Job ID: 312622
Position Title: Curator of Midwest Archaeology
Department Name: IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (IUMAA)
Salary Range: $60,0000 to $70,000
Job Summary:
The Curator of Midwest Archaeology (Curator) is a full-time onsite position within the curatorial department. The person in this role will be a dynamic museum professional with experience in archaeological research, collection management, and curating community centered exhibits. This position reports directly to the Director of Curatorial Affairs, and closely collaborates with the Executive Director and the learning and community engagement, external communications, research, and development departments. This position will work closely with faculty and students and must be skilled at establishing sustainable relationships with diverse communities impacted by the complex colonial legacies of academia and museums, and the IU Bloomington community and beyond. The Curator will also support diverse researchers and process requests focused on archaeological findings in the American Midwest, including the Angel Mounds State Historic Site in southwestern Indiana.
The position is responsible for the intellectual content of the archaeological collections in partnership with collections staff; cultivating opportunities for collections research, engagement, and exhibitions; fostering community partnerships; and working in collaboration with the IU NAGPRA team. The Curator will research, curate, develop, and implement exhibition experiences and research that innovatively engage communities in a thoughtful, creative, and culturally conscious way.
Responsibilities:
- Work to ensure collections are interpreted inclusively with multiple voices, focused on community authorship and perspectives, and prioritizing descendant communities/Indigenous knowledge and protocols
- Work with curatorial and exhibition staff, descendent communities, and other collaborators on the planning and curation of exhibits
- Lead archaeological collections cataloging initiatives including the development of artifact description protocols and vocabulary standards in line with contemporary archaeological thought.
- Direct the building and reorganization of reference collections to improve access and use.
- Write collection summaries and identify collections for priority research and conservation efforts.
- Initiate, develop, and direct original research projects in conjunction with Director of Curatorial Affairs and in partnership with the Associate Director of Research, focused primarily on IUMAA’s archaeological collections, to advance understanding of Indiana history and the history of Indigenous cultures, past and present.
- Communicate research through peer reviewed publications, conference presentations, exhibits, social media, public talks, etc.
- Supervise graduate fellows and student support staff with research and curation projects, presentations, honors theses, and exhibits.
- Partner with Collection Manager in stewardship of Federal, State, and other reposited collections.
- Evaluate gift considerations and steward ethical acquisitions following IUMAA’s Collection Policy.
- Actively participate in grant-writing and other fund-raising to support archaeological research and curation.
- Review research requests in collaboration with Associate Director of Research.
- Work in coordination with collections staff and IU NAGPRA team on compliance efforts.
- Act as ambassador to academic departments and to the broader IU and Bloomington communities.
- Cultivate support for exhibitions, galleries, programs, symposia, acquisitions, research grants, and fellowships through association with professional organizations, foundations, collectors, and donors.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Master’s degree in anthropology, Indigenous studies, history, or related fields with a focus on Midwest archaeology preferred
- 3 years of experience with research and curatorial work related to archaeology and Indigenous collections.
- 2 years of experience related to descendent community, NAGPRA consultations, and/or shared-stewardship practices.
- Broad knowledge of archaeological materials and understanding of the importance of material culture to people past and present
- Experience in assisting with culturally complex, sensitive, or confidential projects – including a demonstrated ability to listen and deal empathetically with a wide range of people and cultural groups.
- Understanding of equity, inclusion, access, and racial/culturally just practices within museums, archives, and libraries.
- Demonstrated understanding of the colonial legacy of universities, museums, anthropology and the complexity of colonization’s impact on Black, Indigenous, and communities of color (domestic and international).
- Expert knowledge sufficient to identify and contextualize archaeological materials with an emphasis or desire to focus research on the archaeology of the American Midwest
- Ability to obtain Qualified Professional credentials from the state of Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology
- Working knowledge of cultural resource laws and best practices
- Experience with materials science microscopy, 3D imaging, or other advanced analytical techniques.
- Excellent verbal and writing skills with ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and the public across multiple disciplines
- Excellent analytical and creative problem-solving skills
- Strong organizational skills including project planning and management.
- Skills and experience using digital technologies, including internet and media platforms
Working conditions/demands:
This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work and periods of time moving around an office environment and campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.
Specialized equipment might include laboratory and field equipment including various microscopes, pXRF, RTK, magnetic gradiometer, and ground penetrating radar. Specialized software might include ArcGIS, TerraSurveyor, Filemaker Pro, and the Adobe Creative Suite.
Directions on how to apply:
1. Non-IU employees should click on the first link below to access the careers site; current IU employees should click on the second link below.
2. Review the job description and then click on “Apply for Job” to begin your application.
3. Non-IU employees will need to sign in to access your account. If you do not already have an account, click on “Register Now” to create an account.
4. Current IU employees will be recognized through CAS Authorization.
5. Complete the application process.
If you are NOT an IU employee currently, please use the following link:
https://hrms.indiana.edu/psp/PH1PRD_PUB/EMPLOYEE/HRMS_PUB/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_ CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&SiteId=1&FOCUS=Applicant& JobOpeningId=312622&PostingSeq=1
Current IU employees should use this link:
https://hrms.iu.edu/psp/PH1PRD/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP_FL.HRS_CG_SEAR CH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Employee&SiteId=1&JobOpeni ngId=312622&PostingSeq=1
Categories: Job Postings