Lecturer in Social Anthropology

University of Reading

Location: Reading, Whiteknights Campus

Salary: £47,389 to £54,893 per annum (1.0 FTE). Grade 7

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Job Ref: SRF53138

Closes: 27th April 2026

Interviews: 8th June 2026

The Department of Archaeology is seeking to appoint a Lecturer in Social Anthropology (Full Time – Teaching and Research) who has specific expertise in one or more of the following: the anthropology of collections/archives, museum anthropology, anthropology of material culture, and/or ethnographically-informed archaeology. We are particularly interested in individuals who will be able to contribute to our ‘Archaeology and Anthropology’ and ‘Museum Studies and Archaeology’ undergraduate degree programmes. You will be familiar with contemporary concepts, theories, methods and debates in social anthropology. You must also be able to contribute to excellent research within the Department. You will also be capable of taking an interdisciplinary approach, working with Archaeology, Anthropology and Museum Studies colleagues to support students across a range of degree programmes.

We offer a friendly, supportive, dynamic department with an outstanding research reputation (rated #1 in Archaeology at REF 2021) that also prides itself on teaching excellence. The post holder will report to the Head of Department and be assigned a mentor who will provide advice during the probationary period of their appointment.

You will have:

• A PhD or equivalent level of experience in Social Anthropology, or a related subject.
• A track record of research attainment and a proven ability to produce excellent research publications.
• Experience of grant application preparation.
• Experience of supervising students and/or teaching and assessment.
• Ability to prepare and deliver effective teaching in two or more of the following areas: general social anthropology; the anthropology of collections/archives, museum anthropology, anthropology of material culture, and/or ethnographically-informed archaeology.
• Commitment to University level teaching and to working effectively and collaboratively with colleagues in the Department and wider University.

Informal enquiries:

Professor Duncan Garrow
Head of Department and Professor of Later Prehistory
d.j.garrow@reading.ac.uk

Dr Alanna Cant
Departmental Director of Teaching & Learning and Associate Professor of Social Anthropology
a.cant@reading.ac.uk