus visit in one of these situations, learning that no matter how well you might do in your job talks, there are odds stacked against you (my case at one school last year). i've learned this to be the academic breaks. just my opinion, but as we chose this career, we now must deal with all the politics that come with.
  • also as someone who went through an inside search (and did not get the position) I can also agree that it is much more complex than the idea that inside candidates will be favored. I have heard that more often than not they tend to go for the outside candidate - this could be a decision more from above than from the dept level, but sometimes the 'unknown' is more exciting than the 'known.' Again, having gone through the search on the inside, it is a very awkward experience!
  • moot point -- word on the street is that there is no preordained "inside" candidate for this, although i suppose its more of a spectrum than a binary in any case.
  • I know the current adjunct and this job description fits her research exactly.
  • anybody heard anything on this?
  • request for AAA interview 11/9 (x6)
  • How did you receive the request for an interview--by phone or email? Was there any additional information about how many people they are interview, etc.? --received request by email, they are interviewing people every half hour between 9am and 4pm, so perhaps 12 people.
  • by e-mail
  • request for writing sample 11/28
  • Does anyone know what happened with this search?
  • I heard through word-of-mouth today (2/7) that they are in the process of interviewing their finalists on campus. I don't know why there has been no posting about it from folks, but there you have it ...
  • failed search (yup, just got snail mail rejection letter confirming this 4/5)
  • Is there any word on why this was a failed search? Can anyone confirm that they brought people for job talks?
  • yes, they did campus interviews. yes, it was a failed search.

Temple University (TT Assistant Prof) Oct 31[]

Anthropology of Visual Communications

  • Application received acknowledgment (10/20)
  • Invitation for AAA interview (11/12)
  • Heard someone got invited out for a campus visit 12/20
  • Rejection by snail mail, dated 12/15 x2
  • Heard an offer was made and accepted (in feb).


Texas A&M University - Visiting Assistant Professor in Cultural Anthropology (May 25; until filled)[]

The Department of Anthropology at Texas A&M University invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor position in Cultural Anthropology, starting September 1st, 2012. Texas A&M University is a leading public research university with 45,000 students. Texas A&M is located in the city of College Station which is within 90 minutes of both the Houston and Austin metropolitan areas.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach four courses in Cultural Anthropology over the academic year. Minimum qualifications: PhD in Anthropology. Preference will be given to applicants who have previous teaching experience beyond the introductory level, and who are prepared to teach upper-level and graduate level courses. The department is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Review of applications will begin on May 25th, 2012, and continue until the position is filled. The salary for this position is competitive. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, sample, course syllabi, teaching evaluations, and contact information for three references to Norbert Dannhaeuser, Chair, Anthropology Search Committee, Department of Anthropology, Texas A&M University,Mailstop 4352, College Station, Texas, 77843-4352. Texas A&MUniversity is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

  • Nothing yet (6/6/2012)
  • Nothing here either (6/11/12)
  • Short list being made by end of week (6/12/12)
  • Any news? (6/18)
  • Nope (6/19)
  • Email rejection (7/6). Said there were over 50 applicants.
  • Offered and accepted (7/6) Yay!

Towson U, Cultural, (TT Assistant Prof) Oct 15[]

  • Regional expertise in Asia, with knowledge of South or Southeast Asia particularly desirable.
  • Experience or interest in public anthropology who can link our students to the local or global community
  • Received acknowledgment of application by mail. (x2 10/24)
  • Campus visit scheduled (10/31)
  • An offer has been made and accepted (12/14)

Truman State University (TT Assistant Prof) Oct 15[]

  • Invitation for AAA interview 10/31 (x2)
  • email invitation scheduling phone interview 12/5 (X1)
  • received letter dated 22 November stating that my while app was "not eliminated from our search, it is also not among those in our top flight. We will hold your application in reserve until we have successfully completed the search." 12/7
  • invitation for campus interview 12/22
  • offer accepted 2/22

Tufts U., Anthropology of the Environment, (TT Assistant Prof.) Oct. 1[]

  • Geographical open
    • 10/17/11. Request for additional materials.
    • 11/10/11 Campus Visit Scheduled
    • 01/22/12 Anyone have an update? The position is still being listed as "unfilled"
    • 01/23/12 I haven't heard anything either. I think Tufts classes started back up on the 19th so perhaps soon. I don't know if the fact it is part of a cluster hire will slow it down at all.
    • 01/25/12 I heard that an offer was made prior to the holidays. I don't know if it was approved, finalized, or accepted.
    • 02/15/12 I heard that the offer was accepted.

University of Alberta, Sociocultural (TT Asst. Prof) Sept. 15[]

  • Work in areas of "creativity, performance and communication broadly defined"
  • Geo open, Canadians get priority
  • Communicated with department by email, and they prefer electronic submissions.
  • Also posted at Linguistic Anthropology 2011-12
    • 9/28/11. Brief phone interview scheduled; search narrowed down to 6 semi-finalists. 3 finalists will continue on to do a job talk and teaching demo.
    • Q. They already had the search narrowed down to 6 on 9/28? Any more updates about this position?
    • 11/10. On campus interviews have already taken place. Mine was late Oct. An offer to someone should be in the offing any day based on the timeline provided during the interview.
    • 11/10 I saw on the Yale Anthro page that a Yale alum got a job at U of Alberta so I assumed it was this one.
    • 11/13 Yes this is the one. Offer accepted.

University of Arkansas (Asst Prof TT) Nov. 1[]

political anthropology or visual anthropology

  • snailmail EOE card/acknowledgment of app. 11/1
  • request for more materials 11/17 (x1)
  • rejection letter by email 12/16 (Q: had you been asked for more materials prior to the rejection?)
  • invited for campus visit (12/16)
  • Question: Has anyone else who was long listed (i.e. requested more materials in November) received neither a rejection nor an invite to campus? A: This is also the case for me. x2
  • Does anyone know how the new 2-year VAP position (posted 3/21) is related to this search? I received neither a rejection nor a campus invite and am confused about this search.
  • it's a separate position. an offer was made for the TT position.
  • Nice, polite rejection received by email from search chair last week (3/31)

University of California, Santa Barbara (TT Asst. Prof, Sociocult. Ecol. Anth) Dec 1[]

  • acknowledgement and diversity form (11/15) (x3)
  • Request for additional materials (12/16)
  • QUESTION: Was the request for additional materials a request to clarify something in the application OR was it a request for new materials like teaching evaluations or reference letters? I'm trying to figure out if UCSB has started contacting their short list. Thank you!
  • Hello. It was a request for new materials like sylllabi and writing samples. They contacted our references separately. The due date for this info was 05/01/12.
    • Huh? This makes no sense whatsoever. The due date was/is in MAY? I'm starting to wonder about this wiki and just who is on here...
    • The additional materials were due on 01/05/12.
    • Apologies for any confusion, I accidentally wrote '05/01/12'. I am in the UK and have grown accustomed to writing dates that way (day/month/year) and forgot to change it to the American format when I wrote that response.
  • shortlisted february 9
  • This is in the May 2012 department newsletter: "We are continuing to work on startup packages and final details for the Biological Anthropologist (IAS) Sociocultural Ecological Anthropologist (SAAB) positions, on track to have two new colleagues in place in the Fall!" (5/16/12)
  • offer made and accepted

University of Cincinnati, Sociocultural (TT Assistant Prof.), Nov. 1[]

