Assistant Professor of Anthropology

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University in Houston invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor in Anthropology. We seek a cultural anthropologist exploring AI as a social and ethical issue within an interdisciplinary AI cluster, with teaching of undergrad and grad courses.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. by July 1, 2027. A complete application includes a cover letter, CV, a writing sample engaging with AI, and three references, due October 15, 2026.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required by July 1, 2027.
• Experience or focus on AI in culture/society encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary AI cluster initiatives.
• Engage in cross-department collaborations.

Skills

Teaching

Research

AI

Education

PhD or ABD by 2027-07-01

Job description

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

We seek a cultural anthropologist whose research examinesartificial intelligence as a social, cultural, political, ethical,and material issue, and who contributes to ongoinginterdisciplinary conversations about the societal implications ofalgorithmic systems, data infrastructures, and automation writlarge. This position is part of a cluster hire initiative acrossthe university focused on the responsible use and development ofAI. We are particularly interested in candidates whose researchagendas examine the impact and intersection of AI with medicalanthropology, disability studies, environmental impacts,surveillance studies, communication, media and semiotics, designanthropology, and anthropology of work but will also consider otherresearch agendas focused on the broader social implications of AI.The geographical area of focus is open and should complement thedepartment’s existing faculty expertise. The candidate will teachundergraduate and graduate courses.

Candidates must currently have a Ph.D. or complete the Ph.D. byJuly 1, 2027. The application deadline is October 15, 2026. Acomplete application must include a cover letter outlining thecandidate’s research, teaching trajectory and future plans; acurriculum vitae; one writing sample that directly engages with AI;and contact information for three references.

Located in an urban environment on a 300-acre tree-lined campus,Rice University is a private, comprehensive research universitysituated in the heart of the dynamic Museum District in Houston,TX, the most diverse city in the country and home to vibrantLatinx, Asian-American, Black, LGBTQ+, and internationalcommunities. Houston is the fourth-largest city in the UnitedStates, and the metro area is characterized by a robust civilsociety with top elected positions in the region held by a diversegroup of officials—left, right, and center, and includingAsian-American, Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ leaders. Rice offersundergraduate and graduate degrees across eight schools and has astudent body of approximately 4,800 undergraduate and 3,000graduate students. It consistently ranks among the top 20 nationaluniversities and the top 10 in undergraduate teaching (US News& World Report); its endowment ranks among the top 20 of USuniversities.

We welcome the fullness of diversity to Rice. Qualified applicantsare considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex,sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin,genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.Additionally, in our candidate pools, we strive to attract greaterrepresentation ofwomen,people of color, individuals withdisabilities,veterans, and others whohave historicallybeenunderrepresented within the leadership ranks of highereducation. We aim to attract applicants from a wide range ofbackgrounds; to accelerateprogress in buildinga staff varied inthought and experience;and to maintain an environment that fostersinteraction and understanding withinourcommunity.

Rice University

is an Equal Opportunity Employer withcommitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employmentqualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age,sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnicorigin, genetic information, disability or protected veteranstatus.

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