Assistant Professor – Anthropology of AI

EASA; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University’s Department of Anthropology in Houston invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor in Anthropology of AI, beginning July 1, 2027. We seek a cultural anthropologist studying AI as a social, ethical, and political force.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. by July 1, 2027; the application deadline is October 15, 2026. The position is part of a university-wide AI cluster hire; teaching undergraduate and graduate courses will be part of the role.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. by July 1, 2027.
• Research examining AI as a social, cultural, ethical and material issue.
• Interest in AI's societal implications and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Contribute to AI-related research and interdisciplinary initiatives across the university.

Education

PhD in Anthropology

Job description

Assistant Professor – Anthropology of AI

The Department of Anthropology at Rice University (Houston, Texas), invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of assistant professor to begin July 1, 2027.

We seek a cultural anthropologist whose research examines artificial intelligence as a social, cultural, political, ethical, and material issue, and who contributes to ongoing interdisciplinary conversations about the societal implications of algorithmic systems, data infrastructures, and automation writ large. This position is part of a cluster hire initiative across the university focused on the responsible use and development of AI. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research agendas examine the impact and intersection of AI with medical anthropology, disability studies, environmental impacts, surveillance studies, communication, media and semiotics, design anthropology, and anthropology of work but will also consider other research agendas focused on the broader social implications of AI. The geographical area of focus is open and should complement the department’s existing faculty expertise. The candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses.

Candidates must currently have a Ph.D. or complete the Ph.D. by July 1, 2027. The application deadline is October 15, 2026. A complete application must include a cover letter outlining the candidate’s research, teaching trajectory and future plans; a curriculum vitae; one writing sample that directly engages with AI; and contact information for three references. The use of AI to generate applicationtexts or ideas is proscribed.