Assistant Professor - Department of Anthropology

Job Summary

The Department of Anthropology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a tenure-track position at the level of Assistant Professor in Language and Wellbeing, expected to start on September 1, 2027.

Essential Functions

The Department is seeking a linguistic/cultural anthropologist with a strong record of research that addresses how language plays an integral role in shaping wellbeing. We understand wellbeing to include physical and mental health as well as other aspects of human flourishing, especially in relation to social, environmental, economic, and/or political systems. Areas of focus may include but are not limited to:

Biocultural approaches to health and wellbeing
Climate change / climate justice
Effects of emerging media and technology
Healing and belonging in structurally disadvantaged communities
Multispecies relations
Relationships between science, medicine, and society

Applicants should offer evidence of ethnographically grounded research, an innovative theoretical approach, clear plans for future scholarship, and demonstrated excellence in teaching. Regional focus is open. In addition to these areas of specialization, the ideal candidate will value and strengthen links across the sub-fields of anthropology. Current or previous external funding, or experience seeking external grants is a plus. Under exceptional circumstances, candidates at other ranks may receive consideration.

Minimum Qualifications

A PhD in anthropology or a closely related field is required at or before the time of appointment. Candidates will be judged on their scholarly research record, as well as high quality and enthusiastic teaching. Must be able to teach a large introductory course in linguistic anthropology, a small undergraduate methods course specializing in language and culture, as well as teach and mentor graduate students. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Additional Details

The Department of Anthropology at UMass Amherst values integrating research and education to address issues of public concern for the common good. We encourage applicants who would contribute to our department's strong record of using community-based research as the basis for cross-disciplinary collaboration, including through the Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science; Demystifying Language Project; Energy Transition Institute; The Ethnography Collective @ UMASS Amherst; Health, Environment, and Arts (HEART) initiative; Institute for Social Science Research; and the Five College Program in Culture, Health, and Science. The teaching load is 2-2.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

This full-time tenure-track position starts on September 1, 2027.

Salary Information

The University of Massachusetts Amherst expects to pay within an approximate range between $79,350 and $123,484 for this position. Please note:

The low-end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA.

The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of salaries at this rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.

The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors, including faculty rank and required relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Applicants must apply through the UMass online application system unless they are unable to do so.

Applicants should submit:

A cover letter addressed to Professor Brigitte Holt, Chair, Department of Anthropology, Machmer Hall, 240 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003.
Curriculum vitae
A one-page research statement that summarizes research scope and trajectory.
A one-page teaching philosophy that highlights teaching experience and ability to engage students from diverse backgrounds.
Names and contact information for three references. Letters will be requested at a later stage. This information must be submitted through and added to the application in the PageUp online system.

Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Preference will be given to applications received on or before October 15, 2026. Candidates will interview remotely in December 2026 with campus visits beginning in February 2027.

Questions can be addressed to Lynnette Arnold, Chair of the Search Committee at larnold@umass.edu.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.