Curator of Archaeology

Denver Museum of Nature & Science•Denver, CO

4d•$65,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) is seeking an Assistant Curator of Archaeology, described as a versatile early-career scholar-practitioner. This role involves traditional curatorial oversight combined with advanced laboratory archaeological science. The successful candidate will manage the intellectual integrity of the archaeological collections and drive research using high-level analytical techniques. Responsibilities include overseeing the documentation and preservation of collections, leading archaeological analytical initiatives with laboratory-based methods, and engaging in informal education, outreach, and community engagement. The museum seeks a collegial individual, particularly from groups traditionally underrepresented in science, to enhance the Anthropology Department's scientific and public impact. The DMNS Archaeology Collection contains over 580,000 objects, primarily from the Rocky Mountain and Plains regions, with significant holdings from landmark sites and a newly cataloged Mogollon site. These collections are a resource for multidisciplinary study and multi-vocal curation, fostering collaborative relationships with Native American Tribes and source communities.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology, Archaeological Science or a related field.
Proven proficiency in an analytical sub-discipline of archaeology (paleobotany, zooarchaeology, petrography, etc.)
Minimum 3-years of supervisory experience in archaeological fieldwork and/or laboratory work.
A Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of application; current and ABD doctoral students will not be considered.

Nice To Haves

Scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications.
Record of a field, laboratory- and/or collections-based research program.
Record of extramural grant acquisition and/or private fundraising skills.
Experience utilizing and/or curating archaeological collections.
Experience with lab equipment.
Public speaking ability, including experience with, or interest in, developing skills in a wide range of science communication styles and media.
Expertise in archaeology complementary to those of existing Anthropology Department curators.

Responsibilities

Design and implement research protocols using techniques such as XRF, stable isotope analysis, proteomics, residue analysis, ceramic petrography, palaeobotanical methods and/or zooarchaeological methods.
Oversee or consult on excavation projects, ensuring that sampling strategies in the field align with laboratory requirements for post-excavation analysis.
Publish and present research in appropriate scholarly, professional, and public venues.
Elevate the impact of the Anthropology Department within and beyond the Museum.
Ensure the ethical curation, storage, and digitization of archaeological materials according to national and international standards.
Work closely with collections management and conservation staff to ensure responsible care.
Support digitization and access initiatives, including culturally responsive data practices.
Build and sustain long-term relationships with Indigenous and source communities.
Engage in collaborative and co-curated projects that share authority and decision-making.
Lead or contribute to provenance research, repatriation, and culturally appropriate access initiatives.
Advise on ethical collecting, interpretation, and collections care practices.
Maintain NAGPRA (or relevant regional heritage laws) compliance and adhere to rigorous ethical standards regarding destructive sampling and invasive testing.
Translate complex scientific findings into accessible narratives for exhibits, publications, and public lectures.
Possess a broad knowledge of the discipline of archaeology, with the ability to communicate effectively to the public about topics outside one’s specific specialty/region.
Work collaboratively with a wide range of DMNS departments, including in fields outside of their scholarly expertise, to ignite community passion for science and nature.
Mentor interns, fellows, and early-career museum professionals.
Represent the department in internal committees and external partnerships.
Contribute thoughtfully to institutional conversations around equity, representation, and public accountability.
Collaborate with community scientists, interns, and volunteers to produce scholarship, improve collections, and/or conduct outreach.
Grow new non-scholarly relationships and networks in support of departmental and museum goals.