How to Apply
In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must apply to this posting through the UM Careers website (the cover letter and CV must be uploaded as one document). In addition, please send an application letter of introduction explaining your qualifications, a current teaching statement, a current CV, evidence of teaching excellence, and two letters of recommendation to: [email protected] by May 4, 2026.
Job Summary
The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and the Department of Anthropology at the University of Michigan invite applications for a one-year (two-terms) LEO Lecturer I position for the Fall 2026 (August 29 to Dec 31) & Winter 2027 (Jan 1 to April 30) terms. This position will teach at least two courses in Fall term at 66.67% and two in Winter at 66.67% term.
This position is contingent on sufficient course enrollment.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Course Description
Fall 2026 Courses:
Anthrbio 368 Primate Behavior
This class reviews the social systems and behavior of our closest living relatives, the primates. The course will be divided into two parts. Part 1 will introduce the biology and behavior of lemurs, lorises, tarsiers, monkeys, and apes. It will cover important aspects of their life histories, their social systems, and their reproduction, such as dominance and aggression, mating and parenting, predation, feeding strategies, and social relationships. Part 2 will focus on primate cognition, including their communication and problem-solving abilities and their analogs of culture. The class will draw heavily on field studies of primates, and emphasize their behavior in natural environmental and social settings. This course fulfills the Universitys upper-level writing requirement, and thus is writing-intensive. It is taught as two 1.5 hour lectures per week.
Anthrbio 168 First Year Seminar in Primate Field Studies
A seminar designed for first-year students. Students will be introduced to science as a mode of inquiry by applying Darwins theory of evolution via natural selection to the behavior of non-human primates. Emphasis will be given to long-term field studies of primates in the wild. Class participation, weekly writing assignments, and a term paper are required. This course is taught as one 3 hour discussion/lecture per week.
Winter 2026 Courses:
Anthrbio 369 Honors Seminar in Biological and Archaeological Anthropology
This seminar is for students preparing honors theses under the supervision of faculty in Biological Anthropology or Archaeology, or whose projects align with these subfields. Students should enter the course with data collection and most analyses completed. The focus of the class is on developing the written thesis through structured writing time, instructor feedback, and peer exchange. Topics covered include scientific writing, citation management, data presentation, and strategies for communicating research clearly and effectively. By the end of the term, students will have produced a refined thesis draft and a concise presentation of their work. This course is taught as one 3 hour discussion/workshop per week.
Anthrbio 478 Advanced Primate Behavior
This is an advanced undergraduate/graduate course examining the ecology and behavior of non-human primates. Using mainly primary research articles, the class will explore themes in primate behavioral ecology including reproductive strategies, sexual selection, behavioral endocrinology, cooperation and conflict, cultural transmission, and primate cognition The objectives of this class include providing an overview of some of the exciting and controversial research areas in primate behavior, and to help bring advanced undergraduates up to graduate level in their reading, understanding, and writing about primate-related topics. The class places emphasis on critical thinking and clear, concise presenting and writing.
Responsibilities*
Duties of this Lecturer I position are expected to include teaching, developing course materials, evaluating and grading students, and holding regularly scheduled office hours. A typical full-time (100% effort) load for a Lecturer I in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts is three courses per semester.
Required Qualifications*
Ph.D degree in a related field, however, a PhD in Anthropology with a background in biological anthropology is preferred. The PhD must be awarded by the position start date, expected to be August 29, 2026.
The selection criteria used for this search is based on how the applicants education and experience meets the required minimum qualifications for the position. Excellence in teaching and instruction will be the principal criteria used to select the successful candidate.
Desired Qualifications*
Preference will be given to candidates with experience teaching biological anthropology courses, particularly courses in primate behavior.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Contact Information
Questions about applying for this position can be emailed to: Anthropology Lecturer Selection Committee ([email protected]).
Application Deadline
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Deadline for applications is May 4, 2026. The anticipated date by which an offer will be made is no later than June 8, 2026. The appointment opportunity described in this posting is subject to final approval by the academic unit.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.