Post Doctoral Scholar

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Job Title:

Post Doctoral Scholar

Department:

Arts and Sciences | Anthropology

The Department of Anthropology at The Ohio State University seeks a bioarchaeologist for a one-year Post Doctoral Scholar position to oversee the department’s Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) efforts and the curation of its anatomical skeletal collection. The department is committed to engaging with Native American and Ohio institutions overseeing ancestral skeletal collections to implement NAGPRA for the archaeological collections housed in the Department. The department holds a small collection of legacy archaeological materials from Midwestern sites, which are currently being prepared for NAGPRA compliance.

This Post Doctoral Scholar will receive professional development and mentoring to advance their research agenda, as well as training in teaching, including experiential learning and online pedagogy. The scholar and faculty supervisor will set clear annual milestones, with the expectation that the scholar will advance their career during the appointment. The start date is August 1, 2025, although an earlier start date can be negotiated.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the Department’s NAGPRA Efforts: Oversee and coordinate all activities related to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) within the Department.
• Inventory and Analyze Human Remains: Conduct a thorough inventory and detailed analysis of anatomical and archaeological human remains housed in the Department.
• Inventory Objects Associated with Funerary Contexts: Catalog and examine objects associated with funerary contexts within the collections, as needed.
• Determine Cultural Affiliation: Research and identify the cultural affiliation of human remains and associated objects to ensure accurate classification.
• Consult with Native American Tribes: Engage in meaningful consultations with the appropriate Native American tribes to discuss findings and next steps.
• Submit Inventory to the National Park Service: Prepare and submit detailed inventory reports to the National Park Service and Ohio History Connection, as required by NAGPRA regulations.
• Collaborate on Repatriation: Work with Native American tribes to facilitate the repatriation of human remains and associated objects.
• Pursue Independent Research: Develop and conduct independent research projects that align with the fellow’s academic interests and expertise.
• Supervise Undergraduate Interns: Mentor and supervise undergraduate interns working in the Department, providing guidance and support in their academic and professional development.
• Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Anthropology or a closely related field at the time of appointment.
• At least three (3) years of experience in the identification, care, and analysis of human osteological collections, along with an active research agenda. Experience gained as a student can count towards this requirement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Record of research, teaching, and service appropriate to time-since degree.
• Demonstrated interest and experience in collaborative and/or transdisciplinary research.
• Desire and ability to contribute to PhD, MA, and BA programs in Anthropology