Assistant Professor, Anthropology

Position Details

Position Information

Winthrop Position Title Assistant Professor, Anthropology Job Description

The Winthrop University Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track position beginning August 16th, 2027. The successful candidate will have an active research agenda and be able to teach introductory courses in anthropology and courses in their area of specialization. The successful candidate will join a thriving multidisciplinary department that includes majors and concentrations in anthropology, sociology, anthropology, social inequalities, criminology, pre-law, user experience (UX) research, and criminal justice.

The preferred candidate will demonstrate potential for teaching and research involving students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Preferred candidates will also display a research agenda in urban anthropology or forensic anthropology. We welcome applicants who conduct research in any geographical area.

We seek a broadly trained teacher-scholar-mentor interested in involving undergraduate students in various forms of experiential learning including research, internships, and community engagement. The university actively encourages applications from candidates in groups that have not historically been well represented in higher education.

The department supports a thriving B.A. program in Sociology with concentrations in criminology, social inequalities, and anthropology as well as a new B.A. in Criminal Justice with a track in cyber and corporate crime investigations. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to build connections with other centers and units on campus, including the newly created Center for the Environment and the Health Science program.

Position Responsibilities

he preferred candidate will demonstrate the potential to teach and conduct research involving students from an array of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. We prefer candidates who have expertise in urban anthropology or foresncie anthropology.

Major responsibilities include:

• Teaching the equivalent of twelve contact hours each semester that includes both introductory and advanced courses within their areas of expertise.
• Contribute to and deliver methods and career preparation courses in the Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology department.
• Pursue a productive research agenda that promotes the engagement of undergraduates
• All faculty are expected to contribute to student advising, efforts towards recruitment and retention, as well as college and university committee service.
• Participating in professional service commensurate with rank.

Overall expectation for teaching, scholarship and service for an Assistant Professor can be found in the College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Handbook:

https://www.winthrop.edu/cas/faculty.aspx

About the College

To learn more about the College of Arts & Sciences please visit: https://www.winthrop.edu/cas/.

About Winthrop University

Founded in 1886, Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offers its 5,200-plus undergraduate and graduate students an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement. In its colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business and Technology; Education, Sport, and Human Sciences; and Visual and Performing Arts, Winthrop embraces only those programs and activities that can be delivered at an exemplary level. Winthrop University is achieving national stature as a competitive and distinctive co-educational, public, residential, comprehensive, values-oriented institution. The values of service, excellence, community, and leadership provide the foundation for Winthrop's continuing development and shape Winthrop's continuing success. Numerous national accolades reflect the sustained high quality and value of the Winthrop Experience, including the most recent U.S. News & World Report's ranking of Winthrop as one of the top-10 public comprehensive universities in the South. Winthrop is an active member of the Rock Hill community and recognized as a key component of the region's economic resurgence. Approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Winthrop has direct access to and is engaged in a broad and expansive regional business community. Winthrop's beautiful campus encompasses a rich architectural blend of neo-Georgian buildings and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The attractive recreational and research complex area that surrounds Winthrop Lake is home to Winthrop's 18 Division I men's and women's sports.

Benefits

At Winthrop University, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that significantly enhances the total compensation for our employees. In partnership with the State of South Carolina and the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), our benefits include health and life insurance, generous paid leave, parental leave, and retirement programs. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting the well-being and financial security of our employees. For more information please visit: https://www.winthrop.edu/hr/employee-benefits.aspx.

Background Check

Winthrop University is committed to providing a safe campus community. Winthrop conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Position Availability 08/16/2027 Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Anthropology is required for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor (ABD will be considered with the expectation of having Ph.D. in hand by time of hiring).
• Potential for teaching excellence and commitment to student learning.
• Evidence of ongoing program of research and the potential for publication, ideally in urban or forensic anthropology.
• Interpersonal skills required for successful collaboration with colleagues and students.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D in Anthropology with a specialization in urban or forensic anthropology.
• Ability to teach topics related to social inequalities (Such as Race, Class, Gender, Sexuality) is a plus, as is a research agenda focused on the broader social and cultural dimensions of crime, justice, and victimhood.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate research including, but not limited to, research lab supervision, coauthoring with students, and bringing students to conferences.
• Experience mentoring undergraduates in internships.

Employment Conditions

This is a full-time, tenure-track appointment requiring daily on-campus contact; instructional duties during the academic year (9 months, Aug. 16 - May 15) come with the option to teach during the summers for additional compensation.

Application Instructions

Full consideration will be given to applications received on or before November 2, 2026. Applications received after the deadline may be considered if a suitable candidate has not been found.

Applicants should submit: (1) a cover letter that describes ways the candidate can contribute to Winthrop's curriculum and a planned research trajectory. (2) A curriculum vitae that includes names, phone numbers and email addresses for three professional references. (3) A teaching statement with the option to include up to two course evaluations. (4) transcripts of coursework that includes at least 18hrs in the discipline (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial review; official transcripts are required prior to final appointment).

References of semifinalists will be contacted by the committee after an initial screening. (The CV must include the names, phone numbers, and email addresses for all references.)

Please address questions to Dr. Brent Woodfill, Search Committee Chair: woodfillb@winthrop.edu

Dr. Brad Tripp, Department Chair, and Patricia Ossers De Vasquez, Department Administrative Assistant, are also available to assist with questions at trippb@winthrop.edu and ossersdevasquezp@winthrop.edu.

Open Date 09/15/2026 Application Review Date Close Date Posting Number 2027FC0018P PositionType: Faculty

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Faculty - Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Faculty-All transcripts

Optional Documents