Assistant Professor of Anthropology-Linguistic Anthropology; Tenure Track

Description

The Department of Anthropology at the University of Oklahoma (OU) invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor with a start date of August 16, 2026.

We seek a broadly trained linguistic anthropologist whose research focuses on complementing and/or expanding on existing departmental strengths in one or more of the following areas: language documentation and reclamation; health and health outcomes; ecology and the environment; community collaborative methods and methodologies; languages and cultures of Indigenous Peoples. The successful candidate will teach, mentor, and advise students within our Linguistic and Sociocultural Anthropology undergraduate and graduate programs (B.A., M.A., and Ph.D.).

The position is open to any regional or topical specialization. We especially encourage applicants who are committed to community-based, collaborative, and engaged scholarship, as well as candidates whose research is ethnographically grounded and includes a focus on language use in context.

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active research program, teach a 2/2 load, and have a successful track record of, or potential for, securing external funding. Faculty members in the department represent the four fields of the discipline, and an ideal hire will help integrate teaching and research across the sub-disciplines.

OU invests in its faculty by providing support and resources through the Center for Faculty Excellence and Vice President for Research and Partnerships Office. The Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences supports faculty development through mentoring, new faculty orientation series, and access to research and educational initiatives. Additionally, the OU Health Campus provides opportunities for collaborative research for interested applicants.

Required Qualifications:

• ABD considered but Ph.D. in anthropology, linguistics, or other related field in hand by start date.
• Established record of high-quality research and publications.
• Familiarity with effective teaching practices and mentoring approaches that support students from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Commitment to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses that engage students.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated evidence of, or potential for, securing extramural funding.
• Demonstrated record of effective teaching.
• Potential for collaboration within or outside of the OU community.

Applicants are invited to submit a comprehensive cover letter, current C.V., writing sample, and the names and contact information of three individuals who are able to provide confidential recommendations. The cover letter should address the candidate’s approach to research, teaching, service, and graduate student mentorship and include examples to illustrate each. Additional materials may be requested at a later date. The search will remain open until filled.

Applications should be submitted online via

Screening of candidates will begin February 27, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries should be directed to the search committee chair:

• Racquel-María Sapién, Associate Professor (racquel)

Or department head:

• Patrick Livingood, Associate Professor and Department Head (patrickl)

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.