Visiting Faculty of Anthropology

Summary: The Department of Anthropology invites applications for an 18-monthnon-tenure track Visiting Assistant Professor position in biological anthropology to begin teaching on January 12 2026 for the Winter 2026 semester and continue into the 2026-2027 academic year. Geographic area and specialization are open but candidates are expected to teach introductory courses in biological letters of application candidates should discuss their interest in developing as a teacher in an undergraduate liberal arts university that emphasizes close student-faculty interaction.

Required Qualifications and Education:

• ABD in Anthropology from an accredited institution
• Experience teaching biological anthropology to undergraduates
• Strong interpersonal skills such as the ability to interact with others with respect and empathy.
• Individuals from all backgrounds including from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students colleagues and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences

Preferred Qualifications and Education:

• PhD in Anthropology from an accredited institution completed by the start of the Winter 2026 semester

Responsibilities:

• Visiting Assistant Professor will teach four courses per semester in Winter 2026 Fall 2026 and Winter 2027. Possible courses include Human Origins and Methods in Biological Anthropology.

Salary/Benefits: The salary is $50000 per year.

The university offers an excellent comprehensive package that includes health plans life insurance tuition waiver adoption resources wellness coaching and free access to campus fitness facilities effective on date of hire.

Department/College: The Anthropology Department ( consists of 9 full-time faculty and several part-time instructors with a commitment to excellent undergraduate teaching and research. This four-field department offers both an Anthropology major (BA and BS) and minor while also contributing substantially to the General Education Program teaching four Foundation courses nine Theme courses ten World Perspectives courses and two U.S. Diversity Courses. The Anthropology Department is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The Anthropology Department also participates in the interdisciplinary archaeology minor with the History Department and the Classics Department.

College: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley offering over 50 bachelors degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences the fine arts and humanities and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered learning community that welcomes individuals from various backgrounds and engages in critical inquiry extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to offering students an accessible and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education that prepares them for meaningful careers. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting a cohort of new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live learn and thrive together.

University: Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale downtown Grand Rapids and Holland plus centers in Detroit Muskegon and Traverse City. The University attracts more than 23000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people is affordable and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is located within easy driving distance of Chicago Detroit Lake Michigan beaches and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at Community Resources page on Grand Valley State University Human Resources website.

How to Apply: A complete application must include: (1) a cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU (2) curriculum vitae (3) contact information of three professional references and (4) graduate transcripts (unofficial issued to students are acceptable to apply).

Apply online at GVSU Careers. The online application will allow applicants to attach these documents electronically in the same file location. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States a lawful permanent resident a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Email questions about the position to: Gwyn Madden ().If you need technical assistance email Human Resources at .

Application Deadline: The review process will begin on November 25 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Applications submitted after this date will still be considered but the posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

Allendale Michigan 49401 -

For more information about Grand Valley see our website at

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1- (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.