  • Preferred focus on natural disasters or anthropogenic hazards, but other topics that bridge or extend existing departmental or college level strengths are also encouraged to apply. Particular topics of interest: how the intersection of state, humanitarian, community, and commercial interests affects disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery; how discourses of risk and security and programs and technologies of disaster preparedness are taken up by vulnerable populations and how these in turn impact the ways in which communities react differently to both perceived and real threats; and how environmental racism influences hazard identification and response strategies. Geographic and methodological approach is open. Review of applications (for AAA interviews) begins Nov.1, but continues until Dec. 31
  • Email to schedule AAA interview received on Nov 4. (x5)
  • I tried to find the link to this posting (this link no longer shows up) through google, chronicle of higher ed, etc, to no avail. I thought the position had been pulled. Can someone provide a working link to the posting?
  • link to the job at the university website
  • Emailed notification of being among 8 "finalists" for the position (not sure what that means -- must be a 2nd long short list). Asked for letters of rec to be sent on and 1-2 writing samples. (Dec. 13)
  • Emailed invitation for campus visit/job talk (Jan 20)
  • Offer made (3/21)
  • Offer accepted (4/2)

University of Denver, (TT Assistant Prof.) Nov. 15[]

  • Cultural / archaeology. Globalization, diasporas, tourism, culture & development.
  • Candidates with a particular focus on visual and expressive culture and emergent digital practices, and work on applied and public anthropology, are especially encouraged to apply, geographical area is open.
  • Online application
  • Looking to meet candidates at AAAs
  • Rec'd email 9/26 acknowledging app rec'd. States: "We have begun to review applications and will be in touch with you over the next few weeks regarding next steps."
  • Was this email from the department, or HR? I rec'd only a generic HR email stating that they are "still reviewing candidates for the position".
  • ​A: Email Rec'd 9/26: "Thank you for your continued interest in the Assistant Professor in Anthropology position with the University of Denver. We have begun to review applications, and will be in contact with you over the next few weeks regarding the next steps. If you no longer with to be considered for this position, you may withdraw your application. Otherwise, no action is needed. Carrie Shrader, Assistant to the Chair Department of Anthropology University of Denver" -- Thanks!
  • Received the identical email as above from C Shrader (11/7) (x7)
  • Email invite for AAA interview 11/9 (x4)
  • email invite for AAA interview (11/11) (x4)
  • Has anyone else not received a confirmation email from C Shrader? (I applied 10/30) I too did not hear from Shrader -- perhaps HR never forwarded our applications to the dept., for whatever reason? --Me, too, applied 10/31 -- me too, applied last week and it's now 11/14. --I am already in Montreal (heard no confirmation of application receipt) and emailed this morning to ask if the committee wanted to meet with me. Here's the response: "The search committee will be in touch if considering an interview in Montreal or phone interview upon their return." So, it sounds like they will be connecting later too. (11/16)
  • I got the identical email from Carrie Schrader that I got a few weeks ago (text above) again today (11/17), but no request for materials or AAA/phone interview. There's either miscommunicaton or several long lists...(x4) frusturating huh?
  • email request for letters and teaching materials (after interviewing at AAA with them) (11/22) (x3)
  • I just got the C. Shrader "Thank you for your continued interest..."email today (11/23). I submitted my app just before the deadline and did not have an AAA interview. (x2) Wondering if this means they are still interested, or just a courtesy.
  • I talked with someone in the dept-- they are still reviewing some of the apps that came in just before AAA meeting.
  • Had telephone interview yesterday (11/30) requested last week. X3
  • For those who had phone interviews, were these follow ups afer having AAA interviews as well? Or was this your first interview with them? First contact/interview x2
  • Not since confirmation of additional materials on Dec 9-was wondering the same. They gave the deadline for materials as January 15, so I don't know if that means anything!
  • (2/8) I do recall being told they'd decide on finalists by early February. So either we'll hear soon, or they've already invited people to campus, and those people just aren't posting on the wiki.
  • (2/13) A: called on 2/13 and was told short list has not been determined yet. Correction: later found out a short list has in fact been decided on in the last few days. 2/13
  • [Questions about the status of the search have been deleted here because they were not informative.]
  • Thanks for posting the outcome of your phone call. Could you be a bit more specific on how you "later found out" that there is in fact a short list? (2/13) Short list info was by way of email from a committee member, whereas phone inquiry was with department administrator. I don't know if the shortlisters have been contacted yet.
  • Thank you!
  • Any details regarding the conflicting information...Does this mean that the dept admin was simply not authorized to say anything or that the determined candidates have actually not been informed yet? (2/14) Probably both, but I really don't know (I made the phone call and received the email). Either way, they've decided on a short list and they have either already made calls to those candidates or are about to. As you can surmise, I wasn't on that shortlist. Congratulations to those still in the running!--looks like a great place. 2/14
  • Rejection email (no interview) 2/14 (x3) [note: I can't be sure, but it seems like me and a few friends who submitted quite late (just before AAAs) weren't even considered because none of us received any follow-up, but who knows -- this is just speculation. In any case, they sounded very overwhelmed with candidates]
  • Rejection email: we have identified "a candidate who closely matches our job specifications and needs at this time" - sounds like a finalist 2/14 (x3)
  • That doesn't sound like a short list--it sounds more like they've made an offer since they wrote "a candidate." 2/14
  • Anyone else who interviewed NOT received a rejection? 2/14
  • Yes, I have also NOT received a rejection. Some schools keep a few "runner ups" in case their hire or the finalists they invite fall through, so we could be in that category, and not hear back a definitive rejection until someone has signed a contract. Or, maybe we're finalists! But the email quote above sounds like they've picked one person already . . .
  • Also have NOT received a rejection. Perhaps a backup pool or just sending them out in shifts. It does seem strange to have just decided on a short list (as earlier poster mentioned) to so soon having picked "a candidate"... optimistically a typo, or possibly just an "inside" gig...(2/14)
  • Optimistically, I'm leaning away from thinking it's an "inside" gig - this process has taken a while, they've interviewed a lot of people, and requested many materials. But...
  • Did anyone who had an interview get a rejection email today, or only people who did not interview? (2/14) A: no interview, only rejection (2/14)
  • I had a phone interview that was requested after the AAA's (I did not get an invite for a AAA interview) and then they asked for more materials after my phone interview, and I just got a rejection form email. This serch seems very weird and unorganized,
  • Has anyone gotten an invitation for a campus visit?
  • I had a phone intrvw in late Jan followed by request for add'l materials. Did NOT receive a rejection on 2/14 - nor anything else since. Your guess is as good as mine (2/16).
  • I heard that they invited 3 for campus visits
  • Personal email failed search will reopen next year (4/10) x3

University of Guelph, September 15[]

Department of Sociology-Anthropology, for a TT anthro position starting January 2, 2012

  • Campus visits held in October/November.
  • I heard that the search has ended.
  • Thanks very much for posting this. I am disappointed that the SC didn't contact applicants who didn't make the first cut. I've been waiting to hear something from them, and assumed all this time that I was still in the running. (Update Jan 10: received letter from SCC dated December 21st advising me that their search was successful.)
  • I believe this search failed.
    • Based on? Can you be more specific why? This comment contradicts info from SCC that search was successful.
  • For you and other people who get their hopes up for lack of SC contact, see the general discussion section way down below concerning "SC Etiquette." Chime in if you'd like.

University of Illinois, Chicago (TT Assistant, urban anth), Dec 15[]

University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Anthropology, invites applications and nominations for a tenure-track position in cultural anthropology to begin on August 16, 2012. Appointment is expected to be at the Assistant Professor level and is pending budgetary approval. We seek a scholar whose work engages urban issues, who has theoretical breadth, a promising record of publications and external funding, and an active ethnographic research project. Duties: Applicant should demonstrate the ability to teach both graduate and undergraduate courses. The successful applicant will be part of a joint doctoral program with the Field Museum that has 25 faculty and 50 graduate students.

