Collections Assistant, Osteology

Submitted: 06/03/2025
Submitted By: Sandy Lujan
Department: Osteology
Institution: Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
Job type: Staff
Apply by: 06/30/2025
Application Email:
Application URL: https://unm.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/18/home/requisition/33523?c=unm

The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology (MMA) at the University of New Mexico (UNM) seeks a NAGPRA Collections Associate (Osteology) to assist the Senior Collections Manager of Human Osteology in all aspects of osteological collections care and management tasks related to ensuring the Museum’s compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). We seek a dedicated professional with knowledge or education in the field of physical or biological anthropology with relevant experience in human osteology and familiarity with NAGPRA regulations and adherence.

We seek an experienced, forward-thinking, collegial museum professional to work collaboratively to serve the Museum’s mission of “working towards greater understandings of the fullness of human experiences in the Southwest and the world” and vision of “restoring voices, reconciling injustices, and realizing community.” Founded in 1932, the Maxwell Museum holds large anthropological collections in four collecting divisions (archaeology, ethnology, osteology, and archives), with noted strengths in scholarship and research in the US Southwest. In addition to dedicated work towards NAGPRA repatriations, the UNM Laboratory of Human Osteology is an active center of research and teaching, maintains a body donor program, and collaborates with the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator.

The Museum is strongly committed to: fulfilling the ethical and legal requirements of NAGPRA; fostering strong collaborative relationships with Native American communities; the respectful curation of Indigenous cultural collections; and the repatriation of ancestral human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony as specified in 43 CFR Part 10. The successful candidate will join a dedicated team of collection professionals working to document and care for collections, build collaborations with source and descendent communities, and support an active program of NAGPRA consultations
Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Senior Collections Manager for Human Osteology, the NAGPRA Collections Associate in Osteology’s primary duties will include activities to document and prepare Osteology collections and records for consultation with Native American communities. Responsibilities will include reviewing museum records and archival materials; updating database records; assisting with compiling information to respond to collection queries and requests for information from Native American representatives; rehousing human remains (and other collections care activities) as directed by Tribes through consultations; and tracking and maintaining records of laboratory and collection activities. As time allows, will assist Senior Collection Manager of Osteology in other tasks related to all aspects of osteological collections care.

In addition to the primary work of supporting NAGPRA efforts for Osteology collections, the NAGPRA Collection Associate’s (Osteology) will also support the Museum’s general NAGPRA efforts by providing assistance to the Museum’s NAGPRA Coordinator, such as researching collection records; providing database support; and assisting with preparations for consultations and repatriations.

Applicants should be aware that this position requires handling and interacting with Ancestors and culturally sensitive objects. The majority of work hours will be spent in the Museum’s Laboratory of Human Osteology. This is a full-time, 4-year term position, with possibility for renewal.

Duties and Responsibilities:

-Assist the Senior Collections Manager for Human Osteology in the review and research of museum collections records and materials to support the Museum’s compliance with NAGPRA. Compile, interpret, and synthesize information from museum records, previous NAGPRA summaries, archival documentation, and other sources to address inquiries from and prepare lists and reports for museum staff and Tribal representatives.

-Complete collection management tasks for the respectful care and curation of Native American cultural collections, according to consultation with Tribal representatives.

-Independently complete accurate human osteological inventories following established guidelines and in compliance with instructions and approvals from Tribal representatives.

-Update and maintain records and information in the Museum’s Collective Access database based on documentation, consultation, and review of collection materials. Track collection use via established databases, protocols, and processes. Assist with digitizing and maintaining laboratory records.

-Ensure the rules, protocols, and processes for the lab and collection materials are understood, followed, and enforced. Monitor laboratory spaces for compliance with UNM’s Environmental Health and Safety standards and guidelines for laboratory safety.

-Assist the Museum’s NAGPRA Coordinator with tasks related to consultation, communication, documentation, and other related activities.

-Other duties as assigned to support the work of the Laboratory of Human Osteology and other Museum divisions.

****The final salary for this position is dependent upon total Education and Experience****

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:
-Direct NAGPRA experience desired
– Knowledge of the sovereign nations, tribal areas, and histories of the US Southwest a plus.
-Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills. Ability to review records, gather data, synthesize/interpret information, and prepare reports.
-Proven ability to navigate highly sensitive and confidential issues and to act with a high degree of cultural sensitivity.
-Ability to respectfully engage with diverse communities and communicate necessary information under pressure and/or in high-emotion situations.
-Demonstrated computer proficiency, including experience utilizing museum collections databases, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro, scanning software and equipment, and anthropological/biological profile software.
-Experience working collaboratively as part of a team of diverse professionals to achieve a common goal. Ability to work independently to complete assigned objectives.
-Experience working on a variety of tasks, meeting deadlines, and demonstrated attention to detail.