Duke University, Cultural Anthropology
Position Description
The Department of Cultural Anthropology at Duke University is seeking a qualified Visiting Scholar for a one-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal. Qualifications requested for candidates: a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology and significant record of publishing ethnographic work for the public. The appointment begins October 1, 2026. We seek candidates with a demonstrated excellence in ethnographically based writing for the general public as evidenced in publications that appear in widely read national outlets. The aim of the position is to complement the tenure track faculty’s strength in academic publishing with expertise in writing for non-academic audiences while staying true to rigorous ethnographic research. Activities associated with this position include: organizing interest groups with faculty and graduate students; actively researching and writing ethnographically based work for the public and, when appropriate, including qualified and interested students in this process; class visits; public lectures on past and ongoing projects; symposia bringing together anthropologists and writers around ethnographic research; office hours with students; mentoring and writing workshops in ethnographic writing, narrative nonfiction and public scholarship; selective teaching related to ongoing research and writing; strategic involvement in the development and launch of an MA degree in Ethnography; planning for future initiatives around the theme of “Anthropology and the World”. Please submit a CV, cover letter and names of 3 recommenders. Applications received by August 31, 2026 will receive full consideration. Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Duke makes good faith efforts to recruit, hire, and promote qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke University aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Application Materials Required:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses
)
Further Info: