The Department of Anthropology at East Carolina University (http://www.ecu.edu ) seeks to fill a tenure-track position (9-month appointment) at the rank of Assistant Professor specializing in the archaeology of the Southeastern United States, with an emphasis on coastal regions to begin August 2026. Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2025.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate archaeology courses and grow an active research program in the archaeology of prehistoric, contact, or historic populations in the region, particularly one that delves into the social, ecological, political, and cultural implications of living in a coastal environment. The successful candidate will provide leadership within the Phelps Archaeology Laboratory, with responsibilities for collections oversight and compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The faculty member is expected to contribute to the success of the BA in Anthropology, the MA in Anthropology, the CRM Certificate, and the PhD in Integrated Coastal Studies. Contingent upon availability of funds.

East Carolina University (ECU) (https://www.ecu.edu), a member of the 17-campus University of North Carolina System, is committed to being a national model for student success, regional transformation, and public service. Through excellence in education, research, health care, community engagement, and cultural enrichment, ECU enhances the quality of life for our students, our state, and beyond. Located in Greenville, North Carolina (population ~92,000), ECU enrolls approximately 27,000 students each year, including ~5,500 students pursuing graduate and professional degrees. ECU is classified as a Carnegie R1 University and is part of a vibrant regional center for education, health, and the arts. Greenville, situated 80 miles east of Raleigh and within easy reach of the Atlantic coast, offers a college-town atmosphere and exceptional quality of life. The city is affordable to live in and features a lively University-adjacent downtown with restaurants, breweries, and shops. Greenville provides abundant recreational opportunities, including access to the Tar River, over nine miles of greenways, nearly 30 parks, and a thriving arts scene. Greenville Is located in the most recently recognized global biodiversity hotspot, the North American Coastal Plain, home to many significant sites of prehistoric and historic archaeological interest.

The Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences (https://thcas.ecu.edu/) is home to 15 academic departments, multiple research centers—including the Center for Survey Research, Geographic Information Science Center, and Water Resources Center—and a number of interdisciplinary programs (https://thcas.ecu.edu/interdisciplinary-programs/https://thcas.ecu.edu/undergraduate-programs/). Harriot College’s vision is to be an engine of access, knowledge, and opportunity for all learners through transformative education, innovative research and creative activities, and meaningful community engagement. The College fosters a welcoming environment that supports the recruitment and success of students, faculty, and staff.

The Department of Anthropology at East Carolina University offers a BA and MA in Anthropology, as well as graduate and undergraduate certificates in areas including Cultural Resources Management (CRM). Our programs provide students with a broad education in anthropological subfields while offering specialized training and applied experiences that prepare graduates for a range of professional pathways. We currently have eleven full-time faculty whose teaching and research encompass a wide range of topics (https://anthropology.ecu.edu/faculty/). The department takes pride in active field opportunities, excellent laboratory facilities, and partnerships with museums, federal agencies, and community organizations that engage students in hands-on research and experiential learning. Faculty collaborate regularly with colleagues across the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences—including those in History; Biology; and Earth, Environment and Planning—as well as with research facilities and programs in the Brody School of Medicine, the Coastal Studies Institute, and NC Office of State Archaeology Queen Anne’s Revenge Conservation Lab.

Our collegial department is deeply committed to fostering a culture of support, belonging, and opportunity. The department encourages research and teaching that contribute to student success, public service and regional transformation in eastern North Carolina and the broader world through engagement, public scholarship, and applied anthropology.

Minimum Education/Experience: Ph.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a closely related field at the time of appointment. ABD candidates may be considered, however, the Ph.D. must be conferred prior to the first reappointment. Initial appointment will be at the probationary-term rank of Assistant Professor. Qualifying degrees must be earned from appropriately accredited institutions. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in the archaeology of the Southeastern United States, provide evidence of effective teaching and mentoring, and research.

Preferred Experience: We seek an individual that has a high likelihood of acquiring significant external funding in support of their research at ECU. The preferred candidate will have experience directing archaeological field projects and a successful record of securing external funding, including Cultural Resource Management (CRM) contracts. Preferred candidates will have interest in providing significant field opportunities for students, including the possibility of regular summer field school offerings. The department also seeks candidates who have collaborated effectively with Indigenous communities and other external partners, including compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).