Anthropologist (Osteology)

About the Role and Institution

The Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum, education, and research complex worldwide, invites applicants to join the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) in Suitland, MD. NMNH is devoted to enhancing understanding of the natural world, housing 148 million specimens and artifacts that chronicle Earth's history.

This position is a full-time, two-year Trust Fund appointment located in Suitland, MD, focusing on the International Repatriation and Domestic Returns (IRDR) Program within the Department of Anthropology. Trust Fund roles are funded from various sources including endowments, grants, and donations, separate from federal civil service, and offer a comprehensive benefits package.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical support and conduct detailed biological profile assessments of human skeletal remains including age, sex, ancestry, pathology, trauma, and postmortem alterations.
• Perform advanced analyses to assist in determining biological ancestry relevant to repatriation efforts.
• Produce thorough technical reports and scientific interpretations situating osteological findings within historical, archaeological, and cultural frameworks.
• Collaborate with Anthropology Department staff to manage and standardize data collection and dissemination related to human remains considered for repatriation or return.
• Oversee data capture programs for human remains, ensuring compliance with institutional policies on data collection, maintenance, and collaborative use.
• Engage with descendant communities, international partners, and the scientific community to promote transparency and cooperation.

Candidate Qualifications

Applicants must have completed at least a bachelor's degree including 24 semester hours in anthropology, history, biology, physical science, geology, human geography, or related fields concerning human adaptation or evolutionary development.

Additionally, candidates must possess a master's degree in anthropology or a closely related field and have 5-7 years of relevant professional experience demonstrating:

• Expertise in biological anthropology with an emphasis on human skeletal biology, osteometrics, paleopathology, skeletal demography, collections documentation, and repatriation practices.
• Extensive knowledge of museum collections management principles, including curation, preservation, documentation, and stewardship of human remains.
• Understanding of repatriation policies, legal frameworks, ethical standards, and international regulations governing human remains identification and return.
• Proficiency in data management systems, quality control, and standards for biological information capture and dissemination.
• Ability to conduct scientific research and communicate complex findings effectively through reports and presentations to diverse audiences including scientists, leadership, and descendant groups.
• Demonstrated supervisory skills guiding and reviewing team work for technical soundness and alignment with program objectives.

Working Conditions and Requirements

• Position subject to pre-employment background checks and probationary period.
• Must maintain direct deposit banking for salary transfer.
• Work involves prolonged standing, frequent bending, reaching, and lifting up to 40 pounds; use of carts, ladders, and handling of chemicals under proper safety protocols is required.
• Work primarily occurs in laboratory or collection environments, with occasional fieldwork.
• Open to all candidates legally eligible to work in the United States; proof of eligibility is not required at application.

Additional Information

Resumes must detail relevant paid or unpaid experience with dates and average weekly hours. Applicants educated abroad must provide equivalent U.S. credential evaluations. False application statements may lead to rejection or termination.

The Smithsonian Institution is committed to equal opportunity employment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $102,415 to $133,142.