The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) seeks a Curator to build an interdisciplinary program of Southern California archaeology related, but not limited, to historical ecology, environmental archaeology, material sourcing, trade and economics, or material culture. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in an anthropological discipline, a record of outstanding research and publications, excellent communication skills, a talent for collaboration across disciplines, and an enthusiasm and commitment to engage the public and stakeholders through his/her work.
The NHM, the largest natural history museum west of the Mississippi, houses important archaeological holdings from North and South America as well as significant cultural-anthropological collections from North America, the Pacific, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Our extensive archaeological collections include over 75,000 artifacts and related documentation from the California Channel Islands, particularly from San Clemente and San Miguel Islands, and the Southern California mainland, including Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties. Combined, these collections offer a unique opportunity for a broad array of research and public programs. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing a dynamic research program to build a growing scientific and public profile, overseeing the expansion, curation, accessibility, and use of our important anthropological collections, maintaining and strengthening the NHM’s presence in key professional, governmental, and community networks, administering all NAGPRA-related procedures, and establishing active internal NHM collaborations.
The Curator will be expected to publish scholarly papers in peer-reviewed journals, foster relationships with regional Native American communities and constituencies, develop collaborations with local universities, mentor students and postdoctoral fellows, and sustain active research through grants and/or funding from other external sources. Experience in collections management would be an advantage, as well as demonstrating an interest in creative ways of engaging the public in research (e.g., citizen science). The candidate must have the vision and capability to build a research program that can be integrated within the NHM’s ongoing efforts to document and interpret biotic responses to climate change, human activities, and urbanization. He/she will be expected to oversee staff and supervise the NHM’s anthropology programs, including collections development, maintenance, and growth through fieldwork. The Curator is also expected to actively participate in a broad range of museum activities, such as exhibits, education, outreach, training of educators, and public communications including, but not limited to, media interactions and fundraising.
This is a full-time position with a salary and title commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits.
The mission of the NHM is to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. The Museum’s vision is to inspire the widest possible audience to enjoy, value, and become stewards of the Earth.
Application deadline is December 15th, 2016. Applicants should send a cover letter, research and vision statement, curriculum vitae, salary history, and the full contact information of at least three professional references to thayden@nhm.org, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please, No Phone Calls or Fax.