Postdoctoral Fellow in Anthropology/Museum Studies (Postdoctoral Fellow II)

Overview

The School of Social Sciences at Utah State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Museum Studies for one year with potential for renewal. We seek candidates with the ability to teach broadly within museum studies. Candidates who conduct community-engaged research, have experience in museum program development and evaluation, collections management, and/or a record of securing external funds are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

The anthropology program at USU further values candidates who can demonstrate collaboration potential with colleagues in the other campus museums to strengthen existing academic programs, grow the museum studies certificate program, and enhance community engagement. Utah State University supports seven museums and collections. The Museum of Anthropology offers undergraduate and graduate training in museology with a focus on cultural collections. The Prehistoric Museum, located in Price, Utah, supports research and education in archaeology and paleontology of Eastern Utah. Additional campus museums provide interdisciplinary training through the Museum of Geology, Intermountain Herbarium, Special Collections and Archives, and the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art.

 

This is a postdoctoral position with a 1/1 teaching load. The appointment begins July 1, 2026. Review of applications begins February 23, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. We will seek three letters of recommendation for all candidates selected for on-campus interviews. For any questions regarding the position, please email Dr. Molly Cannon at: molly.cannon@usu.edu

 

Job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

 

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. U.S. work authorization is required for the duration of employment.

Responsibilities

The role statement for this position is 50% research, 40% teaching, and 10% service

 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• P.D. in Anthropology, Museum Studies, or related fields from a CHEA accredited institution or international equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Teaching experience in museum administration and collections management
• A record of collaboration
• Expertise in program evaluation

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application that includes the fpllowing information: 

• A summary of the applicant’s teaching philosophy and experience.
• A description of the applicant’s potential fit and collaborative potential in the Anthropology Program, School of Social Sciences, and beyond at USU.
• A description of the applicant’s research and creative works, collections management, or community engagement program.

Names and contact information of three references to by typed at the begining of the application. 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

College/Department Highlights

Utah State University is a Carnegie R1 Research University located in a beautiful mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The area has great scenic beauty and a four-season climate with excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation year round. Visit http://www.usu.edu/greats/ or http://www.usu.edu/videos/ for more information about the university.

 

The School of Social Sciences, housed within the College of Arts & Sciences, brings together the dynamic disciplines of anthropology, criminal justice, political science, and sociology to explore the complexities of human behavior, society, and governance. Through rigorous academic training and hands-on learning opportunities, the School prepares students to become thoughtful leaders and changemakers across public service, private industry, research, and academia.

 

The College of Arts & Sciences is a vibrant hub where students are inspired to explore, lead, and make an impact. At the heart of Utah State University’s land- and space-grant mission, the college brings together science, humanities, and the arts to empower students with durable skills, hands-on experiences, and lifelong knowledge. Through transformative learning opportunities, we serve learners at all levels—concurrent enrollment students, undergraduates, graduate students, and lifelong learner