Career Center

The Department of Anthropology at Texas A&M University seeks to fill a postdoctoral scholar position dedicated to the systematic assessment of all archaeological, biological, and cultural anthropology research collections currently held by the Anthropology Research Collections (ARC).

The Department of Anthropology and the Anthropology Research Collections are committed to active compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), to building indigenous partnerships, and to the repatriation of Native American Ancestors and cultural belongings. This includes continuous engagement with tribal partners and the National NAGPRA program to facilitate meaningful consultation, including seeking, discussing, and considering carefully the views of others, in a manner that is cognizant of all parties’ cultural values and, where feasible, achieving agreement for cultural affiliation and repatriation.

The purpose of this position is to achieve the clear and definitive identification of any partial/fragmentary human remains, associated grave-goods, or objects of cultural patrimony that may persist unidentified within  archaeological collections curated by the Department of Anthropology. 

Responsibilities: The postdoctoral scholar must be able to (1) sort faunal collections and make species-specific identifications as needed - discerning faunal from ancestral human remains; (2) create culturally appropriate storage in accordance with Federal curation regulations (36 CFR Part 79) for the proper care and management of ancestral human remains and cultural objects; and, (3) contribute to federally mandated consultation to resolve cultural affiliation and repatriate ancestral remains and funerary objects. Critically, this position requires the careful and appropriate handling of sensitive information, cultural belongings, and ancestral human remains.

The appointment will be for one year with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory job performance. This is a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure-accruing position, with a competitive salary. Review of applications will begin June 30, 2023, and the position will remain open until filled. The earliest anticipated start date is September 1, 2023.

Application materials should include: a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and names and contact details of three references. Application materials should be submitted through Workday at the following link: NAGPRA Compliance Assistant. Any questions can be directed to Darryl de Ruiter (deruiter@tamu.edu).

Minimum required qualifications: PhD in Anthropology or Archaeology, and at least three years of experience in identification, care, analysis, and inventory of human osteological collections.

Preferred qualifications: Experience managing and updating an inventory of osteological collections for NAGPRA compliance. Evidence of a working knowledge of NAGPRA regulations and their implementation. Ability and willingness to understand cultural history, Native American archaeological sites, and associated collections of Texas from academic/scientific and Indigenous perspectives. Experience in collections care and management informed by museum standards and Indigenous perspectives. Familiarity and experience with tribal nations of North America, and ability to successfully navigate interactions requiring collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and confidentiality. Ability to successfully secure grant funding for NAGPRA compliance. Evidence of strong leadership and organizational skills. Evidence of effective written and verbal communication. Experience with database management.