"Assistant Professor in Bioarchaeology (Tenure-Track)"

The Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University invites applications for one tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in Bioarchaeology beginning July 1, 2026, subject to budgetary approval.

Anticipated Salary Range: $90K to $110K. Actual salary to be commensurate with experience.

The Archaeology and Heritage Studies program covers a broad spectrum of archaeological work across the globe, with particular focus on North America, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East, in addition to specialization in subfields such as bioarchaeology. The program is recognized for its academic excellence with many graduates going on to world-class graduate programs in archaeology, museum studies and related fields, and careers in all parts of the world. Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University is also renowned for its experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students. It is the only undergraduate Archaeology program in Ontario that has mandatory field courses, and undergraduate students can gain additional hands-on learning experience through faculty-led research, the Laurier Work Study program, and volunteer opportunities in our laboratories.

Archaeology and Heritage Studies is seeking a scholar with a research specialization in bioarchaeology. The geographic region(s) in which the successful candidate does their primary research is open, but experience with archaeological work, including Cultural Resource Management, in Ontario will be seen as an asset. The successful candidate will be doing innovative research and have demonstrated excellence in teaching. Research specialization is open and could include, but is not limited to paleopathology, stable isotope analysis, DNA studies, diet and dental health, paleodemography, and so on. As an effective teacher and active participant in the program, the successful candidate will help address the strategic priorities of the program. This includes developing and expanding on existing experiential learning opportunities for students, and engaging with scholars from other programs, departments and faculties at Wilfrid Laurier University. The successful candidate will teach 4 courses during the academic year (2 each in the Fall and Winter semesters) and contribute to the service needs of the Department.

The successful candidate will be an emerging scholar with a promising research record in bioarchaeology that intersects analysis of human remains with material culture studies and heritage concerns, and that complements the existing strengths and priorities of the department. The successful candidate must be able to train students in our introductory osteology course along with the potential to provide advanced instruction in osteological subjects. As the program does emphasize experiential learning through field courses, the ability to provide opportunities to students to complete field work in archaeology will be seen as an asset. The successful candidate will be able to teach a selection of existing courses at the undergraduate level. Preference will also be given to candidates with a PhD or near completion of a PhD in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely-related discipline.

The department recognizes that Wilfrid Laurier and its campuses are located on the Haldimand Tract, traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee people. Aligned with Laurier’s Action Plan for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Indigeneity, the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies is strongly committed to the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in our hiring process and consideration of candidates with lived experience. We strongly encourage applications from candidates from diverse and equity-deserving groups to apply.

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter (addressed to Dr. Scott Gallimore, Chair, Archaeology and Heritage Studies)
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement (1-2 pages)
• Statement of teaching effectiveness (1-2 pages)
• Teaching dossier or other teaching evidence (e.g., 1-2 examples of course syllabi, selection of course evaluations). Maximum 30 pages.
• Sample of publication or work in progress
• Names and contact information for three references who can speak to the candidate’s research and pedagogical potential that should be sent to: archrecruiting@wlu.ca

WHERE TO SUBMIT: Laurier’s Career Portal: Full-Time Tenure Track in Bioarchaeology

Electronic submission of applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on March 13, 2026.