Assistant Professor, Digital Heritage, Anthropology and Archaeology

Society for American Archaeology; Calgary; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution seeks a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor in Digital Heritage to join the Department of Anthropology & Archaeology. The role emphasizes engaging research and teaching, integrating digital methods and ethics across anthropology and archaeology. Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. and experience with community projects. Benefits include health coverage, retirement plans, and professional development resources. The position starts on July 1, 2026, with applications due by February 6, 2025.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability income protection

Retirement plan

Qualifications

• Strong research record and teaching experience.
• Experience with community-based, collaborative projects.
• Familiarity with ethical, policy, and sovereignty frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Engage in research integrating digital methods in heritage.
• Teach courses related to digital heritage and anthropology.
• Advance community-engaged and public-facing work.

Skills

Digital heritage methodologies

Community engagement

Transdisciplinary collaboration

Indigenous data sovereignty

Education

Ph.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology, or related discipline

Job description

About the Position

Department of Anthropology & Archaeology invites applications for a full‑time, tenure‑track assistant professor position in Digital Heritage. The position requires engaging research and teaching that integrate digital methods and ethics within heritage across archaeology, social, and cultural anthropology. Applicants should advance collaborative, community‑engaged, and public‑facing work such as LiDAR/remote sensing, digital repatriation, community archives, digital storytelling, co‑created exhibits, GLAM partnerships, and address equity, data governance, and long‑term stewardship in culturally responsive ways. The department supports the University of Calgary’s strategic plan, Ahead of Tomorrow, through the “Digital Worlds” research area that explores data and human connection via transdisciplinary approaches.

Possible Areas of Focus

• Archaeology and heritage approaches such as LiDAR, photogrammetry, remote sensing, GIS, 3D reconstruction and visualization, VR/AR/XR applications for heritage interpretation, digital field data capture and curation, heritage informatics, collections digitization, heritage risk and vulnerability modeling, and digital public archaeology.
• Social and cultural anthropology topics including critical curatorial and museum‑based approaches to digital technologies, community memory and digital technologies, digital ethnographies of heritage platforms, community‑integrated digital heritage initiatives, digital data governance and policy, ethical data lifecycles (metadata, access, consent, reuse), and the study of AI and online networks intersecting with heritage.
• Expertise in Indigenous data sovereignty and alignment with frameworks such as OCAP®, CARE, FAIR, and community‑controlled access (e.g., Local Contexts).

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related discipline, with a strong research record and teaching experience.
• Record of community‑based, collaborative projects (with, but not limited to, Indigenous Nations, local communities, museums, archives, or heritage agencies).
• Evidence of transdisciplinary collaboration and program building (including, but not limited to, digital heritage labs, field schools, GLAM partnerships). Experience with ethical, policy, and sovereignty frameworks (OCAP®, CARE, FAIR) and familiarity with Local Contexts TK/BC labels.

Application Instructions

• Apply online via the “Apply Now” link. Only four attachments are accepted.
• Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the names and contact information of three referees.
• Statement of research interests, accomplishments, and vision (maximum 2 pages).
• Statement of teaching philosophy (maximum 2 pages).
• Statement on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (maximum 2 pages).

Description of Work Environment

The Department of Anthropology & Archaeology and the Faculty of Arts support research and teaching and encourage collaboration across disciplines. The Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning offers professional development resources. The University of Calgary adheres to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment and strives for inclusivity in evaluating research impact. The department continuously improves its environment and culture to foster an inclusive setting where all members can participate fully.

Benefits include health, dental, life insurance, disability income protection, and a retirement plan. Learn more about the comprehensive benefits package at http://www.ucalgary.ca/hr/academic_benefits_pension.

Position Start Date

July 1, 2026

Application Deadline

February 6, 2025

Institutional Commitment to Indigenous Strategies

The University of Calgary has launched an institution‑wide Indigenous Strategy, “ii' taa'poh'to'p,” to create a culturally competent campus welcoming Indigenous Peoples, encouraging Indigenous community partnerships, and incorporating Indigenous perspectives in all activities. As an equitable and inclusive employer, the university recognizes the benefits of a diverse staff/faculty and removes barriers historically encountered in society. The university offers accommodations at any stage of recruitment for applicants with disabilities. For questions regarding EDI, contact the Office of Institutional Commitments at [e-mail] or People & Culture at [e-mail].

Eligibility Note

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Please answer: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)