"Assistant or Associate Professor of Anthropology - Molecular Anthropology (Tenure Track/Tenured)"

The Department of Anthropology at the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research (LMAMR) invite applications for a 9-month tenured/tenure-track appointment at the rank of assistant or associate professor with a start date of Fall 2026.

We seek an innovative, creative and collaborative Molecular Anthropologist who will establish a discipline-leading, student-involved, cross-disciplinary and externally funded research program; build collaborations within and outside the University; and work with colleagues and students toward OU's Lead On Strategic Plan.

The ideal candidate will specialize in Molecular Anthropology with a focus in Ancient/Modern Epigenetics, Microbiome, Ancient Pathogens, eDNA/sedaDNA, One Health, or Human Biology. This position will contribute substantially to the ongoing research in molecular anthropology at OU.

We are seeking a scholar whose home department would be Anthropology but would also be affiliated with the Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research (LMAMR) at OU. LMAMR represents an interdisciplinary partnership that seeks to understand biocultural, ecological, and evolutionary dimensions of life. We study biomolecules retrieved from extant, forensic, historical, archaeological, and environmental materials, with special attention to humans and human-associated organisms, including commensals and pathogens. LMAMR is also home to a world-class ancient DNA laboratory. For additional details, please visit https://lmamr.org/.

A successful candidate will be expected to provide training for graduate students and postdocs and mentor undergraduates in research. Additionally, they will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching (one course per semester while associated with LMAMR) in areas such as in existing courses, "What Makes Us Human," "Plagues and People," population genetics, biological anthropology, and/or in their specific area of expertise.

OU invests in its faculty by providing support and resources through the Center for Faculty Excellence and the Vice President for Research and Partnerships Office. The Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences supports faculty development through mentoring, a new faculty orientation series, and access to research and educational supports. We encourage candidates to apply who are seeking to work in a collaborative multi-PI lab setting and a rapidly growing college with collegial interdisciplinary groups and strong academic units.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in anthropology or other related field in hand by start date.
• Established record of high-quality research and publications.
• Demonstrated record of, or clear potential for, strong extramural funding.
• Commitment to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses that engage students.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading collaborative projects and working with interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated teaching record.
• Potential for collaborations with others within LMAMR and across the university.

Application Instructions:

Qualified individuals may apply at https://apply.interfolio.com/174780. Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position and, your fit with the LMAMR, 2) a full curriculum vitae; 3) a research portfolio consisting of up to a two page narrative and up to three representative publications; 4) teaching portfolio consisting of up to a two page narrative and optional syllabus for a course you are interested in teaching; 5) names and contact information for three confidential letters of recommendation.

Screening of candidates will begin November 15 and will continue until the positions are filled.

Inquiries should be directed to the search committee chair: Patrick Livingood, Associate Professor, University of Oklahoma, patrickl@ou.edu.