Assistant Professor of Anthropology

The Department of Anthropology at Rice University (Houston, Texas), invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of assistant professor to begin July 1, 2027.

We seek a cultural anthropologist whose research examines artificial intelligence as a social, cultural, political, ethical, and material issue, and who contributes to ongoing interdisciplinary conversations about the societal implications of algorithmic systems, data infrastructures, and automation writ large. This position is part of a cluster hire initiative across the university focused on the responsible use and development of AI. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research agendas examine the impact and intersection of AI with medical anthropology, disability studies, environmental impacts, surveillance studies, communication, media and semiotics, design anthropology, and anthropology of work but will also consider other research agendas focused on the broader social implications of AI. The geographical area of focus is open and should complement the department’s existing faculty expertise. The candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses.

Candidates must currently have a Ph.D. or complete the Ph.D. by July 1, 2027. The application deadline is October 15, 2026. A complete application must include a cover letter outlining the candidate’s research, teaching trajectory and future plans; a curriculum vitae; one writing sample that directly engages with AI; and contact information for three references. All materials should be submitted using https://apply.interfolio.com/193004. Please address any questions to the Search committee chair, Prof. Ilana Gershon.

Located in an urban environment on a 300-acre tree-lined campus, Rice University is a private, comprehensive research university situated in the heart of the dynamic Museum District in Houston, TX, the most diverse city in the country and home to vibrant Latinx, Asian-American, Black, LGBTQ+, and international communities. Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the metro area is characterized by a robust civil society with top elected positions in the region held by a diverse group of officials—left, right, and center, and including Asian-American, Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ leaders. Rice offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across eight schools and has a student body of approximately 4,800 undergraduate and 3,000 graduate students. It consistently ranks among the top 20 national universities and the top 10 in undergraduate teaching (US News & World Report); its endowment ranks among the top 20 of US universities.

We welcome the fullness of diversity to Rice. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Additionally, in our candidate pools, we strive to attract greater representation of women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and others who have historically been underrepresented within the leadership ranks of higher education. We aim to attract applicants from a wide range of backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a staff varied in thought and experience; and to maintain an environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our community.

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

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