The Anthropology Department at Colby College is a small, dynamic department focused on cultural anthropology. We invite applications for a one-year visiting assistant professor position for a cultural anthropologist in the field of technology and design, beginning on July 1, 2025.
We seek a colleague broadly trained in cultural anthropology with a core specialization in the fields of technology and design and some combination of a range of possible secondary specializations. Some research directions of particular relevance to this position could include the social and ethical impacts of technologies involved in surveillance, counterinsurgency, policing, finance, and food production as well as in marketing and social media; investigating the uses and abuses of DNA tests, genomes, and similar topics, including health applications and implications; indigenous efforts to establish data sovereignty in the pursuit of cultural, political, and environmental goals; and participatory research in the labs of and with scientists, engineers, and designers. We seek a geographic specialization outside of Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and Africa, which are covered by current staffing.
The successful candidate will teach 5 courses, including Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, with additional courses to be decided in conjunction with departmental needs. Depending on their particular areas of interest and specialization, this new colleague could contribute to important programs and initiatives on campus, including African American Studies, Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Global Studies, East Asian Studies, and Environmental Studies, the environmental humanities, Colby’s premed or prelaw training, American Studies, Science, Technology and Society, and the Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence.
Applicants must have a demonstrated record of teaching excellence, with preference given to those with experience teaching in a Liberal Arts setting. Ph.D. (preferred) or advanced ABD.
Please submit applications through Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/155773. Include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Applicants must also provide a statement of teaching philosophy that demonstrates a commitment to equitable and inclusive teaching.
Applications received by December 2, 2024 will be reviewed in full. The committee will request letters of reference from finalists for the position. Initial interviews will be conducted online. For further information, contact search committee co-chair Britt Halvorson, bhalvors@colby.edu.
Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes personnel decisions on the basis of the individual’s qualifications to contribute to Colby’s educational objectives and institutional needs. The principle of not discriminating on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, caste, national or ethnic origin, marital status, genetic information, political beliefs, veteran or military status, parental status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability unrelated to the job or course of study requirements is consistent with the mission of a liberal arts college and the law. For more information about the College, please visit our website: www.colby.edu.
Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America’s most selective colleges. Serving only undergraduates, Colby’s rigorous academic program is rooted in deep exploration of ideas and close interaction with world-class faculty scholars. Students pursue intellectual passions, choosing among 58 majors or developing their own. Independent and collaborative research, study abroad, and internships offer robust opportunities to prepare students for postgraduate success. Colby is home to a community of 1,850 dedicated and diverse students from around the globe. Its Maine location provides easy access to world-class research institutions and civic engagement experiences.
Under the leadership of its new president, David A. Greene, Colby is building on this strong foundation while remaining committed to excellence, to supporting students and faculty at the highest levels, and to the College’s deep liberal arts traditions. This new chapter includes plans for creating innovative academic initiatives and partnerships, strengthening the connections between the liberal arts and the professional world, revitalizing downtown Waterville, and pursuing significant capital projects for performing arts and athletics.
