The University of Oklahoma seeks a dynamic colleague to fill a tenure-track split position as Assistant Curator of Ethnology at the Sam Noble Museum and Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology to begin in August 2021. Review will start on March 1, 2021 and continue until the position is successfully filled.
This position is part of a university-wide strategic shift towards collaborative, convergent research that addresses pressing societal needs. We seek colleagues who will establish innovative, independent, and externally funded research programs; build collaborations within and outside of the University; teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds; and work with colleagues and students toward OU’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals. The ideal candidate for the Assistant Curator of Ethnology/Assistant Professor of Anthropology position would be a theoretically engaged sociocultural anthropologist with training in ethnographic research methods, an interest in material culture, an enthusiasm for collaborative work with contemporary communities, and professional museum experience.
The Curator of Ethnology is responsible for curating the museum’s collection of cultural material from around the world, and for interpreting its community, public and intellectual significance through research, exhibits, education and outreach. The Curator’s specialty is open, but preference will be given to an ethnographic focus on North and Central America because the strength of the collection is in these regions. This collection includes a broad range of objects (e.g., traditional clothing, household items, ritual paraphernalia, art), as well as more intangible materials (e.g., images, archives). The Museum ethnology collections also includes objects from East Asia and non-western art, and materials from the Mediterranean including Classical Archaeology (e.g., Greek and Roman artifacts).
In the Department of Anthropology, the successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses and mentor interns related to museum anthropology, material culture, heritage, cultural awareness, and anthropological theory. The candidate for this position will provide mentorship and instruction in our graduate program as well, and be expected to teach graduate level courses in their specialization. The teaching load is 1:1.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person’s unique contributions, background and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma recognizes that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. This enhances the OU experience for all students, faculty and staff and for the communities we engage.
The Assistant Curator/Assistant Professor will play a vital role bridging the expertise of existing faculty, facilitating wider synergies between the Museum, the Department, and other units on campus or around the State, and bringing all into conversation around some of the major debates in social science and public service today.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in sociocultural anthropology in hand by start date, and an established record of high-quality research and publications commensurate with rank. Candidates must be able to present evidence of excellence in teaching, research, and museum experience or potential for the same. The selected candidate will be expected to curate, interpret, and promote the museum’s collections, teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, develop a strong research program, direct graduate research, demonstrate evidence of successful research productivity, and exhibit a commitment to service to the department, museum, university and discipline.
Application Instructions
Please submit a cover letter detailing research, museum, and teaching experience, a C.V., one article-length writing sample, and the names and contact information for three references by March 1, 2021 to https://apply.interfolio.com/82958. Questions about application submissions should be directed to Dr. Janet K. Braun (director.samnoblemuseum@ou.edu) and Dr. Asa R. Randall (ar@ou.edu).
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to: admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides.
