Professor of Archaeology Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of exploration and discovery, the role of archaeology professors has never been more critical.

As our knowledge of ancient civilizations expands, so does the demand for skilled minds who can unearth, interpret, and preserve our historical foundations.

But what does being a professor of archaeology truly involve?

Whether you are:

• An academic hopeful seeking to understand the scope of this role,
• A university hiring committee drafting the perfect job posting,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate world of archaeology,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable job description template for a Professor of Archaeology, crafted for easy posting on academic job boards or university career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Professor of Archaeology Duties and Responsibilities

Professors of Archaeology have a unique blend of responsibilities that combine teaching, fieldwork, and research, centered around understanding human history through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in archaeology and related subjects
• Develop and implement innovative instructional methods
• Guide students’ lab and field work
• Plan, execute, and lead archaeological fieldwork, including excavations and surveys
• Analyze artifacts and other archaeological materials to increase our understanding of past societies and cultures
• Produce scholarly publications on archaeological findings and theories
• Present research findings at professional conferences and public lectures
• Seek out and secure funding for archaeological research projects
• Advise and mentor students, providing guidance on their research projects and career paths
• Contribute to departmental and university service, including committee work and administrative duties

 

Professor of Archaeology Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Professor of Archaeology to join our team.

The successful candidate will have a strong academic background in Archaeology, with a focus on teaching, research, and publication.

They should be capable of teaching a range of archaeology courses, conducting original research, and contributing to the academic community.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate and/or graduate students on topics such as ancient civilizations, archaeological methods, and research findings.
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
• Supervise undergraduate and/or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
• Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
• Participate in campus and community events.
• Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
• Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.

 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Archaeology or a closely related field is required.
• Proven experience as a Professor or similar role in an educational setting.
• Strong background in archaeological research and fieldwork.
• A record of published research.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Experience with instruction in a variety of formats including lecture, seminar, and workshop.

 

Benefits

• Retirement plan
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Sabbatical opportunities
• Tuition assistance for faculty and family
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professor of Archaeology
• Work Environment: University campus with occasional travel for conferences and fieldwork.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair of Archaeology.
• Salary: Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our university. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of three professional references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professor of Archaeology Do?

A Professor of Archaeology is a highly educated and experienced individual who works in the academic field, teaching and conducting research related to archaeology.

They instruct students at the university level on a variety of topics related to archaeology, such as artifact analysis, archaeological theories, research methods, and the history of various ancient civilizations.

They use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, hands-on activities, and field trips to archaeological sites.

Apart from teaching, Professors of Archaeology conduct extensive research in their area of specialization.

They may lead archaeological digs, analyze artifacts, and interpret their findings to expand our understanding of the past.

They also participate in scholarly activities, such as publishing their research findings in academic journals, presenting at conferences, and contributing to the development of new theories and methodologies in the field of archaeology.

Professors of Archaeology often serve as advisors to undergraduate and graduate students, mentoring them in their academic and research pursuits.

They may also take on administrative roles within their university, such as department chair or program director.

Furthermore, they may engage in public outreach activities, sharing their knowledge and passion for archaeology with the broader community.

This could involve giving public lectures, curating museum exhibits, or consulting on archaeological matters for governmental or non-profit organizations.

 

Professor of Archaeology Qualifications and Skills

A Professor of Archaeology should possess a unique set of skills and qualifications, including:

• Advanced knowledge in the field of archaeology and related disciplines, with a strong understanding of archaeological theory, methods, and the latest technologies used in fieldwork and laboratory analysis.
• Research skills to conduct in-depth investigations, analyse findings, and contribute to the ongoing development of the field.
• Teaching skills to effectively educate students on a wide variety of topics within archaeology, inspire critical thinking, and foster a passion for the subject.
• Excellent communication skills to present research findings at conferences, write scholarly papers for publication, and effectively explain complex concepts to students.
• Leadership skills to manage archaeological projects, supervise student research, and contribute to departmental and university-wide initiatives.
• Interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with colleagues, students, and other professionals in related disciplines.
• Physical abilities to perform fieldwork, which may include digging, lifting heavy objects, and working in various weather conditions.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to interpret archaeological data and address challenges during fieldwork or research.

 

Professor of Archaeology Experience Requirements

A Professor of Archaeology typically requires a significant amount of academic and practical experience.