  • Message that references were contacted for letters of rec. [Email 12/22.] Did they do this with everyone who applied? X5
  • ​I doubt it. I mean, why not request them up front? The job description is so open that I imagine they have several hundred applicants and that would be a ton of letters to sort through. Plus the email said to have them returned in a week, so my guess (just a guess mind you) is that they made a first cut and will use the letters to narrow down.
  • Did the message about contact of references come from the HR site or from a department admin? A: Email was from a person in HR -- not from anyone in the department. But didn't appear to be an automated notice from the HR site.
  • Did some people who applied to this position NOT get requests for reference letters? And does anyone have any info about the timeline of this search, by any chance?
  • Any updates? A: No contact since request for LORs
  • Request for phone or Skype interview (request came by email from the SC chair) 1/30/12 (x2)
  • For those who have received interview requests would you mind sharing your regional area of specialization?
  • mine is Middle East.
  • Have campus interviews been completed for this?
  • as far as I know, they have only done the initial skype interviews so far (2/20)
  • Contacted by department chair (by email) with invitation for a campus interview (2/21)
  • 4 finalists invited to campus-- interviews are already underway late Feb-mid-March
  • Offer made and accepted

University of Massachusetts - Amherst (TT Asst Prof), Oct 15[]

Link to ad

  • Affirmative Action card and reference letter privacy waiver rec'd 10/25/2011
  • Request for additional materials - 10/29/2011 (x4)
  • Email request for AAA interview - 11/11 (x4)
  • Campus visits scheduled
  • just got rejection letter (12/15). letter said 197 applications (x4)
  • Was the rejection letter mailed or emailed?
    • Mine came by snail mail. (x2)
  • no email response or letter (x2). When are campus visits scheduled?
    • backups in case the on-campus visits don't go well? has anyone ever heard of this possibility?
  • interview scheduled in late January.
  • have they made an offer??
  • Yes, an offer has been made and accepted

University of New Mexico. TT Assistant Prof. Sociocultural Anthropology. Dec. 5.[]

Anyone know if they are going to meet up with applicants at all at the AAA?

  • Here's the answer from the administrative assistant at UNM, FYI: "Hello, We have no plans to conduct preliminary interviews at the AAA. Our interviewees will be selected after the search committee presents a list of semi finalists from whom we will solicit additional information. We normally conduct interviews in February and March. Have a nice day!"
  • What do you think the strategy is when schools go for a slightly later interview cycle (i.e. skip the AAAs and not conduct interveiws until Feb. and March?) Would they not miss out on strong applicants who be receiving offers around that time?
  • no. there are a lot of incredibly strong applicants. too many, in fact. and it's rare that job offers are made before feb/march anyway. i think they're smart to wait through the AAA interview insanity. this way they can enjoy their conference and take their time evaluating candidates. plus, why make a quick bid for an elite applicant, only to have them sit on the offer and eventually reject it because the UNM isn't Stanford? i'm just guessing at their rationale, but i'm surprised more schools don't go this route.
  • Did some stuff get deleted? I was about to ask a question related to someone's rejection letter...but its gone! Can people re-post relevant updates so we can continue the conversation?
  • Have a look at this: http://academicjobs.wikia.com/index.php?title=Cultural_Anthropology_2011-2012&diff=189924&oldid=189873 Hey, this link is amazing Thank you....but its from yesterday. Is there a way to see edits as they come in on any given day. I wasn't aware of this feature.
  • A: You can keep checking for updates on any Wiki, and compare the new edits to the old version. Go to the box on the right margin labelled "Recent Wiki Activity." Click on "See more" at the bottom. You'll see a list of Wikis that have been recently edited, from newest to oldest. Find the Wiki that interests you. If you click on the text image beside the "Edited by a Wiki contributor x minutes ago" (rather than the link to the Wiki itself), you'll be brought to the log page, where you can compare the previous version to the current version, and see the edits. Once in that log page, you can link to each prior edit using the left arrow near the top. (I posted this URL after going through the edits one by one, to find the user who had vandalized this wiki.) You can also use this log to restore the previous version, if you've decided to edit something and massively screw up (e.g. deleted the entire wiki by mistake, as I did once). Or, you can restore if you've just caught some vandalization. I hope this helps.
  • [continued from posted URL above] Is it just me, or do others also see mass deletions from many sites by this one user? e.g I'm seeing deletions to positions that I've been tracking A: YES, THERE WERE DEFINITELY DELETIONS. I TRIED TO RESTORE THE SITE TO THE VERSION UP BEFORE THIS USER DELETED SECTIONS, BUT BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER CHANGES SINCE, IT'S NOT LETTING ME COMPLETE THE RESTORE. ANYONE ELSE HAVE ANY IDEAS? (12/13)
  • It wouldn't make sense to restore at this point, since new comments have been added. I've been reinserting the deleted entries (by this one user) back to positions that I'm following. Perhaps others can do the same, using this log as their reference.
  • I posted earlier about the rejection email. I received an email from HR/UNM Jobs yesterday (12/12) saying that they had finished the final screening and that my application was not selected. x2
  • Have restored as many deletions as possible - please alert admins to IP address of those who delete as they will be warned and blocked if activity continued. Thanks. Una74 02:54, December 14, 2011 (UTC)
  • Here is more material that was deleted: "The UNM call says: " invites applications at the rank of Assistant Professor for a full-time, probationary appointment leading to a tenure decision." Any insights on what probationary appointment means? A: I posed the same question to my advisor, who answered: "It's just technical lingo that means at some point in your second or third year (or perhaps even more frequently) they will review your work and decide whether or not to renew your contract. If all goes well, then contracts will be renewed and you will eventually be put up for tenure. The details vary from school to school. But this is pretty standard stuff."
  • Received rejection letter via email 12/12 x2. Q. rejections before request for more materials? Anyone get a positive request/contact? " A: I applied and have heard nothing - neither positive or negative (12/14) X2,
  • A: No request for additional materials before the rejection note. Applied a few days before the application due date and received a rejection letter on the 12th--a quick two week turn around.
  • Interesting. There hadn't been much activity on this forum for UNM and I assumed they hadn't started screening at all. Do you think those of us who have heard nothing will never hear?
  • I just checked the employment website and it says the application is still "in process." Candidate who received the rejction note: Are you still "in process" when you log in to this website?: https://unmjobs.unm.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1323893516132
  • Good question - I just checked and my status is "not hired" - so I am assuming they had some sort of initial criteria, perhaps even on the HR level that screened applicants? I have a PhD so I am not sure what that criteria would be, particularly as the job description was relatively broad. Although that said, I may not be the best fit given the "exploring relationships" section of the ad... I applied on 12/5 (the deadline) so similar to the other person above it was a quick decision. Good luck to those still "in process" !
  • To candidate who was asked for more materials: When did they ask you? Were you contacted by HR or the SC? Thanks!
  • This is getting quite confusing. Re: previous post-doesn't look like anyone on here posted getting asked for more materials yet or am I wrong? It seems either people are "rejected/in process?" Maybe we can get some kind of consensus to streamline this thread to cut down on confusion?
  • I just re-read the string. It looks to me like both candidates who received rejection notes were not asked for more materials, and wikians are just very excitable and misread the string (me included);) So "rejected/in process" remain the categories and no one has been asked for more materials yet.
  • Correct--I was the other person that received a rejection note and was not asked for additional materials. I checked my status via the UNM website and it says, "not hired." Congrats to others still in the running!
  • yes, that's what I understand. i logged into the applicant web portal and my app says "In Progress". I have not been asked for any additional materials. (12/18)
  • Additional Materials Requested (12/20)X2
  • Q: HR generated or note from the SC/Department? A: email from department administrator
  • Q: For those of you receiving requests for additional materials, what are your regional or topical specialties (if you are comfortable sharing)?
  • No request for additional materials, but still "in progress" on the employment website. Others? Same (12/21); SAME (2/7/12)
  • By the way, does anyone know if this is the same search as last year and what happened?-Not sure, but also curious. Does anyone have last year's job ad handy?
  • When I applied this year I could see my app from last year - the HR system say something about the job search being canceled last year. (I.e. where it says "in progress" or "not hired")
  • Last year the candidate they selected turned them down; instead of going to the next final candidate and making an offer, they scrapped everything and went back to square one.
  • Hello shortlisters, any updates? 4 scheduled job talks for ethnology
  • has an offer been made?
  • rejection post campus visit. Congratulations to the selected candidate -- great place to be

University of New Orleans (TT, Cultural Anthropology/Urban Studies), Jan. 25[]

I know it's Mardi Gras, but surely the committee must be making a decision soon. I submitted all materials before the January 25 deadline, but I haven't received any news since then other than an email from the Chair indicating receipt of the materials.

Contacted by department chair on 3/27 to schedule preliminary phone interview.

any further news on this one?

Apparently an offer has been made an accepted (heard it through the grapevine)

University of Northern Colorado (TT Asst Prof, Medical/Cultural). Jan 8[]

  • Posting: We seek a broadly trained medical/cultural anthropologist who is an active researcher and scholar with real-life experience in cross-cultural applications in a variety of applied medical, and health care areas. The candidate should also be committed to our four-field undergraduate curriculum. In addition to Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, candidates should be prepared to teach: Medical Anthropology, Field Methods in Cultural Anthropology, Demographics, and possibly a four-field theory course, and/or a four-field senior seminar/capstone course. The successful candidate will be expected to teach existing cultural classes and to develop new courses in his/her area(s) of expertise. Our teaching load is currently three courses/semester.
  • Dept site: http://www.unco.edu/anthropology/about_anthropology.html
    • Request for more materials, letters of reference and phone interview 1/18 x3
    • Invited for campus visit 2/9
    • Invited for campus visit, by email (2/21)
    • Offer made and accepted.

University of Notre Dame - VAP, Medical Anthropology - Open Until Filled (posted 6/14/12)[]

  • The Department of Anthropology at the University of Notre Dame seeks a Medical Anthropologist to teach during the 2012-13, and possibly also 2013-14, academic years, as a visiting assistant professor. The department intends to conduct a search for a permanent occupant of this position during the 2013-14 year. The teaching load is five courses a year, and includes introductory courses in medical anthropology or global health and sociocultural anthropology, as well as other courses of the instructor's choosing. The position begins in August 2012. Salary is competitive and includes some support for research.
  • Please send a letter, CV, and teaching materials (syllabi, evaluations etc.), with "Medical Anthropology Position" in the subject line to: Professor Susan D. Blum sblum@nd.edu. We aim to fill this position as soon as possible, so please send materials right away.
    • 6/14: Does the appearance of this position mean that the search listed immediately below ultimately failed?
  • Offer made and accepted

University of Toronto Scarborough (TT Asst. Prof.) - Oct. 31[]

Area is very open (gender, media, medical, urban, ethical life, and historical anthropology). Interested in long-term ethnographic fieldwork.

  • 11/9 -- received email request for letters of reference to be sent onward and for one writing sample. Doesn't appear that they are interviewing at AAAs. (with request that the materials arrive by Nov 24th, after the AAA's . . . why would they interview some and not others? seems odd.)A: I got the request for AAA interview AFTER the original request for references &c. So I received both. I suspect everybody on the long short list did, eventually.
  • 11/9 - received same email as above and request for interview at AAA
  • 11/9 - Received two emails. One from Dept. of Soc. Sciences admin person asking for more materials (letters and writing sample) to be sent ny Nov 24th and a seperate one from committee chair asking for AAA interview. [x4]
  • Word on the AAA street is that they received between 350-400 applications, interviewed around/up to 40 people at the meetings.
  • Did anyone who interviewed with UTSC at the AAAs remember to ask them about their timeline/schedule moving forward? (i.e. when they plan to move to the next stage). If so, what did they tell you?
  • I asked: I believe they were hoping to decide on the next round of interviews, etc. by mid-December or early January. So, they are acting relatively quickly. I had an email from them today telling me that one of my letters had still not arrived, so I guess they are serious about the 24 November deadline which might suggest they are meeting, or continuing their review soon after the 24th. (OP: Thanks!)
  • Invited for campus visit 12/13 X 3
  • were you contacted by email or phone? and congrats!
  • SC chair emailed to ask how to reach me by phone, then made invitation over the phone. Short list of 4 candidates.
  • Rejection sent by email 12/15 [x3]
  • Application in but neither a short list phone call, an AAA interview, nor a rejection . . . anyone else in that boat? A: no -- I'd guess that either your application wasn't processed/received, or you slipped through the cracks in some fashion. At this point, though, there's no point in querying it -- they've made the short list and I think would be exceedingly unlikely to re-consider your application even if it was their fault you weren't reviewed. Sucks. Either that, or the people who got emailed rejections were on the long short list (I know a couple people who got AAA interviews and received the email rejections), and the SC just hasn't bothered to notify the others yet.
    • finally got my rejection . . . (2/3)
  • I think that a form rejection email went out to all non-short listed candidates. I then received a more personalized one from the search chair (probably sent out to all those who interviewed at AAAs). So, you probably should have at least gotten the HR form rejection letter.
    • FYI job talks are posted on their website
  • Has an offer been made for this job? 2/21
  • No news here (2/21) (x2)
  • This is purely through the grapevine, but I heard that an offer has been made.
  • Thanks for posting. Congrats to the candidate with the offer. Do you know if the offer has been accepted?
  • Also, do you have any idea if the offer went to the inside candidate?
  • Offer has been made and accepted.
  • Anyone know who got hired? A: yeah, but not sure we should post that here. It's meant to be anonymous, right? You can always check their website in the summer for the new faculty member.

University of Victoria (BC) Assistant Professor TT in Sociocultural Anthropology[]

  • Visual Anthropology & Materiality
  • demonstrated proficiency in visual methods;
  • geographic area open
  • Application received acknowledgment from dept Chair (11/2) -- said will begin reviewing files once deadline has passed.
    • Reference requested (11/7) directly from referee.
    • Invited for campus interview (12/13)
    • I would be really interested to know what the short list candidates work on-- looks like this is a great position!
    • Had campus interview and have now received a rejection letter (3/6). Congrats to the fortunate one!

University of Wisconsin - History of Medicine[]

The Department of Medical History and Bioethics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison seeks to hire an Assistant Professor of the History of Medicine and/or Public Health a tenure-track appointment. Deadline 15 October 2011.


  • NOTE: Also posted at History of Science, Technology & Medicine 2011-12
  • UPDATES from ^^History of Science^^ page:
    Rejection letter received 11/12 (x2)
    Visits scheduled as of 27 Nov. 2011
    I heard an offer was made and I believe it's been accepted, or is about to be.

Wake Forest University TT Asst Prof. Nov. 1[]

Specializations should complement existing strengths of our department. Areas of preferred interest include applied anthropology, Spanish-speaking Latin America, and economic anthropology.


  • received email invitation for AAA interview & requesting letters 11/10 (x5)
  • Did anyone else never receive anything confirming receipt of application? (for those who were not contacted for interviews...) A: Never received application confirmation, was not contacted for interview, received EEO questionaire post-AAAs.
  • Did you receive EEO questionnaire by email or post? A: post
  • Strange, just received this as well. Is this just a formality?
  • I got the EEO questionnaire today as well. I think somone forgot to mail these at the beginning of the process.
    • invitation for campus interview 12/12 (x2) (x3)
    • any idea how many campus interviews are scheduled? A: Yes, three.
    • an offer has been made
    • offer accepted (2/16)


Washington State University (TT Assistant Prof), January 17[]

Nine month, full time appointment, to begin August 2012. Teaching load of two 3-4 credit courses per semester. Preference will be given to applicants working at the intersection of medical and psychological anthropology.

