Assistant Professor of Anthropology - Forensic Anthropology

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Job Title:

Assistant Professor of Anthropology

Department:

Arts and Sciences | Anthropology

Assistant Professor of Anthropology

Department of Anthropology

College of Arts and Sciences

Position Overview

The Department of Anthropology in the College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in forensic anthropology. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the position will begin in fall 2027. The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s growing undergraduate major in forensic anthropology and assist the director of our Forensic Anthropology Laboratory with casework in the department’s new, state-of-the-art forensic laboratory. Preferred applicants will demonstrate the potential to develop and sustain a substantial body of empirical research.

Performance Objectives

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain a productive research program demonstrated through publication in respected journals, seek external funding through competitive grants, teach a range of graduate and undergraduate courses, mentor students at both levels, contribute to departmental and university operations as an engaged citizen, and provide service to the discipline.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required: The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Anthropology or a related field and have an ongoing or developing program of research, with evidence of potential or experience in teaching both graduate and undergraduate courses, mentoring students at both levels, publishing in highly respected journals, edited volumes, and other strong outlets, applying for external research grants, and providing service to the university, department, and discipline.

Desired: The ideal candidate will have certification in forensic anthropology and prior forensic anthropology casework experience.

Additional Information

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

Application period closes Friday October 16, 2026. Inquiries may be directed to Professor Nick Passalacqua at [email protected].

Application materials submitted in Workday must include two documents:

Document 1: Cover Letter: 3-page (maximum) letter, which should include each of the following:

• a summary of your academic background and reason(s) for your interest in the position
• a description of your research program, accomplishments, and plans
• a description of your teaching experience and approach

Document  2: CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications.

Candidates selected to move forward in the process will be contacted by late-October and asked to provide three letters of reference.

Additional Information:

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success.

Department Information

The Department of Anthropology at OSU has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, with strategic expansion in biological anthropology and increasing balance across sub-disciplines. Faculty are highly experienced, though the department is actively pursuing junior hires to ensure future vitality. Research productivity has risen sharply, and national rankings place the department among the top ten programs. Undergraduate engagement is strong, with five majors—including a new BS in Forensic Anthropology—and rising enrollments. The department is deeply involved in the Honors Program and General Education curriculum, with faculty committed to mentoring and research. The graduate program has been recently overhauled, offering guaranteed funding and updated curricula. Collaborative working groups, strong leadership, and committed staff contribute to a dynamic academic environment. The university is committed to continued investment, and the department is well-positioned to become a national leader in anthropology.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established central resources to focus on offering support to new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual career partner consultation, potential employer and/or employment opportunity identification, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community.  While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available.  More information about dual career and faculty recruitment can be found here.

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies.  Ohio State is a member of the Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania & West Virginia HERC.

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.  

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.

Location:

Smith Laboratory (0065)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.