Curator of Archaeology
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on1900, Curtis Street, Central Business District, Denver, Colorado, 80225, United States
About the Role
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science invites applications for the position of Assistant Curator of Archaeology. This role is designed for a rising star and versatile early-career scholar-practitioner who bridges the gap between traditional curatorial oversight and advanced laboratory archaeological science. You will collaborate with a highly collaborative and outwardly focused team to propel new and existing museum scholarship.
In this position, you will manage the intellectual integrity of the collections while driving research through high-level analytical techniques. Beyond traditional duties, you will lead the institution's archaeological analytical initiatives, utilizing laboratory-based methods to obtain new data from both legacy museum holdings and active field projects. The successful candidate will be a strong communicator with experience in informal education, outreach, and community engagement, helping the Anthropology Department grow its scientific and public impact.
The DMNS Archaeology Collection comprises over 580,000 objects, primarily from the Rocky Mountain and Plains regions, spanning deep time to the modern era. While it includes global materials, its core consists of professionally excavated Paleoindian and Archaic collections from landmark sites like Folsom, Dent, Jones Miller, and Magic Mountain, as well as the significant research opportunities presented with the newly cataloged WS Ranch collection. These holdings serve as a vital resource for multidisciplinary study and 21st-century multi-vocal curation, fostering collaborative relationships with Native American Tribes and source communities to provide robust teaching, outreach, and inclusive scholarship.
We seek a collegial individual, especially from groups traditionally underrepresented in science, who will help the Anthropology Department grow its scientific and public impact.
Hiring Process
Applications must be submitted electronically via the Museum's website by 6:00 p.m. MT on Friday, June 12th. DMNS reserves the right to close the position prior to this date.
A Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of application; current and ABD doctoral students will not be considered. Applications must include a single merged PDF containing:
- A one- to two-page cover letter stating the rationale for interest in this position and how you think you might strengthen the DMNS Anthropology team.
- A one-page statement on your current and future research interests.
- A one-page statement outlining your experience and vision for collections.
- A curriculum vitae that includes dates of conferred degrees and a list of names and contact information of three references.
Please note that due to the high volume of applicants, we are not able to respond to specific inquiries regarding your application status.
Our Culture and Values
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is dedicated to building a culturally diverse staff committed to serving the needs of all our visitors. We love science, and we are curious, creative, and playful. We cultivate relationships with each other, diverse communities, the environment, and for our future. We think critically and act with empathy.
Equal Opportunity
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Work location
Work model: On-site
1900, Curtis Street, Central Business District, Denver, Colorado, 80225, United States
Denver, Colorado
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleDesign and implement research protocols using advanced analytical techniques like XRF and stable isotope analysis
- check_circleOversee excavation projects to ensure sampling strategies align with laboratory analysis requirements
- check_circlePublish and present research findings in scholarly, professional, and public venues
- check_circleEnsure ethical curation, storage, and digitization of archaeological materials according to national standards
- check_circleBuild and sustain long-term relationships with Indigenous and source communities
- check_circleLead provenance research, repatriation, and culturally appropriate access initiatives
- check_circleTranslate complex scientific findings into accessible narratives for exhibits and public lectures
- check_circleMentor interns, fellows, and early-career museum professionals
- check_circleMaintain NAGPRA compliance and adhere to rigorous ethical standards regarding destructive sampling
Requirements
- verifiedPh.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology, Archaeological Science or related field
- verifiedPh.D. must be in hand at time of application
- verifiedMinimum 3 years of supervisory experience in archaeological fieldwork and/or laboratory work
- verifiedProficiency in an analytical sub-discipline of archaeology (paleobotany, zooarchaeology, petrography, etc.)
- verifiedNAGPRA compliance knowledge
Nice to Have
Scholarly productivity including peer-reviewed publications. A record of field, laboratory, and/or collections-based research programs. Experience with extramural grant acquisition and/or private fundraising skills. Experience utilizing and/or curating archaeological collections. Experience with lab equipment. Public speaking ability, including experience with or interest in developing skills in a wide range of science communication styles and media. Expertise in archaeology complementary to those of existing Anthropology Department curators.
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: XRF, X-Ray Fluorescence, Stable Isotope Analysis, Proteomics, Residue Analysis, Ceramic Petrography, Palaeobotanical Methods, Zooarchaeological Methods, Nagpra.
Education: Ph.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology, Archaeological Science or related field required.
Frequently asked questions about Curator of Archaeology at Denver Museum of Nature & Science
What does a Curator of Archaeology at Denver Museum of Nature & Science do?expand_more
In this Curator of Archaeology at Denver Museum of Nature & Science role, you will design and implement research protocols using advanced analytical techniques like xrf and stable isotope analysis; oversee excavation projects to ensure sampling strategies align with laboratory analysis requirements; publish and present research findings in scholarly, professional, and public venues; and ensure ethical curation, storage, and digitization of archaeological materials according to national standards.
What are the requirements for this Curator of Archaeology role?expand_more
Denver Museum of Nature & Science is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Ph.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology, Archaeological Science or related field; Ph.D. must be in hand at time of application; Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience in archaeological fieldwork and/or laboratory work; Proficiency in an analytical sub-discipline of archaeology (paleobotany, zooarchaeology, petrography, etc.); and NAGPRA compliance knowledge.
Where is the Curator of Archaeology role at Denver Museum of Nature & Science located?expand_more
Curator of Archaeology at Denver Museum of Nature & Science is based in 1900, Curtis Street, Central Business District, Denver, Colorado, 80225, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Curator of Archaeology job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Denver Museum of Nature & Science has listed this Curator of Archaeology role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Curator of Archaeology role?expand_more
Curator of Archaeology at Denver Museum of Nature & Science typically requires 3+ years of relevant experience at the mid level level.
What skills do you need for the Curator of Archaeology role at Denver Museum of Nature & Science?expand_more
Key skills for Curator of Archaeology at Denver Museum of Nature & Science include XRF; X-Ray Fluorescence; Stable Isotope Analysis; Proteomics; Residue Analysis; Ceramic Petrography; Palaeobotanical Methods; and Zooarchaeological Methods.
What education is required for Curator of Archaeology at Denver Museum of Nature & Science?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Ph.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology, Archaeological Science or related field required.
What category does the Curator of Archaeology role belong to?expand_more
Curator of Archaeology at Denver Museum of Nature & Science is part of the scientific & qa job category on Recrutus.
About Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science operates within the museums, historical sites, and zoos sector from its headquarters in Denver, Colorado. The organization functions as a catalyst to ignite community passion for nature and science. Its vision centers on fostering an empowered community that loves, understands, and protects the natural world. The institution is built on core values that include a deep love for science, a commitment to curiosity, creativity, and playfulness. It prioritizes cultivating relationships among staff, diverse communities, the environment, and future generations. The museum encourages critical thinking and acts with empathy in all its endeavors. By integrating these principles, the museum serves as a vital resource for residents and visitors seeking to engage with the natural world and scientific discovery.
Browse more roles: All Denver Museum of Nature & Science jobs, scientific & qa jobs on Recrutus.