Department: Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Rank: Research Assistant, Research Associate
Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

May 25, 2026; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit a current CV and cover letter addressing your experience in archaeological research leadership, cultural resource management (CRM) and regulatory expertise, and project and financial management, along with a brief statement of your vision for the division.

Review of applications will begin on May 25, 2026. To ensure consideration, please submit application materials by that date.

Department Summary

As an essential partner in the University’s educational, research, and public service mission, the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History (MNCH) enhances knowledge of Earth’s environments and cultures, inspiring stewardship of our collective past, present, and future.

The museum is a center of interdisciplinary research and education, serving the State of Oregon, the University of Oregon, Native American Tribes, the research community, K-12 students and teachers, and the wider public in Oregon and beyond.

An established engine of archaeological research in the American West, the museum’s Archaeological Research Division works across the state on dozens of archaeological projects each year. The MNCH is also the State of Oregon’s official repository for publicly owned collections and home to hundreds of thousands of ethnographic and archaeological objects, fossils, and biological specimens from Oregon and around the world.

The museum annually welcomes more than 30,000 visitors and serves another 20,000 Oregonians through its statewide educational programs. A winner of the 2018 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, distinguishing it as one of the very best museums in the nation.

The Museum employs a staff of approximately 40 faculty, researchers, classified, administrative, and student employees across several facilities on the University of Oregon, Eugene campus. Annual expenditures are about $3 million, from dozens of funding sources and allocated among a variety of projects across four museum divisions.

Position Summary

The Director of Archaeological Research leads a transdisciplinary team of archaeologists and historic preservationists who conduct survey, excavation, data analysis, and reporting for state and federal agencies and a variety of public entities and private firms. The director is responsible for strategic planning and all aspects of project management including sponsor development, project proposal development, research design, data analysis, reporting, and publication. The Research Division’s sponsored project portfolio routinely includes sixty to eighty concurrent contracts, requiring careful prioritization, sponsor communication, and budgetary and capacity oversight.

The director actively participates in research dissemination and publication through peer reviewed journals, book chapters, professional conferences, university lectures, and other public presentations. The director collaborates with international, national, and regional research groups and universities; across multidisciplinary UO departments, and with other museum units.

The director is responsible for assigning and reviewing the work of all project leaders in the research division including deputy directors (2), operations manager (1), research associates (5-7) and research assistants (3-5). This position reports to the Executive Director.

This is a funding contingent career research faculty position. Depending on the experience and expertise of the successful candidate, this position may be hired at the rank of research assistant Type C, research associate, senior research associate I, or senior research associate II.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the research assistant Type C rank:
• A masters degree in archaeology, anthropology, or related field.
• Four years of experience in fieldwork, analysis, and/or research labs.

To be considered for the research associate rank:
• A Terminal degree in archaeology, anthropology, or related field.
• Four years of experience in fieldwork, analysis, and/or research labs.

To be considered for the senior research associate I rank:
• A terminal degree in archaeology, anthropology, or related field.
• Six years of relevant experience post terminal degree, four years of which must include fieldwork, analysis, and/or research lab experience.

To be considered for the senior research associate II rank:
• A terminal degree in archaeology, anthropology, or related field.
• Twelve years of relevant experience post terminal degree, four years of which must include fieldwork, analysis, and/or research lab experience.

Professional Competencies

• In depth knowledge of archaeology and cultural resource management (CRM) legislation and process in Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and Great Basin
• Ability to conduct archaeological projects in Oregon (Permitted by the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO))
• Ability to prioritize and communicate across multiple projects
• Ability to lead a diverse team with varied areas of expertise
• Knowledge of CRM policies of state and federal agencies
• Demonstrated knowledge of GIS information management in ArcGIS
• Excellent writing skills for proposal development and publication
• Ability to coordinate with the Oregon SHPO, state and federal agencies and Native American Tribes in Oregon

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to manage a demanding portfolio
• Experience publishing research results in high profile publications
• Experience collaborating with progressive scholars across multiple related fields

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

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