Home — Tenure-Track Position, Assistant Professor, Archaeology

Tenure-Track Position, Assistant Professor, Archaeology

The Department of Anthropology at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in Archaeology at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin August 1, 2026. Expertise is open, but we are especially interested in candidates engaged in active prehistoric or historic archaeological field research in North America/Chicagoland.

We seek a dynamic scholar-teacher to re-invigorate and grow the archaeology component of our program and curriculum, including by providing students with out-of-the-classroom learning, research, field opportunities, and preparing students for archaeological and related careers. To this end, we envision a candidate who, in addition to their regular duties, can spearhead one or more of the following initiatives: establish an area field school and lab, develop a museum studies certificate, and/or collaborate with other NEIU programs to develop interdisciplinary courses and internships. We are especially interested in candidates who can help forge or strengthen connections with other programs such as geography, earth science, urban studies, museum studies (under development), environmental studies/science, and art history.  As we work toward re-envisioning NEIU archaeology, we welcome additional ideas and creative combinations that candidates might bring.

The ideal candidate will have an active research agenda that can also include student researchers as well as undergraduate teaching experience, especially with diverse populations. The teaching load for the position is a 3/3 assignment of both introductory and upper division courses that includes new courses developed by the candidate. The new hire will be required to teach in-person, on campus and they may be asked to teach at either of our two other metro Chicago campuses or at the suburban Lake County consortium campus. The new hire will be joining a small but active and healthy 3-field anthropology program that operates independently within a larger combined Department. Nine-month salary range for this position is $65,000 – $68,000. Additional summer teaching opportunities are possible.

Requirements

  • A Ph.D. by time of appointment is required.

Please submit the following application materials to the link below:

  • Cover letter
  • C.V.
  • Two recent publications or other evidence of scholarship
  • Syllabi and relevant teaching materials
  • Unofficial transcripts

Submit Application Materials here. 

Applications submitted by December 15, 2025 will receive full consideration, although applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Questions about this search should be addressed to Dr. Lesa Davis, Search Committee Chair: lcdavis@neiu.edu

This position requires a background check. Benefits for qualifying employees are managed through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). More information can be found by visiting the Employee Benefits page. Copies of unofficial transcripts are accepted; however, official transcripts for all earned degrees will be required of candidates selected for final interviews.

About Northeastern Illinois University

Founded in 1867, Northeastern has a rich tradition of educational innovation and prides itself on preparing teachers and administrators who make a difference in Chicago. That tradition continues to this day and has expanded to include an array of academic disciplines, allowing the University to embrace fully the community in which it resides. Northeastern is regarded as one of the most diverse public comprehensive universities in the Midwest and is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Diversity is an important factor in the character of Northeastern and in the social fabric of its student body. The University has an enrollment of more than 5,700 students; African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students represent about 57 percent of the student body.

With a Main Campus located on roughly 67 acres in an attractive residential area on the Northwest Side of Chicago, the University offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, education, and business. The University has additional locations in the metropolitan area: the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies and El Centro. Northeastern is also a founding member of the University Center of Lake County consortium campus in suburban Lake County.

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and invites applications from women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.