Description
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY
POSITION 119750
The University of West Florida Department of Anthropology invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor, a nine-month, tenure-track position at their main campus in Pensacola, Florida. This is a strategic hire designed to advance a nationally-recognized maritime archaeology program through forward-looking research that integrates emerging technologies, large and complex datasets, and innovative analytical approaches with strong foundations in anthropological and archaeological theory.
The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses in maritime archaeology and field methods, as well as anthropology courses and courses in their area of expertise. Although the geographical area is open, the successful candidate is expected to complement and expand upon existing teaching and research strengths within the department and is expected to collaborate with students and faculty across subdisciplines and other departments and academic units across the university.
UWF's maritime archaeology program is one of a small number of graduate-level programs of its kind in the United States and has a strong reputation for preparing students for careers in cultural resource management, government, and related professional sectors. The program emphasizes applied training in geophysical surveys, archaeological field methods, and small vessel operations. Our terminal MA degree includes a rigorous thesis requirement that provides our students with substantial experience in independent research, project development, and professional communication.
Qualifications for Position:
Required qualifications include the following:
- PhD in Anthropology or related field with experience in maritime archaeology
- Demonstrated strength in anthropological and archaeological theory
- Broad methodological experience across maritime archaeology, including regulatory compliance, geophysical survey, site assessment, excavation, documentation, and interpretation
- Experience with emerging technologies relevant to maritime archaeology
- Demonstrated ability or potential to develop an active research program, with record of securing external funding or potential to do so
- Strong commitment to maintain an active program of scholarly research publications.
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness or potential, including ability to supervise student theses
- Commitment to mentoring graduate and undergraduate student populations and fostering a supportive learning environment
- Experience with high-impact educational practices
Preferred qualifications include the following:
- Scientific diving experience and familiarity with American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) scientific diving standards
- Strong technical proficiency in remote sensing and geophysical survey methods
- Experience with small-vessel operations and survey management experience
- Professional experience or established connections within Cultural Resource Management (CRM), consulting, government, and/or offshore industry sectors
- Experience with large and complex datasets, advanced computational methods, and/or data-driven approaches in archaeology
The successful candidate will teach face-to-face and online courses. Typical teaching load for faculty is 3/3 between the Fall and Spring semesters. The start date is August 8, 2027. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Summer teaching assignments may be available depending on the curricular needs of the Department. Review of applications will begin on October 26, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
A criminal background screening is required for the successful candidate.
For more information about the department, please see our website at http://uwf.edu/justice.
Application: Candidates must apply online through the University of West Florida website: https://careers.uwf.edu. Applicants are required to attach a cv, letter of interest and contact information for three references. References will be contacted upon submission of this application. An opportunity to upload these documents will be provided during the application process. For assistance, please contact Human Resources at 850.474.2694 or email jobs@uwf.edu.
The University of West Florida (UWF) is an Equal Opportunity/Access employer. Pursuant to provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to apply is requested to advise UWF by contacting the UWF Human Resources Department at 1-850-474-2694.
The University of West Florida is located in Pensacola, offering unique access to diverse submerged cultural resources in the Gulf Coast region, Pensacola Bay, and regional waterways. The program benefits from strong partnerships with state and federal agencies, private consulting firms, and research institutions. Students gain hands-on experience through field schools, research projects, and professional internships that prepare them for immediate employment in the CRM sector or advancement to PhD programs. The successful candidate will join a collaborative department committed to applied anthropology, student success, and innovative research. UWF emphasizes workforce development, experiential learning, and partnerships that connect students with professional opportunities.