Postdoctoral Fellow in Anthropology and Museum Studies

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: [email protected]

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 learners—fostering discovery, creativity, and a spirit of collaboration. Our faculty, staff, and students advance knowledge, spark innovation, and pursue artistic excellence while engaging meaningfully with our communities. Together, we prepare students to face tomorrow’s challenges and chart their own unique paths forward.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or [email protected]. 

*updated 12/2025

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Matthew Pinner

Executive Director

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

[email protected]

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

Cody Carmichael

Title IX Coordinator

[email protected]

435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

*updated 10/2025