This usually begins with achieving a Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology or a related field, followed by a Master’s degree.

Most universities require their professors to hold a Ph.D. in their respective field of study.

So, gaining a doctorate in Archaeology is usually the next step.

This academic process involves an extensive amount of research, field work, and publishing of original research in academic journals, providing the candidates with a significant amount of theoretical and practical experience.

Candidates with post-doctoral experience, usually gained through fellowships or research positions, are often preferred.

This allows them to further specialize in a particular area of Archaeology and gain additional research experience.

Teaching experience is another crucial requirement for this role.

This is often gained as a Graduate Teaching Assistant during postgraduate studies or as an Adjunct Professor after completing a Ph.D.

Candidates with more than 5 years of professional experience in a university setting are often preferred.

Those with more than 10 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background, such as heading a department or leading a research team, and may be ready for a senior professorship or administrative position within the university.

In addition, experience in securing funding for research projects, and a strong record of published research and participation in academic conferences are also important considerations.

 

Professor of Archaeology Education and Training Requirements

To become a Professor of Archaeology, one must typically complete a Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology or a closely related field.

This is often followed by a Master’s degree in Archaeology, which provides more specialized study and research opportunities.

However, the vast majority of universities and higher education institutions require professors to have a Ph.D. in Archaeology.

This involves several years of study beyond a Master’s degree and includes extensive original research, culminating in a doctoral dissertation.

During their studies, prospective Professors of Archaeology should gain experience in archaeological fieldwork, either through school-led excavations or internships.

This practical experience is crucial for understanding the processes and methodologies of archaeology.

Additionally, professors are often expected to contribute to their field through publishing research.

Therefore, writing and research skills are also vital for this role.

Although not required, some archaeology professors may pursue additional certifications or training in specialized areas, such as marine archaeology, forensic archaeology or cultural resource management.

Teaching skills and experience are also important, as a key aspect of the role involves imparting knowledge to students.

This can be gained through teaching assistantships during doctoral studies or through postdoctoral fellowships.

Last but not least, aspiring professors should be prepared for a competitive job market and be willing to continue learning and researching throughout their career.

 

Professor of Archaeology Salary Expectations

A Professor of Archaeology can expect an average salary of $81,339 (USD) per year.

This salary may fluctuate based on factors such as the professor’s level of education, years of experience in the field, and the location of the university or institution.

 

Professor of Archaeology Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Professor of Archaeology need?

A Professor of Archaeology should have a strong knowledge base in history, anthropology, and archaeology.

They should possess excellent research skills to analyze artifacts and historical sites.

A high level of teaching ability is required to effectively communicate complex topics to students.

They should also have good written and verbal communication skills for publishing research, presenting findings, and interacting with students and colleagues.

 

Do Professors of Archaeology need a degree?

Yes, Professors of Archaeology require a degree.

A bachelor’s degree in archaeology or a related field is the minimum requirement.

However, most universities and colleges require professors to hold a PhD in their specialty area, in this case, Archaeology.

 

What should you look for in a Professor of Archaeology’s resume?

A Professor of Archaeology’s resume should highlight their academic qualifications, including their Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees.

It should also list any research projects, published works, or archaeological digs they have been involved in.

Any teaching experience, especially at a university level, should also be emphasized.

Additionally, look for any awards, grants, or recognitions in the field of archaeology.

 

What qualities make a good Professor of Archaeology?

A good Professor of Archaeology should have a passion for the subject and the ability to inspire that passion in students.

They should be detail-oriented, analytical, and curious, with a desire to contribute to the field through research and discovery.

Effective communication skills are also important, as they need to be able to clearly convey complex ideas to students of various levels.

 

What are the daily duties of a Professor of Archaeology?

The daily duties of a Professor of Archaeology typically include preparing and delivering lectures, grading student assignments and exams, conducting original research, publishing findings in academic journals, advising students, and participating in departmental and university meetings.

They may also supervise student research projects or archaeological fieldwork.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unearthed the true essence of what it means to be a Professor of Archaeology.

Surprised?

It’s not just about digging in the dirt.

It’s about unlocking the mysteries of the past, one artifact at a time.

With our comprehensive Professor of Archaeology job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this journey.

But why stop at the surface?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your compass to creating meticulously detailed job listings or refining your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every artifact tells a part of the grand narrative of our past.

Let’s uncover that history. Together.