General Summary

The Department of Sociology & Anthropology (SOA) and Latin American and Latino/a Studies (LALS) invite applications for one tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor rank beginning August 16, 2023. We are seeking a TT hire for a Cultural or Linguistic Anthropologist specializing in Latin American or Latino/a Studies. The successful candidate should demonstrate the potential to produce high-quality scholarly research that can be published in peer-reviewed journals, the ability to teach courses in anthropology and Latin American studies as well as demonstrate their ability to mentor and work with diverse student populations and support the University’s commitment to our core values that support our efforts to create a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and socially just institution.

SOA and LALS are committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community. ISU recognizes that a diverse faculty, staff, and student body enriches the educational experiences of the entire campus and greater community. Our student population has become more diverse, and the areas of Anthropology and Latin American and Latino/a Studies are of particular interest to our majors and graduate students. We are seeking applicants who can demonstrate their ability to work collegially with faculty from diverse cultural backgrounds, and the ability to work with, and be sensitive to, the educational needs of students from diverse populations.

This position is part of a cluster-hiring initiative sponsored by the Office of the Provost designed to increase multidisciplinary collaboration and foster increased connections across units. This position in particular is part of what we anticipate will be growth in the area of social justice and race/ethnicity. The faculty member who joins us will find fruitful collaborations of SOA and Latin American and Latino/a studies. Our program has cultivated a strong presence in Latin American and Latino/a Studies by offering classes about Latin America, a regional specialty/ strength in our department.

Additional Information

Illinois State University: Illinois State University http://www.illinoisstate.edu, founded in 1857, is the oldest public university in Illinois. There are approximately 21,000 students in the six colleges of Illinois State University. In our most recent strategic plan Educate · Connect · Elevate, we have committed our resources to realizing seven core values: Learning and Scholarship, Diversity and Inclusion, Respect, Collaboration, Individualized Attention, Civic Engagement, and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our University being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Also visit the University’s metrics of excellence at (http://illinoisstate.edu/pointsofpride/).

Bloomington-Normal Community: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a population of approximately 167,000. The community is home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Lincoln College, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Advocate Bromenn Medical Center, Country Financial, and State Farm Insurance International Headquarters. The community also home to Rivian Motors, a company that builds electric trucks. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems and educational attainment, parks and recreation, health care, job growth, economic opportunity, and low crime. Forbes magazine, in a review of the best places for business, ranked Bloomington-Normal the 15th best place for business out of 168 small metros listed. Bloomington was placed on CNNMoney's list of the 100 Best Places to Live and was ranked #2 on Kiplinger’s list of Top 10 cities in the US. Normal was ranked #3 on the list of Best Small College Towns in America by College Values Online. Huffington Post named Bloomington one of the “11 Amazing Cities You’ve Never Thought To Live In, But Should.” Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield, many of which are accessible by Amtrak Train. For more information on our community, please visit (http://visitbn.org/).

Required Qualifications

1. Academic doctoral degree in Anthropology or related fields (these include Latin American and Latino/a Studies), however, exceptional A.B.D. candidates will also be considered with an expected completion of their doctoral degree before August 16, 2023

2. Demonstrated ability and desire to work collegially with faculty from diverse cultural backgrounds,

3. Academic record illustrating the ability to work with, and be sensitive to, the educational needs of students from a diverse population

4. Candidates must be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law.