The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is an R1 top-tier research University located on the shores of Lake Michigan; we are the second largest and one of only two doctoral institutions in the UW System. To fulfill its mission as a major urban doctoral university and to meet the diverse needs of Wisconsin’s largest metropolitan area, the UWM provides a wide array of degree programs, a balanced program of applied and basic research, and a faculty who are active in public service. The Anthropology Department consists of a vibrant community of faculty, graduate students, undergraduates and scholars. We offer B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees, as well as certificates in Forensic Science and Museum Studies. Many of our programs reach beyond campus – from the Milwaukee Public Museum to the Medical Examiner’s Office, the Wisconsin State Crime Lab, and the Medical College of Wisconsin. As a field science, we offer field schools that enable students to experience anthropological research. In addition, our department houses a successful Cultural Resource Management (CRM) program and curates one of the largest archaeologically recovered skeletal collections in the U.S. Graduates from our programs have found employment in the nonprofit and government sectors as well as in business and academia.

The Anthropology Department proposes to hire a Visiting Assistant/Associate Professor with expertise in bioarchaeology with emphases on skeletal biology, archaeological excavation, mortuary archaeology and NAGPRA compliance. Preference will be given to candidates with research experience in the Great Lakes/Midwest and undergraduate teaching experience who add to the diversity of the faculty.

This hire is critical to maintaining our ability to recruit and train one of the largest subset of Anthropology Department Masters and PhD students. The position also serves as an important link between the archaeology and biological anthropology programs and will contribute to the interdepartmental Forensic Certificate program and the Archaeological Research Laboratory Center (ARLC). The position will involve teaching on a 2:2 schedule and will provide continued coverage for courses such as Human Origins (ANTH 101), Introduction to Archaeology (ANTH 103), Prehistoric Violence (ANTH 304) and Archaeology of Death (ANTH 501), as well as Human Evolution and Variation (ANTH 301) and the Human Skeleton (ANTH 403).

Individuals who are qualified as burial excavators and skeletal analysts under state laws such as Wisconsin’s Burial Law (Statute §157.70) and familiarity with the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) are critical in CRM and federally-funded institutions. Training students in the analysis of material culture and skeletal remains recovered during excavations is a crucial component of future employment in CRM as well as in forensics and museums.

The VAP hire would curate and maintain the Anthropology Department and ARLC’s Milwaukee County Poor Farm Cemetery (MCPFC) human skeletal population (1650 individuals). The final disposition of an additional 650 individuals from the 2013 excavations is anticipated in 2022 and the VAP would be responsible for integrating this material into the existing collections. The MCPFC is one of the premier archaeologically excavated historic-era human skeletal collections in the United States, having attracted and served as the basis for numerous PhD and MS theses.

Because the ARLC serves as a repository for archaeologically recovered collections, containing both skeletal remains and burial-related artifacts that are largely derived from the Midwest, the VAP candidate must have an archaeological background as well as knowledge of skeletal biology. The person hired for this position will assist the ARLC in complying with state and federal statutes and guidelines associated with NAGPRA.

Since the Department and the ARLC facilitate access to archaeological material for both research and teaching purposes, this hire must have experience with archaeological excavation research design, analysis, curation, and administration. Hoped for but not required is a potential synergy with UWM’s vibrant Museum Studies Program. These additional responsibilities are the reason the position is requested for two years, renewable for a third year. The VAP will have support from ARLC faculty and staff as well as a graduate student RA.

We expect the candidate to provide guidance for our students interested in bioarchaeology, mortuary archaeology, forensics, osteology, and related areas of research. The Department has a strong history of producing archaeology PhD and MS students and the VAP will be expected to serve on dissertation and thesis committees beginning in the second year of the appointment.

PhD in Anthropology or related field in hand by August 22, 2022

Expertise in Bioarchaeology with emphasis on Skeletal Biology

Experience in NAGPRA Compliance.

Research Experience in the Great Lakes/Midwest and expertise in Mortuary Archaeology

Archaeological excavation experience

Undergraduate Teaching Experience

Completed application materials must include a cover letter addressing the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position as listed above, a resume or curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy statement, and three professional references.

For this position, applicants are required to apply online. UWM will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Additionally, applicants must complete all required fields and attach any required documents. The process is complete when the message “Your application has been submitted” is displayed and you receive a confirmation number.

AA/EO Statement

UWM is an AA/EO employer: All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status.

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Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC and Reference Check Policy

Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization

In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Title and Total Compensation Project

The University of Wisconsin System is engaged in a Title and Total Compensation (TTC) project to redesign job titles and compensation structures. As a result of the TTC project, official job titles on current job postings may change in 2021. Job duties and responsibilities will remain the same. For more information please visit: wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/title-and-total-compensation-study/