The Department of Religious Studies and Classics in the School of International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Arizona invites applications for a full-time in-person tenure-eligible position in Roman Archaeology at the rank of Assistant Professor, to begin August 17, 2026.
Responsibilities will include teaching two courses each semester (a total of four courses each academic year), participation in service through committee work and outreach, and an active research and publication agenda.
The areas of specialization within the field of Roman Archaeology should complement the range of subjects and approaches covered by current faculty members and should contribute to the Department’s interdisciplinary collaborations across the University, including Anthropology, Art History, History, Religious Studies, and Philosophy. Familiarity with current excavation techniques and theoretical approaches is expected, along with active participation in or collaboration with a field project or equivalent.
Review of applications will begin on November 7, 2025, with preliminary interviews on Zoom planned for late November/early December 2025.
Alumni Jacquelynn and Bennett Dorrance have made a gift commitment of $5.4 million to endow the deanship of the University of Arizona College of Humanities and inspire on campus and throughout the world a continuous and fearless spirit of open inquiry: https://humanities.arizona.edu/about/fearless-inquiries-project.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
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The successful candidate will teach courses in archaeology at all levels and courses in the General Education curriculum (e.g. Classical Mythology and Greek and Roman Civilization) in all modalities (in person, hybrid, online). They will also actively contribute to the vibrant M.A. program in Classics, advising students for graduate exams, serving on thesis committees, and preparing them to enter leading Ph.D. programs. The successful candidate will work with students to identify opportunities for participation in archaeological projects, whether in the field, in museums, or in laboratories. The successful candidate will be committed to actively recruiting undergraduate Classics majors as well as graduate students.
Preparation to teach large enrollment courses, to develop online courses, to engage with digital humanities, and/or to assist with instruction in classical languages is desirable.
- Maintain an active research and publishing agenda.
- Teach two courses per semester based on department needs.
- Actively recruit and assist in recruiting Classics majors and graduate students.
- Engage in Departmental, College, and University service and outreach.
- Engage in extramural professional service and outreach as appropriate.
- Contribute to curriculum development, program building, student engagement, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
- Participate in Departmental, College, and University-wide activities as requested (such as Meet your Major Fair, Study Abroad Fair, Language Fair, Convocation, Welcome Back Receptions, Homecoming, Commencement, and/or Tucson Humanities Festival).
- Potentially contribute to the Department’s study abroad programs.
- Additional duties may be assigned.
- Ph.D. in Classics, or closely related field, in-hand at the time of appointment.
- Expertise in Roman Archaeology.
- Demonstrated trajectory toward excellence in research, including: publications in academic journals, scholarly books, sponsored research, and/or other suitable research and impact metrics in one or more of the specialization areas listed under the position summary.
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching, as indicated by course evaluations, peer observations, teaching awards, or other metrics in one or more of the specialization areas listed under the position summary.
- Demonstrated interest or experience in recruiting undergraduate Classics majors and graduate students.
- Record of high-quality research published in leading academic journals and presses.
- Experience using cutting-edge, student-focused methods and/or curricular design to effectively promote student learning and engage a student body with a wide variety of perspectives and experiences.
- Experience and expertise with online/hybrid teaching, multimedia technology, and an aptitude for creative and innovative teaching.
- Evidence of ability to secure external funding.
- Familiarity with relevant research languages, including Greek and Latin.
- Cover letter detailing current and future research trajectory, teaching experience and teaching philosophy, and preparation for service and outreach activities including student recruitment and retention (combined into one attachment)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Teaching portfolio, including a sample syllabus (combined into one attachment)
- Statement of Recruitment of Undergraduate Majors Philosophy
- Writing sample (approximately 25 pages)
Freqently Asked Questions
A Professor specializing in Roman Archaeology typically needs a Ph.D. in Classics or a closely related field, along with a focused research portfolio in Roman archaeology. Proficiency in excavation methods and interdisciplinary collaboration enhances candidacy, distinguishing this role from broader history or archaeology positions.
Many Assistant Professors aim to secure tenure by building a strong publication record and active research agenda. Opportunities include leading field projects, directing study abroad programs, or moving into administrative roles within humanities departments, leveraging expertise in Roman archaeology and classical studies.
Teaching in Roman Archaeology involves courses on classical civilizations, Greek and Roman mythology, and specialized archaeology methods. Compared to broader archaeology roles, this position often requires integrating interdisciplinary content and mentoring students toward graduate research in classical studies.
Securing tenure at The University of Arizona demands excellence in both research and teaching, alongside active recruitment of students. Candidates must navigate a collaborative environment across multiple disciplines, contributing to outreach and curriculum development within a vibrant academic community.
The University offers opportunities to apply for sponsored research grants and encourages interdisciplinary projects. Faculty benefit from endowed positions, access to archaeological labs, and support for digital humanities initiatives, facilitating a robust environment to advance Roman archaeology scholarship.
In Tucson, Arizona, Assistant Professors in Roman Archaeology typically earn between $65,000 and $85,000 annually. This range reflects regional academic pay scales, incorporating university benefits like health insurance and tuition reductions, aligned with market demand for humanities faculty.
Tucson hosts several universities with strong humanities programs, making competition moderate but specialized roles like Roman Archaeology assistant professorships relatively rare. Candidates benefit from unique expertise and interdisciplinary skills to stand out amid regional demand for archaeology educators.
Tucson's proximity to significant archaeological sites and its vibrant academic community offers unique fieldwork and collaborative research prospects. The region's desert environment and cultural institutions provide a fertile ground for innovative Roman archaeology projects and student engagement.
Candidates should demonstrate a consistent record of peer-reviewed publications, active participation in excavation or field projects, and contributions to interdisciplinary studies. A clear vision for future research that aligns with department strengths and attracts external funding is highly valued.
By developing engaging courses, advising graduate theses, and facilitating hands-on archaeological experiences, professors can inspire and retain students. Participation in university fairs and outreach initiatives also helps attract classics majors and graduate candidates interested in archaeology.