Offer made and accepted (4/10)

William and Mary (TT Asst Prof. Anthro & American Studies) Review begins Oct. 1[]

  • cultural anthropologist or archaeologist of the Americas
  • historical materiality, colonialism(s) and/ or critical museum studies. Geographical and historical expertise within the Americas is open, but strongly prefer candidates whose work complements rather than duplicates current strengths of the Department and Program.
  • The successful candidate will teach 4 courses, split evenly between Anthropology and American Studies, and should be able to teach introductory and graduate level courses in both. A record of peer-reviewed publications and teaching, and preparation for graduate-level advising is preferred. PhD in hand at the time of appointment (August 2012) is required.
  • Candidates should send a letter of application, c.v, and 3 letters of recommendation to https://jobs.wm.edu . (Site will prompt for names and contact information of three references. After submission, your referees will be contacted by us via email to submit a letter of reference.) Review of applications will begin October 1.
  • Also posted at Archaeology Jobs 2011-2012
  • Additional materials requested.
    • Campus visits being scheduled. (12/15-ish)
  • An offer was made and most likely accepted

York University, Health & Society (tenure stream Asst Prof), Oct 31[]

To start July 1, 2012. Not sure where else to put this position.

Agreed it should be somewhere (I want to know what it happening) -- do not see a medical humanities category for this year.


  • I don't know why there isn't a medical humanities / bioethics / health & society wiki page this year, but I didn't feel like starting one. What do you think about putting the Vanderbilt position here as well?
  • NOTE: this is now posted at Bioethics & Medical Humanities 2011-2012 (12/13)
  • Yes, and the Madison one too.
  • Okay. I'll do Vanderbilt. Would you do Madison? (I don't know about this one.) (A: will do it this week)
  • Request for writing sample because my dossier was "incomplete" (though I went back to the job ad and did not see a reference to a writing sample). Requested by 7 December, so it appears as though things are now moving. (5 December)
  • Invitation for campus interview by email (22 December). (X2)
  • They interviewed 4 candidates - 2 sociologists and 2 anthropologists.
  • Offer made.
  • And accepted!

Questions / Discussion:[]

On "anyone heard anything": please see instruction at top of this wiki. for all our sanities.

Why you might think twice before asking "anyone heard anything?” One way to use this site when waiting for information on a particular job is to keep the history page open while doing other work at the computer. When there is an update to a relevant position, you take a break and check it out. But every time someone posts an inconsequential update (like adding a count to the question “any news?”) you waste time and suffer needless anxiety, the very condition the wiki exists to ameliorate. So think it over. And relax.

A: Although, to be quite fair, the "anyone heard anything" sadly too often prompts somebody to post information they'd clearly been sitting on. I guess a lot of people are being cagey about being contacted for campus visits and so forth -- we can avoid people posting the "anyone heard anything" question if we all make a point to post when we advance to another round. It's just common courtesy if you're going to use this wiki to let the rest of folks who are simmering in anxiety and false hopes to know when an SC has moved forward. A2: Yes, please POST things when you have heard (if "through the grapevine," then just specify). It always feels dumb when you think you are in the running.... and eventually someone asks "anyone heard?" and someone else replies "campus visits completed." *on this note, see post below on SC communication etiquette!


Email, about a "Seeking recommendation for a minority hire position"[]

This is an unconvential way to recruit people, needless to say, but the email below just came across a listserv (10/17):

Subject: FW: Seeking recommendations for a minority hire position

beginning of email

I'm writing on behalf of a colleague at another university, to see if any of you have a strong minority candidate to recommend for a diversity "opportunity" hire.

The desired candidate would be African American, Latino, or Native American; {C}have their degree (or be quite close); and be a sociocultural or linguistic anthropologist. {C}All other areas of topical or area specialization are open. Successful candidates will be invited for a {C}campus visit and recommended to the Dean for a tenure track position.

If you have anyone you would recommend, please send me their name and phone {C}number ASAP, to sshankar@northwestern.edu

Because there is no official announcement for this opportunity hire, I can't put the university name in {C}this email, but please feel free to call me at 847-467-1638 if you or any of your students wish to discuss this.

Thanks very much.

All the best,

end of email

Who is on this page for '11-'12 search?[]

Looking for first job: 36

Have a job, looking for new one: 8

adjunct: 4

visiting: 8

lecturer: 7

postdoc: 15

post postdoc (unemployed): 1 (though post postdoc sounds like my unemployment is a post operable, terminal condition!)

tenure track: 8

tenured and bored:

outside academia: 1

dual career: 3

participant observer (ABD learning the ropes before diving in): 2

Have a job, not looking for new one: 1

Search committee member observing discussion: 1

11/12: Hmmm, 69 Wikians, 84 jobs. I'm sure this means we will all end up gainfully employed, with jobs to spare.

11/18: except that most people don't know about this!

yeah, and i'm hearing an average of 100+ applicants per position; so I'm not that optimistic

OP: Original comment was sarcastic. And 100+ aps if you're lucky!

1/19: We've had over 100 (I heard 140) apps for a position in our Department - Cultural Anthro, R-1. Best of luck!


(From the Rice entry that was previously above): Q: What do you all think of protocol of contacting the departmental administrative assistant to ask respectfully about timetable (of scheduling AAA interviewees?).

- DO NOT CONTACT THEM. I completely and strongly discourage this course of action. Wait until they reach out to candidates. You will hear on here if they've started doing so (and even then you might get an invite later, so BYO laptop to AAAs and be sure to be checking email regularly). Rule of thumb: never contact anybody to ask what the timetable is. Your anxiety shouldn't ever dictate your course of action. It's really worth getting used to this, it's how the market works.

-Wow, thanks for the advice on byo laptop and continuing to check email at the AAAs with this possiblility in mind. Is that for real? (i.e. have any of you actually been invited to an interveiw during a conference?). I would have long ago given up on hearing from a job once the conference started. So, do you all think Rice is the type of department that would conduct interveiws in a hotel suite or in one of those rat-race, ballroom, speed-dating type AAA conference deals?

- I agree to never, ever bother SC or any faculty members about timetables related to hire (or anything else during hiring season). But I'm not so sure an administrative assistant is such a big deal. I am a non-tt instructor in a big and busy department, and am friendly w/the administrative staff there. Sure, they laugh at some emails that come in, but answer them all and see it as part of their job to do it. So, author of post above, are you saying it is just bad for an applicant's mental health while on the job market to check up on timetable details, that there is some reason related to the applicant's standjng in the eyes of the department not to do it, or is it just anti-heckling etiquette?

-Also agree 150% about never contact etiquette; people are busy, we are juggling teaching and research and administrative responsibilities. Point about this and about job-seekers needing to control their anxiety very well-taken. Also, FYI: last year at the AAAs, I ran into many job-seekers who got interviews during the meetings. This is not a surprise and doesn't have anything to do (as far as I can tell) with "type of department". It's just what happens. And also FYI, I've participated in and heard about interviews being held in: bars, restaurants, coffee shops, hotel meeting rooms, lounges, and those awful circus-like tent rooms in the conference hotel. Be ready for anything.

