Job Description

Join one of the oldest and most respected medical anthropology programs in the United States, at a university on the rise. The Department of Anthropology at Southern Methodist University invites applications for a Lecturer in Medical Anthropology to begin January 1, 2027. We are seeking an educator with a proven record of excellence to lead our existing introductory and upper-division courses in the field, including Health, Healing and Ethics and Health in Cross-Cultural Perspective.

The Role

This is a one-year, lecturer-track teaching appointment with a 4:4 load and no contractual research or service obligations, renewable for a second year pending satisfactory performance reviews. Responsibilities center on undergraduate teaching in medical anthropology, with occasional graduate-level teaching opportunities in the candidate’s area of expertise. Teaching faculty may apply for internal conference funds and competitive internal research funding.

Why This Role Stands Out

• A department with deep roots in medical anthropology and faculty who currently hold competitive federal research grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, among other funders
• An R-1 university with major momentum: a new $100 million Moody Graduate School, a new $30 million Peter O’Donnell Data Science Institute, and new membership in the Atlantic Coast Conference
• A position focused squarely on teaching
• Dallas—a cosmopolitan city with a relatively affordable cost of living, no state income tax, two major airports, a lively restaurant scene, professional sports, and a vibrant cultural life, in one of the fastest-growing large metropolitan areas in the country

About the Department and SMU

Anthropology has long been one of the strongest programs at SMU, and the department houses one of the oldest graduate medical anthropology programs in the United States. Our faculty advance intellectual frontiers, both ancient and modern, through interdisciplinary research, innovative teaching, and community outreach on global health and development, migration and borderland communities, and human impacts on and responses to environmental and health challenges. Our undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs help students build a complex understanding of differences, critical thinking, and global reach that prepares them for careers in academia and industry.

Southern Methodist University is a secular, R-1 university with an intellectually vibrant community of internationally recognized scholars across the humanities, social sciences, mathematical sciences, engineering, law, fine arts, and business. SMU offers excellent benefits. Explore the Department of Anthropology at https://www.smu.edu/dedman/academics/departments/anthropology. Dedman College at https://www.smu.edu/dedman , and SMU at http://www.smu.edu.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Anthropology or a related field in hand at the time of application
• Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching in medical anthropology, including the ability to teach both introductory and upper-division courses

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching at the graduate level
• A teaching portfolio that reflects breadth across the field of medical anthropology

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted via Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/194569 and should include:

• A cover letter addressing your teaching experience in medical anthropology
• A curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for three references
• A short teaching portfolio containing at least two medical anthropology syllabi (one introductory, one upper division) and teaching evaluations from previously taught courses

To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by October 29, 2026, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The committee will notify applicants of its employment decisions after the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and give a teaching demonstration via Zoom. Questions may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Eric G. Bing, at ebing@smu.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.