Assistant Professor Position - Anthropology Department

About the role

The Assistant Tenure-Track Professor position in the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department at California State University (CSU), Chico, starts in Fall 2026. The position is part of the 22-campus CSU system, known for educating the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates who embrace the university's values of student success and equity.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the Chico State Human Identification Lab, including maintaining law enforcement contracts, chain of custody, and curation of human remains.
• Ensure confidentiality and security for each case.
• Participate in forensic anthropological laboratory analyses and field responses, including scheduling and coordinating lab teams for search and recovery efforts for law enforcement agencies.
• Collaborate with current faculty on developing training programs for first responders and law enforcement, as well as participate in curriculum development and public outreach.

Requirements

• Ph.D. (by time of appointment) in Anthropology with specialization in biological anthropology.
• Research grounded in forensic anthropology with a history of grant writing and success in acquiring external funding.
• College teaching experience and a strong record of professional and scholarly activities and expertise complementing those of current faculty.
• At least 5 years of experience in a medico-legal setting, such as a medical examiner office or forensic anthropology lab.
• Involvement in forensic anthropology case work and progress toward ABFA board certification.

Qualifications

• Minimum education requirement: Ph.D. in Anthropology with specialization in biological anthropology.
• Experience: At least 5 years of experience in a medico-legal setting, such as a medical examiner office or forensic anthropology lab.
• Professional activities: Strong record of professional and scholarly activities and expertise.
• Grant writing: History of grant writing and success in acquiring external funding.
• Teaching: College teaching experience.
• Forensic Anthropology: Involvement in forensic anthropology case work and progress toward ABFA board certification.

Skills

• Ability to supervise and manage a forensic anthropology lab.
• Strong communication skills for collaboration with law enforcement and educational institutions.
• Expertise in forensic anthropology and related fields.

Benefits

Salary commensurate with education and experience. (Anticipated hiring range: $89,772 - $91,284 per year).

Pay

Salary commensurate with education and experience. (Anticipated hiring range: $89,772 - $91,284 per year).

Schedule

Initial Review Date: 04/02/2026; complete applications received after that date may be considered.

Contact Information

To apply, applicants must provide a current cover letter (including how they have addressed, or plan to address, teaching to diverse student groups), a CV, and contact information of three professional references. Additional information may be requested at a later time. All applicants must apply online; applications submitted via email or in-person to the department will not be considered.

For questions about the position, applicants should direct inquiries to Ashley Kendell, Search Committee Chair, at akendell@csuchico.edu.

Additional Information

Chico State is committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The campus motto, "Today Decides Tomorrow," is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources.

Background Check and Disclosures

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

Education Code 89521

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.

Out of State Employment

All work must be performed within the State of California. Faculty assignments include in-person duties that require an on-campus presence.

Mandated Reporter

The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 (revised July 21, 2017) as a condition of employment.

Clery Act

Chico State's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A copy of the report may be requested in person at the Chico State Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555. It is also available online at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.

EEO Statement

Chico State is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status and only employ individuals authorized to work in the U.S.