- I posted the first comment about containing your anxiety. To clarify, I actually don't think it's bad for an applicant's mental health to check up on timetable details at all (after all, that's why we're all on this forum -- we want to know when a SC has moved on and we're not in the running). My advice was that it's a total pain and unprofessional to ask this stuff, even of an administrative assistant -- their job is to administrate their department, not field questions motivated by your existential angst. Sorry if I'm a little hardened -- this is my 3rd year on the market and I've gotten a lot of advice from people, and it ALWAYS is that you should NEVER contact the department. often admins don't even know -- so just contain your anxiety, keep your fingers crossed, and hope for good news. But you should also bring your CV and a generic cover letter to the meetings -- I know somebody last year who got an interview after leaving her materials with a college at the job center at AAAs. Dress professionally, act calmly, and don't let anybody see that you're going nuts waiting to hear.

I hate to do this, but I have to ask: how are you all planning on being contactable during the meetings on the off-chance that an interview might materialize during the AAAs? Phone is out of the question for me.

- Seriously reconsider your phone availability -- if you contact your cell provider, they can give you instructions on how to preprogram for roaming (e.g.: for Verizon, you dial *228 and then press 2). This is worth doing, even if it may cost you an arm and a leg -- because isn't it worth paying a certain amount for cell charges in order to maximize your chances of getting a job? Otherwise, bring your laptop and check email constantly. If you have AAA interviews already set up, you might let those people know your hotel phone number and room number in case anything changes last minute (but don't contact SCs that haven't contacted you first -- that's annoying). Finally, use skype and call your cell phone regularly just to check voicemails. I think most SCs are aware that this AAA will be weird for contacting people -- so hopefully they'll try to reach you on email instead of phones.

-So, what's the chance AAA interviews have already been lined up, but just not with any wikians?

-always a chance. This chain went off a bit -- people may have stopped paying attention. :-) {C}OK, back to old "when/if to contact" question: If you are asked for more materials, but do not hear anything else (no invite for phone interview, no rejection email) when would it be acceptable to email administrator to confirm if you are out of the running?

-contacting the search committee is like talking about marriage on the first date - it scares them away as you are showing a deep anxiety to get the job. If they want you, they will contact you.

On formatting: There's too many bullet points here, guys. This will get hard to read as we start adding information about search developments. Why don't we try to post job descriptions as a block of text, and leave bullets for later updates? (And thanks so much to everyone who's posted so far!) Agreed. And we don't need to post so many details on the positions - that's what the AAA career center is for! Hopefully people start posting updates on correspondence here soon-- as I think that's what the purpose of this site is: to help us all with our planning and figuring out timelines for potential (fingers crossed) next steps in this process.

Q: In previous years, in what months did the majority of listings appear? A: There seemed to be 2 rounds of postings: Aug-Sept (with Oct-Nov-Dec deadlines; interviewing at AAAs) and then new postings appeared Dec-Feb with job talks in March-April (some of these conducted phone or skype interviews prior to inviting top 3 candidates for job talks). There might also have been a 3rd round of straggler-postings, appearing as late as June for Lecturer and smaller-school jobs starting late summer-fall. Hope this helps! OP: Yes it does, thank you very much for responding!

Q: Does anyone know at what point do search committees expect references from colleagues in your area/topic of specialization, i.e. people who were not on your dissertation committee, not in a department where you once taught, etc.? I am three years past my phd and back on the market yet again for that tt job. I'm wondering if I should approach say, more senior colleagues in my field of specialization, who don't know me that well but know my work from presentations/publications. Would such a colleague be able to endure multiple letter requests? Anyone have thoughts about this?

A: I'm in the same position. I think it makes sense to make this shift once you've got your book out or substantially done and writers can respond to that. Or if you've got great senior fans already. And you might want to use a portfolio service for such a letter. I'm interested to hear what others think. A: I think if you are 3 years out, non-doctoral references are critical-- it signals that you are active, productive, and not just riding the crest of your graduate school world. In past years where my dept has done searches, our senior faculty tend to be concerned once they see that you are 3 years + out. OP: Thank you both for your answers. Having now asked a senior colleague to help me with my job search, I would recommend it to anyone in a similar position. I learned that it doesn't hurt to ask. Turned out, the person I had in mind happily agreed. Although, when I approached said person, I said that I would only list her/him as an additional fourth reference, to ensure that she/he is only sending letters to places that are serious about me. Having read the second answer, I'm now wondering if I should list said person as a third reference, at least for those schools that are only asking for contact information...
A2: two schools of thought on this -- of course. But I would say most would agree that if you're more than a full year out, ask a colleague to be one of your three. If you're fresh into your postdoc or whatever position (e.g., if you graduated this summer), then pick your strongest letter-writers, which are probably your committee. As a general rule, having letters from one big name is a good thing, but not requisite. Better to get letters from people who can testify to the awesomeness of your work, PLUS your colleagiality and teaching and whatnot. Quality over stardom.
A3: Definitely get at least one letter from a colleague that was not on your committee. You have to show that you have moved beyond the dissertation and graduate school, and this is a good way to indicate that you have.

Q: Recently, there has appeared a video ad on the right side of this Wiki which remains in place even when you scroll away. It's extremely distracting and makes it difficult to read the text. Anyone know how to get rid of it? Thanks.

A: You can find a form to report inappropriate ads to Wikia here: http://academicjobs.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Contact/bad-ad/. Otherwise, creating a User account for this site blocks most of the advertising, especially those kinds of ads. --Una74 17:24, November 12, 2011 (UTC)

Q: If I've applied for a position and not heard back from school, is still worth checking the messages at the AAA's, or is it more likely that they'd contact me using the email or phone number on my CV (in the slight chance they'd decide to contact me last minute)? Does anyone know how regularly employers use the handwritten messages to get in touch with applicants? Thanks.

A: not sure about the job board in the conference center, but one thing I know is that you may very well not hear anything from a school until the search closes, i.e. until they've rendered an offer and it's been accepted, i.e. it could be until May 2012 until you/we get a rejection letter(s).

Q: Job Interviewing Etiquette: If you felt like you had a good connection with the search committee members who interviewed you at AAA's, would it be seen as "overly-eager" to send a "thank-you" email to them? I'd have no problem if I had to send additional materials (ie. I'd send a thank you with those materials); but I'm worried that it will be bothersome if I send a follow-up nice-to-meet-and-talk-with-you kind of email. Any ideas?

A: I sent (really brief) thank you emails to the people that interviewed me at the AAAs (or to the s.c. chair if I was intereviewed by a group). But it's my first time around with this stuff so I'm not sure if that was a good decision or not . . . good luck! A2: agreed A3: I've been on search committees before and I think there is nothing wrong with thanking the SC (briefly) and extending thanks to the rest of the search committee members (or interviewers) through that email. In our department in general we actually find it a bit off putting when there is no thank you at all. Q1: Really? It would be off-putting!? Anyone else have experience with this, I would love to hear more. A4: To actually EXPECT thank-yous is, frankly, self-centered -- I've never heard of such a thing, and am quite surprised at A3's comment. Most SCs prefer not to be pestered. The standard line I've always heard is that it's potentially risky to send a thank-you (though it does have potential rewards if they like it), but never risky to not contact them at all. ESPECIALLY at the preliminary interview stage. They know you're eager for the job and happy to have met with them. I actually had incredibly rude replies once when I emailed to thank people following a CAMPUS visit -- a lot of people strongly feel it is inappropriate to send such thank-yours, and that it looks purely self-serving (I might add that the only 3 people I wrote to thank after that campus interview were the 3 I thought I connected the most with. It was quite a slap in the face). I don't think I'll ever do that again. Strongly recommend against at this stage, anyway. A5: A thank you email is standard practice inside and outside of academia. My sense is that you should send one to the Chair or point person at a minimum. Once you have had an interview, you need to start thinking that you already have a professional relationship with these people. A short and simple thank you should also indicate that you remain interested in the position. A6: Having served on numerous search committees at a liberal arts college, it is professional to write a brief thank you to the department after a campus visit. Perhaps larger institutions find receipt of these a bother but at a small college we know we may be competing for the best candidate with other institutions and that we may not be the candidate's first choice. A thank you email is not essential but it does indicate continued interest in the position. A7: The original question was with respect to AAA interviews, not campus visits.

