Research Collection Director

The Office of the State Archaeologist of Iowa (OSA) is seeking a Research Collections Director (RCD) to manage the State Archaeological Repository of Iowa, a core aspect of the OSA facility and its research and engagement programs. The repository contains an estimated 4,000,000 objects from 11,000 archaeological sites in Iowa. The RCD works closely with the State Archaeologist and Associate Director to facilitate access to collections and associated data for OSA research staff, UI faculty and students, visiting researchers, and Tribal and other descendant group representatives. The RCD oversees all aspects of the organization, processing, documentation, care, conservation, and storage of accessioned materials. The RCD collaborates closely with the OSA Archivist in the care and management of written documents, maps, and photos (and their digital versions) associated with the archaeological collections.  The RCD coordinates with OSA Research Directors and visiting researchers to allocate laboratory space.  This position requires the ability to lift 50 pounds and utilize ladders to reach shelves up to 10 feet in height, box making, hand tool, and power tool skills.

Position Status:  3 Year Specified Term

For additional information and a detailed job description, please visit the departmental website at:
https://research.uiowa.edu/office-vice-president-research/open-positions

About the Office of the State Archaeologist of Iowa (OSA)

The Office of the State Archaeologist of Iowa (OSA) reports to the Vice President for Research at the University of Iowa (Iowa City, Iowa), centrally located less than five hours from Chicago, St. Louis, Omaha, and Minneapolis. For over 60 years, the OSA has studied and documented Iowa’s archaeological heritage. OSA incorporates that knowledge in its programs to protect, preserve, and interpret these irreplaceable and nonrenewable resources within the context of Iowa’s need to encourage and promote sustainable development. Learn more at https://archaeology.uiowa.edu/.

Qualifications:

Education or Equivalency Required
A Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, museum studies or closely related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Required Qualifications

• Appropriate (typically 1-3 years) supervisory experience in curation and collections management in an academic and cultural resource management archaeology research environment.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities under minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with Windows Office programs especially Access, Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Experience with high resolution digital photography of artifacts.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and public education and outreach.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and respectful manner while appreciating the unique contribution of an inclusive workforce that brings together the talents of people across multiple identities.

Highly Desirable Qualifications

• A. or M.S. degree in anthropology, archaeology, museum studies or closely related field.
• 3-5 years supervisory experience in curation and collections management.

Desirable Qualifications

• More than 5 years of supervisory experience in curation and collections management.
• Working knowledge of State and Federal curation regulations applicable to cultural resource management archaeology.
• Demonstrated experience working on collections-related issues with Tribal or other descendant group representatives interested in archaeological material culture.
• Experience as a Midwestern or Plains North American archaeologist with research interests that complements that of OSA staff.
• Experience with high resolution 3D artifact scanning.
• Record of obtaining funding to support collections management needs.
• Record of publications and active participation in professional societies.
• D. degree in archaeology or closely related field with collections emphasis.