Top 10 Questions for Assistant Professor of Anthropology Interview

1. Can you tell us about your research interests and how they align with the department’s focus on sociocultural anthropology?

• My research interests lie in the areas of medical anthropology, particularly in the cultural construction of illness and healing.
• I am particularly interested in how cultural factors influence the way people experience and respond to illness, and how this can shape the course of their medical treatment.
• My research has focused on the experiences of chronically ill patients, and I am currently working on a project that explores the role of social support in the management of chronic illness.

2. What are your strengths as a teacher?

1: Classroom Teaching

• I have a passion for teaching and enjoy engaging with students to help them learn about the fascinating field of anthropology.
• I am an experienced teacher with a proven ability to develop and deliver engaging lectures, lead discussions, and facilitate group work.
• I am also adept at creating and using a variety of teaching materials, including multimedia presentations, simulations, and role-playing exercises.

Subheading 2: Student Engagement

• I am committed to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where all students feel welcome and respected.
• I am always willing to go the extra mile to support students and help them succeed in their studies.
• I am also actively involved in student organizations and activities, which allows me to connect with students outside of the classroom and build relationships with them.

3. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field?

• I regularly read academic journals and attend conferences to stay abreast of the latest research and developments in my field.
• I am also involved in several professional organizations, which provide opportunities for networking and collaboration with other scholars.
• In addition, I conduct my own research, which allows me to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in my field.

4. What are your thoughts on the use of technology in anthropology?

• I believe that technology can be a valuable tool for anthropologists.
• For example, I have used social media to connect with research participants and gather data, and I have used GIS to visualize and analyze spatial data.
• However, I also believe that it is important to use technology in a responsible and ethical way, and to be mindful of the potential risks and biases that can come with using technology.

5. How would you approach teaching a course on the anthropology of food?

• I would begin by introducing students to the basic concepts of food anthropology, such as the cultural construction of food, the role of food in social interactions, and the politics of food production and distribution.
• I would then explore specific case studies to illustrate these concepts, such as the role of food in religious rituals, the use of food as a form of social control, and the impact of globalization on food systems.
• Throughout the course, I would emphasize the importance of conducting ethnographic research to gain a deep understanding of the cultural significance of food.

6. What are your thoughts on the current state of the discipline of anthropology?

• I believe that anthropology is a dynamic and ever-evolving discipline.
• In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary research, and anthropologists are increasingly working with scholars from other fields, such as sociology, psychology, and economics.
• This interdisciplinary approach has led to new insights into the human condition and has helped to broaden the scope of anthropology.

7. What is your experience with grant writing?

• I have written and received several grants from various funding agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the Wenner-Gren Foundation.
• My grants have supported research projects on a variety of topics, including the cultural politics of food, the role of kinship in social organization, and the impact of globalization on local communities.
• I am also familiar with the grant review process and have served as a reviewer for several funding agencies.

8. What is your experience with public outreach?

• I am committed to public outreach and have given numerous presentations to a variety of audiences, including school children, community groups, and policymakers.
• I have also written articles for popular magazines and newspapers, and I am active on social media, where I share my research findings and engage with the public.
• I believe that it is important to share the results of anthropological research with the public, so that people can better understand the world around them and make informed decisions.

9. What are your career goals?

• My career goals are to continue my research on the cultural construction of illness and healing, and to teach and mentor students in the field of anthropology.
• I am particularly interested in working with underserved populations and using my research to make a positive impact on their lives.
• I am also committed to public outreach and to sharing the results of my research with the broader community.

10. Do you have any questions for us?

• I am very excited about the possibility of joining your department, and I have a few questions that I would like to ask you.
• First, I would like to know more about the department’s research strengths and areas of specialization.
• Second, I would like to know more about the department’s teaching responsibilities and expectations.
• Finally, I would like to know more about the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Assistant Professors of Anthropology conduct research, teach courses, and mentor students in the field of anthropology. They may also perform administrative duties and participate in outreach activities.

1. Research

Assistant Professors of Anthropology are expected to conduct original research that advances the field of anthropology. To ensure public access to research findings, they often publish their work in academic journals and present their findings at conferences.

• Design and conduct research projects in the field of anthropology
• Publish research findings in academic journals and present at conferences

2. Teaching

Assistant Professors of Anthropology teach courses in the field of anthropology. They develop lesson plans, deliver lectures, and lead discussions. They also assign and grade student work.

• Develop and teach courses in the field of anthropology
• Deliver lectures, lead discussions, and assign and grade student work
• Advise and mentor students

3. Service

Assistant Professors of Anthropology may perform administrative duties, such as serving on department committees or advising students. They may also participate in outreach activities, such as giving public lectures or working with community organizations.

• Perform administrative duties, such as serving on department committees
• Advise and mentor students
• Participate in outreach activities

Here are some tips for acing an interview for an Assistant Professor of Anthropology position:

1. Research the position and the department

Before your interview, take some time to research the position and the department. This will help you better understand the expectations of the role and the department’s culture. To effectively answer questions which may require comprehensive details about the department and its values, you need to gather sufficient information about the department. Visit the university website to know about the department and its values. Check who the faculty members in the department are, and their research area of specialisation. Find out what are the courses offered by the department and the research facilities available for faculty members.

2. Prepare your answers to common interview questions

There are a number of common interview questions that you are likely to be asked. Be prepared to answer questions about your research, teaching, and service experience.

Example Outline:

Can you tell us about your research experience? Talk about your research projects, your research methods, and your findings. Emphasize the impact of your research on the field of anthropology.

What are your teaching interests? Discuss your teaching philosophy and your experience teaching anthropology courses. Describe your plans for developing and teaching new courses.

What is your experience with service? Describe your experience with administrative duties and outreach activities. Explain how your service experience has benefited the department and the community.

3. Be prepared to talk about your research agenda

The interviewer will likely ask you about your research agenda. Be prepared to discuss your current research projects and your plans for future research. Explain how your research agenda aligns with the department’s research priorities.

4. Be yourself

It is important to be yourself during your interview. The interviewer wants to get to know the real you. Be genuine and authentic, and let your personality shine through.