Q: On job offers/timelines: Some schools (including some off-list in other disciplines) are moving faster than most Anthro departments in their search processes (e.g. they want to make offers before the end of the year). If you have had a campus visit elsewhere are waiting to hear from them, but also interested in a position with an Anthro school that you interviewed with at the AAAs, would you follow up with the Anthro program - asking what their timeline is for moving forward with shortlist/campus visit decisions? Just wondering what folks think...

A: I think the general rule of thumb is that you don't contact a search to ask about their timeline unless you actually have an offer from another school. But if you end up getting an offer from a school with an early search, then I think it's appropriate to contact other schools you're still waiting to hear back from to let them know you have an offer elsewhere, but are still interested in their position and would like to know their timeline (or to know if you're definitely out of the running in their search). OP: very helpful; thanks. A2: I received an early offer, and turned it down, without contacting the other schools. Depends on how awesome the position is -- if it's a really lucrative one, it might help to contact the other schools because it makes you look good. On the other hand, if you decided to turn down that offer (which presumably you'd be doing if you're still looking at your other options), you could end up looking like a primadonna to the other SCs. A3: I agree with the above - don't contact an SC about the timeline unless you have an offer. If you have an offer from an institution then definitely contact them about their timeline (if you are waiting to hear about campus visits, this may not do much good; if you have a campus visit, then you know roughly their timeline.) Always mention other interviews and campus visits to the school extending an offer. Even if you do not have a second offer, having other interviews lined up can help in negotiations (and you may even want to negotiate for enough time to do the other interviews before deciding on the offer).

Q: Job Search Timing: Does anyone who's done this before have a sense of how long it usually takes between AAA interviews and decisions about campus visits?

A: really, every school can be a bit different - if the position is interdisciplinary or split btwn departments, even more time (bcse more people in SC) involved. This is why it's good to ask each place you interview with at AAAs about their timeline. As you can see above, some schools are already moving on requests for more info, some have moved this year to campus visits w/out AAA interviews or even phone/skype interviews. All depends, but I'd say by early Jan. you'll probably know if you made a short list. If you are a top candidate, they'll likely move quickly because from their end it's all about making early offers so you/we have less leverage. And keep your eye out for new job posts on the AAA site, since schools will continue to post open positions through Jan or later... This is just my experience from last year... A2: Echoing that. Last year the SCs made short lists for my positions in late January. Sometimes they will give you extremely short notice (2 years ago, I had two campus visits with 1 week notice), so be prepared with a job talk as a just-in-case. A3: It depends what stage the AAA interviews represent in the process. General rule of thumb seems to be that campus invites roll out about 3-4 weeks after the AAA, but it can be as short as one week or much longer (into January). Remember that the timeline for these decisions is not just a matter of the Search Committee or department. Campus invites typically need to be cleared (at least in terms of budget) with the Dean's office or other admin. That can add time, as can the logistics of planning the days for the campus visits themselves (before invites are made). Make sure you ask them at the end of the interview, but realize that their answer might be aspirational rather than factual.

Q: Question about Full Appointments in other Departments (i.e. International or Global Studies, Health Sciences, Women's & Gender Studies): When considering jobs in departments other than Anthropology, what kinds of questions or concerns should one have in mind -- especially if you are a recent Ph.D. and just launching your career? Might this have any negative long-term impact -- if, for example, one tries to get a position within an Anthro department in the future, or would it be fine as long as you continued to publish etc. in anthropology journals (and hopefully, in your tenure-portfolio you would be evaluated as an anthropologist)?

X1--To the original poster: this is a really good question. If you happen to find good answers from sources other than the wiki, would you mind posting them here? I think in this market, many of us will end up considering appointments in non-anthro departments . . . x2: I agree, and think the response is hinted in what the OP says above about how we continue to develop our research, in which journals we publish, and what the overall trajectory of our work is. I think most interdisciplinary jobs will accept publications in "home" journals in tenure considerations, but this is certainly something to ask about in interviews and negotiations. I also wonder about how important it is to maintain prestige within anthropology v. making our work relevant to broader audiences and seeing the value in interdisciplinary work (esp for those of us with more applied leanings)... I too am interested in seeing what others think about this good question.
A: As somebody who has a postdoc in anthropology, but whose PhD was interdisciplinary, I've found that SCs are more interested in where you publish and how you articulate your work than in anything else. Even having an article or two under review at an anthro journal sends exactly the right signals. I was anxious about proving my creds as an anthropologist because of my PhD -- but have honestly had absolutely no problems about this. Be prepared to answer the question "why are you in X department?" -- and always be sure to spin the answer along the lines of, "being in X department has made me a stronger anthropologist and a better scholar overall." It'll also help you if the titles of the courses you've taught in X department look anthropological. Just saying -- there are lots of ways to spin this. Most places are just looking for the best candidate and strongest fit. OP: thanks for this; as someone with an interdisciplinary masters and PhD in Anthropology, currently considering a position in an interdisciplinary department, this is helpful food-for-thought for the years ahead. good luck to you too.

Q: SEARCH CHAIR COMMUNICATION ETIQUETTE: When we are all happy, employed, sucessful and productive search committee members in the future, can we agree to let our long-list applicants know their status directly, even if through a form email? It seems much of the anxiety for applicants occurs at this stage. If the long list is anywhere beteween 8-15 people, wouldn't standardizing that small effort improve the culture of communication in the job search? Maybe there is some detail I'm not aware of about why that level of communication would be inappropriate/unecessary, and I would be curious to hear feedback from more seasoned members of the group.

