Department of Anthropology "Bridge to the Faculty" postdoctoral fellowship in Sociocultural Anthropology

Description: The Department of Anthropology at the University of Illinois at Chicago invites applicants for a “Bridge to the Faculty” postdoctoral research associate position in sociocultural anthropology beginning August 16, 2021.

Research Areas: We seek to hire an exceptional emerging scholar with broad and innovative theoretical interests in sociocultural anthropology that address contemporary global issues. We are particularly interested in anthropologists who work at the intersections of health, medicine and the environment; and race, politics and carceral geographies.  We have a strong preference for regional expertise in the Caribbean/Latin America, Africa and its Diasporas.

Postdoctoral research associates are expected to teach one course per year and to maintain an active research program. This is a full-time position and includes a competitive salary and benefits package.

Purpose: The Bridge to the Faculty Postdoctoral Research Associate program seeks to advance diversity on the permanent faculty level by encouraging the recruitment, retention, and promotion of outstanding scholars from different backgrounds, with an emphasis on attracting individuals from groups who have been historically underrepresented in our discipline. Bridge to the Faculty program is designed to recruit scholars with the goal of transitioning them to faculty members after two years. Successful postdoctoral associates with departmental approval will have the opportunity to transition to faculty starting in the 2023-2024 academic year. Fellows will participate in a mentoring experience, with the opportunity to meet other Fellows through cohort-based events and workshops organized by the Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity.

The Bridge to the Faculty Fellowship is funded by the Chancellor’s Office, and administered through the Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity.

The successful candidate must have completed their PhD in Anthropology within the past five years – no earlier than August 15, 2017 and no later than August 15, 2021.

To Apply:

For additional information about the department, go to http://anth.uic.edu/. Inquiries can be sent to: Dr. Tarini Bedi (tbedi@uic.edu).

For full consideration, applications should be received by January 5, 2021.

Applicants should submit materials to https://jobs.uic.edu.  Please complete the on-line application with the names nd email addresses of 3 references and  also include:

1. A cover letter which succinctly addresses the applicant’s interest in the position, their current scholarship, and a brief statement on their teaching philosophy.

2. A full curriculum vitae that includes the names and email addresses of three academic references. Please note, for applicants who are currently ABD, and for whom we solicit letters we would expect the dissertation advisor to clearly certify that the doctoral degree will be conferred no later August 15, 2021.

3. A research statement/research plan that addresses what the applicant plans to accomplish in terms of research and scholarship as a postdoctoral associate and early career assistant professor. This should outline the aims of your research beyond your thesis work.  

4. A diversity statement that addresses the applicant’s commitement to diversity and how the applicant would contribute to UIC’s goal of teaching and mentoring a diverse and multicultural student body.

5. A writing sample not to exceed 40 double spaced pages.

Context: Located in the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in the United States, UIC is a comprehensive urban public research (R1) university with a diverse student body and a strong tradition of support for difference and equality. Part of the University of Illinois land grant higher education system, UIC is among the nation’s top five most diverse campuses; it is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). UIC’s undergraduate population is currently 26.4% Hispanic, 23.1% Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander, 7.9% Black, 35.8% White, 9.3% International, and 4.3% other/unknown. 53% of UIC’s students are low income, and 36% are Pell eligible.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching in a multicultural environment.  We strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and covered veterans. The University may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be conducted in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=141189