Assistant Professor of Anthropology

The Anthropology Program of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, invites applications for a faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the anthropology of China. This tenure-track position will fill the Fang Chair in Chinese Languages and Culture, with an intended start date of July 1, 2027, or as soon thereafter as possible.

Faculty responsibilities include teaching courses at undergraduate and graduate levels, advising students, conducting research, and providing service to the Institute and the profession. The 2-1 teaching load will include courses on the anthropology of China as well as general anthropology courses within our core curriculum. The successful applicant may have opportunities to teach seminars through the Global Languages Program and mentor PhD students through the HASTS Program. Our program offers supportive mentorship to junior faculty, an exceptional environment for anthropological inquiry, and a strong commitment to an inclusive, welcoming culture.

A Ph.D. in sociocultural or linguistic anthropology or a related field is required by the start date of employment. The ideal candidate will have conducted original ethnographic research that advances the discipline and contributes to the department’s needs, an ambitious and realistic plan for future research and publication, and evidence of teaching excellence.

The annual salary pay range for this position is $135,000-$138,000.

We request that applications and other materials, including (a) curriculum vitae; (b) a cover letter of 2-3 pages addressing current and future research and teaching interests; (c) a writing sample, e.g., journal article, book chapter, or dissertation chapter; and (d) the names and contact information for 3 references, be submitted online at https://apply.interfolio.com/189026. It is recommended that one of the letter writers be able to specifically discuss your teaching abilities, experience, and/or potential. To receive full consideration, applications must be completed by October 18, 2026.

Questions should be addressed to Amberly Steward ([email protected]). We expect to begin interviewing candidates by November.

MIT is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin. See MIT's full policy on nondiscrimination. Know your rights. Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check, including verifying any finding or misconduct (or pending investigation) from prior employers.

MIT provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the Institute reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements. This pay range represents base pay only and does not include any other benefits or compensation.

A Ph.D. in sociocultural or linguistic anthropology or a related field is required by the start date of employment. The ideal candidate will have conducted original ethnographic research that advances the discipline and contributes to the department’s needs, an ambitious and realistic plan for future research and publication, and evidence of teaching excellence.

We request that applications and other materials, including (a) curriculum vitae; (b) a cover letter of 2-3 pages addressing current and future research and teaching interests; (c) a writing sample, e.g., journal article, book chapter, or dissertation chapter; and (d) the names and contact information for 3 references, be submitted online at https://apply.interfolio.com/186788. It is recommended that one of the letter writers be able to specifically discuss your teaching abilities, experience, and/or potential. To receive full consideration, applications must be completed by October 18, 2026.