A: Absolutely -- I couldn't agree more. But in the meantime (while we are in the process of becoming wildly successful), we should also encourage the AAA to play a more active role in setting some firm guidelines for job searches. I've encouraged them (via surveys, etc.) to help mitigate the issue of first-round recommendation-letter requests, and I noticed weeks later that they posted about this in their Career Center (http://www.aaanet.org/profdev/ ). I would love to see a streamlined job app center that made this process easier on all of us (and even communicated our status during the process... imagine!). So, AAA officers--take notice, and to the rest of us: let's get involved and/or be heard.
A: Ah, wow. I'm imagining that...A streamlined AAA job app center and automated responses once individual applicants hit the various key stages. I suppose not all departments would want to participate and woud want to maintain automony, but with most jobs receiving 100+ application (and sometimes significantly more) in the current market, it would save SC and deparmtent admin. a load of labor while keeping applicants up-to-date. Might it look too industrial to some elite departments? Poster above, how could we collectively request something like this to the AAA? I'm impressed that your logical request actually turned into a bold-face posting that I think saved letter writers time and effort all over the country (and the world).
A: If someone wants to draft a brief, convincing statement to the AAA stating how such a system would be advantageous practically and emotionally to all AAA members, particularly in this competitive and glutted job market, could we then collectively edit it, and then agree to send it off?
A: Personally, I think making the AAA play an even larger role in the job market is a bad idea. I am not convinced that this is the role of a professional organization, and it does not seemed to have helped in other disciplines (e.g., in English, where the MLA does figure prominently in the job search process.) More importantly, most chairs and committees are not bound by disciplinary standards for searches, but rather by the legal and administrative standards of their institution. Given the wide range of kinds of institutions (notably the public and private distinction, but also unionized or not, etc.) there is likely no common standard that would satisfy all of the various hiring protocols.
A: Chairs of Search Committees are likely very aware of the tension and anxiety that goes with looking for a job. I doubt they intentionally withhold information. Beyond etiquette, there are other factors. In general, it is quite standard practice to only inform candidates when the search has ended (inside and outside academia). In some cases, long listed folks might not be informed in case the committee needs to reopen the files and select a few more finalists (rare, but it does happen).
A: Agree with OP that AAA does not need to attempt to police or standardize this process - too many factors involved at the University level and the AAA has other, more important, issues to attend to. Standard practice in/outside academia is to hold off on notifications until search process closed. I respectfully submit the following opinion: people are wanting too much hand-holding and need to do a better job handling their own job-search anxieties.
A: Yikes. I don't think people are really asking for handholding here, and I sort of resent the implication that the issue at hand is being able to "handle rejection". Nor do I think the majority of us are talking about the AAA "policing" or fully standardizing the job app process either. But as a professional organization, it DOES seem like it is part of its role to make this process more efficient so as to allow anthropologists to better perform their work as anthropologists. By this I mean drafting guidelines/recommendations (not regulations) about soliciting rec letters, routine communications, job postings, etc. It's absurd in this job market that so many schools are still requesting letters of recommendation at the first stage of the job search -- a process that absolutely burdens anthropologists at every stage of their career. And, while it may be common practice to not inform candidates until the very end of the job search, it doesn't seem like too much to ask that (pending institutional standards, etc.) stage-by-stage communication be encouraged when possible. So, let's think of it more as unburdening professional anthropologists by developing guidelines and helping to streamline this process (which may even involve a more active Career or Application Center that institutions can opt in/out of) and not assuming this discussion is about unnecessarily bureaucratizing a process and handholding for poor rejectees. [by the way, I am not one; I did get a TT job this year, but i'm still going to push for these changes for my colleagues in the future]
C: From the Chronicle, 1/23 http://chronicle.com/article/The-Art-of-Rejection/130392/

Q: Negotiating an offer and start-up package:

Does anybody have any information about what a normal start-up package for a cultural anthropologist might look like at a research university? Would be grateful for any advice on this front.

A: Flight and moving expenses paid, new laptop and desktop, one semester without teaching (or maybe more, depending on how "hot" you are) to settle in/write intensively, $15k to spend during the first 3 years of employment for "research-related" expenses, possibly a reduced course load negotiable if you are at a family friendly university and are the primary caretaker of a child under 4. Others?

A: You might also ask for annual research funds to attend conferences, although this is often part of the offered package. I would second the above that 15K for three years is good (some might offer 10K and you can negotiate for more, but be clear about why you want more, what you would use it for, etc).

A: Also, 60k on the low end and 65 on the high end for starting salary. This salary and the above answer is coming from a "Research 1" state school. I'd be curious to hear from other people, too.

A: For what it's worth, a friend of mine in sociology has gotten two offers this year from two different public universities (not R1) both in the midwest -- in both cases the initial offer was a salary of $52,000 plus $2000 start up (from one school) and $0 start up (from the other). Moving expenses capped at around $3000. So, while offers from sociology may differ from those in anthropology, and these are not R1 universities...I figured it's good to know what the market looks like from a variety of perspectives.

A: The first A response is most certainly from an R1, so I hope other recipients of job offers haven't been utterly dismayed when they weren't given 15k in start-up funds. The info about public university offers in sociology sound quite similar to offers in anthropology. At a private liberal arts institution, I know that a starting salary varies from 59-66k (depending on how many years the recipient has been done with Ph.D. etc.), with start up funds about approx. 3-5k (often these have to be justified from the outset), one new computer (laptop or desktop), up to 3.5k in moving expenses, 1-2 course reduction in first three years, and anywhere from 1-3k available for annual conference travel.

A: My impression is that in most places, you negotiate by concentrating your aims in one domain or the other. So, you can push to have more start-up funds, but then they're not going to give you a higher salary (this is actually in the interests of the institution, btw -- it's usually harder to negotiate the salary than the start-ups). Or vice-versa. On the highest end I've heard of, my friend got offered $84K plus $20K start-ups, and full moving expenses. All these things can be negotiating points. I've been at an R1 private university, and starting packages here tend to be $69K-$71K in anthropology. Minorities get paid more as a rule. There is some variation depending on how high the cost of living is where you are. But a LOT of R1s (especially public) pay in the mid-high 50s to low 60s range.

Q: How to approach a second (or subsequent) year on the market/on the market while unemployed: This question is for those who are on the market for a second (or more) year. What strategies do people use to pay the bills while applying for tt jobs a second time around, if not still in grad school or a temporary position? Have people done this while unemployed? Adjuncting? Working a non-academic job? How have you characterized your current status in cover letters and interviews? Anyone know of a good forum for advice about this? Thinking ahead for next year...

A: I think most people adjunct. It's tough, because it's in your interests to have some kind of academic affiliation. Sometimes adjuncting a class here and there helps you get through a bum year, though you may well need to take out loans. Apply heavily to postdocs next year. Ask your PhD-granting institution if you can have some kind of lecturer affiliation so you don't look completely unemployed/desperate. Have lots of people read your CV and cover letter and give you advice. Try to get out a couple of publications, at least under review. Look into applying for grants (Wenner-Gren has a May deadline), which make you far more lucrative on the market.

Q: Why is wiki info anonymous for people who have job talk invites or accepted positions? On the polisci job wiki, people post the names and institutions of shortlisted candidates as well as those who eventually get the job. Is there any point in not sharing that info (in cases when we have it) from the perspective of job seekers? I'd be happy to know who got what as I navigate this job search mess.

A: I dunno, does it really matter if their name is posted or not? I mean, I would definitely like to know when jobs have been shortlisted, and for that matter, there's no reason to not share information related to where searches are at all stages. But I could see why names might be protected until at least offers were accepted; it could play against the candidate when fielding multiple offers (I say that as if I might one day be fortunate to have such terrible decisions to make).
A: I guess it wouldn't be problematic to post the names of the "winners" once it's finished, but frankly why personalize it? It would probably just animate the competition and produce resentment if somebody is rocking the market and we are competing with them. I've been shortlisted at places where I knew the other finalists, and at places where I had no idea (and still don't). I think it is overall better to go blind. This year, one of the jobs I was shortlisted for listed the names of the finalists on their website, and after that was public I started getting repeated hits on my academia.edu profile from the country where one of the finalists was located (it notifies you each time somebody searches for you). I don't know if it was the finalist, but the hits stopped after the offer was made for the job. All I'm saying is that I completely feel the pain, but I don't think it helps ANY of us to focus or fixate on the competition; we all tend to obsess about about this stuff anyway (myself certainly included; I definitely scoped the other finalists out), and our time is undoubtedly better spent improving ourselves rather than trying to figure out what was going on in the SC's minds. We can always learn who got the job by word of mouth or checking their web sites the following year. There have been times where it was very helpful for me to know who the other finalists were (it gives you a sense of what they're really looking to hire in ways the job ads often don't illuminate), but by and large it makes us obsess problematically.

Q. How many of these searches failed? Anyone have any thoughts about this? I know of at least two. Strikes me as odd, given the abundance of qualified candidates. {C}A: A failed search is usually not due to a lack of candidates, but problems with the hiring institution. Perhaps the department is so fractured that they cannot agree on a person. Or all of their top candidates reject them for various reasons and the Dean does not allow them to spend money to bring out more candidates.

Q: How many applications have you sent out this year?

  • 1-10 x 5 (targeted search)
  • 11-20 x9
  • 21-30 x3
  • 31-40 x 3 (1 originally at 21-30)
  • 40 +
Advertisement