Tenure Track Assistant Professor - Public or Community-Based Archaeologist

Job description

Department: Col of Humanities and Soc Science

Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty

Job Category: Instructional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology (SOAN) is a dynamic, collegial department of 22 full-time faculty committed to rigorous scholarship, engaged teaching, and public-facing research. Faculty research spans a wide range of areas including globalization, inequality, migration, health, social movements, urban life, social change, institutions, technology, and the environment, with regional expertise extending across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. SOAN is housed within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), one of the largest academic units at George Mason University, an R1 institution. In recognition of the university's commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility, it was recently named to the highest tier of the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities.

The Anthropology program features a robust undergraduate program, as well as an MA program with specializations in cultural anthropology and bioarchaeology. The anthropology faculty take a holistic approach to the discipline, with faculty research spanning the subfields of biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and archaeology. Key areas of emphasis include interrelated questions of human-environment and human-disease interactions; social memory and place; death and mortuary practices; religious practices; foodways and subsistence; urbanism and everyday life; social and political transformation; and governance, colonialism, dispossession, and resistance.

About the Position:

The Tenure-Track Assistant Professor position in public or community-based archaeology (geographic area open) will begin August 25, 2027. The position holder should have an interest in historic archaeology, the archaeology of colonialism, and/or the archaeology of the recent past.

The Assistant Professor is expected to engage in scholarly activities, contribute to teaching courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels (including introductory-level and general education courses), and to provide service at the departmental level.

Responsibilities:

Maintains an active research program with a sustained record of publication in peer-reviewed sources;

Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in archaeology and contributes to curricular and program development in archaeology; and

Participates in service to the department.

Required Qualifications: PhD in Anthropology or Archaeology (PhD must be in hand at the time of application);

Experience teaching (or support teaching) in an Anthropology department or a related field;

Active engagement in public or community-based archaeology;

Demonstrated record of scholarly achievement;

A research program characterized by strong theoretical grounding with a focus in one or more of the following areas: historic archaeology;

the archaeology of colonialism, and/or

the archaeology of the recent past; and

Ability to teach an upper-division undergraduate/graduate course on archaeological theory.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in archaeology;

Demonstrated record of success at obtaining extramural funding;

Methodological approach that complements, but does not duplicate, existing faculty strengths; and

Ability to develop an archaeological field school that would serve George Mason University's undergraduate student body.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Tenure Track Assistant Professor at by October 1, 2026. Complete and submit the online application and provide 1) a cover letter that addresses research and teaching experience and interests, not to exceed 3 pages; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) copies of up to 3 representative scholarly works; 4) a list of three references (with full contact information) for review.

Posting Open Date: July 16, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: October 1, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at

Worksite address

fairfax, VA, 22032, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.