Assistant Curator Jobs

About The Position

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.
• Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of application.

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 field sampling strategies align with laboratory requirements.
• Publish and present research in 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.
• Communicate effectively to the public about topics outside one’s specific specialty/region.
• Work collaboratively with a wide range of DMNS departments 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.

Benefits

• Full Time
• Hiring Range: $65,000 - $70,000
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, weekends and evenings as needed
• Direct Reports: 0
• Benefits package offered to DMNS staff