Teaching Specialist/Lecturer 26-27AY: Anthropology (Continuous Recruitment)

The Department of Anthropology in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota occasionally needs teaching specialists or lecturers to teach courses that cannot be staffed by regular faculty or graduate students. Openings of this kind sometimes occur for teaching evening and summer session, as well as day courses and courses offered through Independent and Distance Learning. These positions are temporary and part-time.

This does not constitute a posting for vacancies, but establishes a pool of applicants should openings occur during the 2026/27 academic year. Applicants will be selected from this pool on an as-needed basis through the academic year. These positions are temporary (one semester or one academic year), and they typically teach no more than one three-credit course per academic semester. Appointments may be renewable based on need, funding, and performance. Applicants will not be acknowledged upon receipt. Applicants will only be contacted should an active opening occur during the academic year. Positions may be appointed during the 2026-2027 academic year: Fall 2026 (8/31/26 - 1/13/27) or Spring 2027 (1/14/27 - 5/30/27).

Teaching specialists and lecturers will be expected to teach undergraduate or graduate students in assigned course(s) and work with students to improve their knowledge, plan and develop lessons and assignments and assess students' progress by grading papers and tests, hold office hours to assist and advise students, work with teaching assistants (if assigned to discussion sections) to coordinate student activities, and participate in relevant departmental meetings.

Teaching Specialists:

• Teaching Specialists teach undergraduate courses in classroom settings.
• Teaching Specialists in the Heritage Studies and Public History program may teach graduate courses in classroom settings when substantial equivalent experience can substitute the degree.

Lecturers:

• Lecturers teach undergraduate and graduate courses in classroom settings and online settings.

Teaching Specialist Required Qualifications:

• MA degree or BA/BS degree plus 4 years of post-baccalaureate education in an advanced degree program.
• Degree knowledge in course content area, evidence of excellent written and verbal communication skills, special expertise, specific teaching need within the department.
• Other important hiring criteria include academic training, prior teaching experience, and relevant life or professional experience.

Preference will be given to applicants with knowledge and/or training in the University of Minnesota teaching methodology. Must be capable of delivering high-quality instruction to a diverse student body.

Lecturer Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree, knowledge or course content area, evidence of excellent written and verbal communication skills, special expertise, and specific teaching need of the department.
• Other important hiring criteria include academic training, prior teaching experience, and relevant life or professional experience.
  

About the Department of Anthropology
The Department of Anthropology provides training in archaeology, biological anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology. Our faculty offers a rich array of courses that cover many topics related to human life and history-from skeletal analysis to the culture and society of India to language evolution. As anthropologists, we encourage our students to use skills learned in the classroom in every aspect of their lives. We prepare over 2,200 undergraduate students each year for careers in many professions, such as medicine, law, public policy, cultural resources management, heritage preservation, and business, as well as advanced graduate study. For additional information about the department, please visit the Department of Anthropology website, at cla.umn.edu/anthropology.

About the College of Liberal Arts
Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and
administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA

Working in CLA

Pay Range: depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Teaching Specialists are paid both per credit and/or per course as follows:

• Undergraduate credit courses: $1,585 - $3,000 per credit
• Undergraduate credit courses: $6,000 - $9,000 per course

Lecturers are paid on a per credit and/or per course as follows:

• Undergraduate credit courses: $2,500-$3,500 per credit
• Undergraduate credit courses: $7,500-$10,500 per course

The pay rate for Graduate credit courses is the same as the standard rate for undergraduate courses.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.