Assistant Research Professor – Curator of Collections

The School of Human Evolution and Social Change (SHESC) at Arizona State University (https://shesc.asu.edu/) invites applications for a full-time, fiscal-year appointment as Curator of Collections at the academic rank of Assistant Research Professor.  We seek applicants with applied experience and theoretical knowledge of current collections-management approaches, museum experience, engagement with tribal communities and experience with NAGPRA compliance. Anticipated start date is July 1, 2022.  This appointment will be renewable on an annual basis and will not be eligible for tenure consideration.   

As curator for SHESC’s anthropology collections (https://shesc.asu.edu/research/collections), the successful candidate works with archaeological, bioarchaeological, and ethnographic materials located at the Alameda Repository and other ASU facilities. The position manages the curation and use of collections in exhibits and other educational and outreach programs for the School and cooperates with various centers within the School, such as the Center for Archaeology and Society, the Center for Bioarchaeological Research, the Center for Global Health, and the Teotihuacan Research Facility. These duties involve applying contemporary collections practices for large and diverse collections, consultation on interdisciplinary research projects involving collections, advancing the School’s engagement with local communities,  and supervising staff.

Initial deadline for complete applications is January 22, 2022.

Information about the School can be found at http://shesc.asu.edu. SHESC is a global leader in transdisciplinary social science research, providing many opportunities for the successful applicant to engage with a world-renowned, collaborative research and teaching environment. For example, the School collaborates extensively with ASU’s Institute of Human Origins (http://iho.asu.edu), the Center for Evolution and Medicine (https://evmed.asu.edu), and the Center for Global Health (https://shesc.asu.edu/degrees/global-health).  Opportunities for the curator to conduct collaborative research are considerable.

The College values our cultural and intellectual diversity, and continually strives to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment. We are especially interested in applicants who can strengthen the diversity of the academic community.

Minimum qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology, Museum Studies, or a related field by time of appointment.
• Previous experience in managing museum or institutional collections, using collections practices informed by contemporary approaches to archaeological collections management.
• Knowledge of and research interests in central Arizona and the broader U.S. Southwest.
• Knowledge and experience in working directly with Indigenous communities and tribal organizations to develop plans for the use and management of archaeological collections.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience as a director of collections  or collections curator, including administration and grant leadership, within an academic, cultural resource management, museum, or institutional collections-management setting.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating with multiple stakeholders on diverse projects and tasks, with knowledge of planning, budgeting, and implementation of projects.
• Experience with NAGPRA and consultative research.
• Knowledge and experience of database management
• Ability to work with students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Candidates are expected to demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of and commitment to challenging and disrupting harmful and unethical historical scholarly practices relevant to archaeological stewardship
• Demonstrated potential to meet the needs of diverse student populations and/or reach out to diverse communities

To apply, please submit application materials electronically to http://apply.interfolio.com/100142.  Required materials include 1) a letter of application, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) a statement addressing how your past and/or potential contributions to diversity and inclusion will advance ASU’s commitment to inclusive excellence and 4) contact information for three references. Please make sure your last name appears in each uploaded file name. Please address your cover letter to Dr. Matthew Peeples, Search Committee Chair.