A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached with your resume as one file.  The cover letter should summarize your specific interest in the position and outline relevant skills and experience that directly relate to this position. 

As an integral part of the College of Literature, Science and the Arts (LSA), the Museum of Anthropological Archaeology is an international leader in anthropological archaeology research and student training.  The research collections include materials from all over the world including archaeological, ethnobotanical, ethnographic, zooarcheological and archival materials. The collections lead to new research, grants, and to the education of undergraduate and graduate students.  Under the direction of the Museum Director, the Research Collection Manager will provide the daily and long-term care and use of the UMMAA permanent collections.  This will include working with curators, graduate and undergraduate students and volunteers to conduct research, upgrade storage and object conditions, maintain an accurate inventory of the collections, train students in collection management, and provide an avenue of public outreach, tours, presentations and community service.

Information about the Museum is available at: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/ummaa/.

The target salary range for the position is $48,000-57,500.  A higher salary may be possible based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

Collection Management: Responsible for the overall management and care of the collections in UMMAA, including storage, organization, and physical condition preservation.  Oversee the facility environment at our multiple locations; climate monitoring (temperature and relative humidity); integrated pest management; regulate security and access to storage locations; and emergency planning. 

In conjunction with other collection management staff:

• Organize and re-housing of artifacts, plant and animal remains, geological, and radiocarbon samples including both incoming and older collections that are in need of conservation and improved storage.  Plan and physically reorganize storage areas to make room for new collections; advise curators on space availability. 
• Manage the accessioning/deaccessioning of collections and coordinate all cataloguing activities associated with teaching and permanent collections. 
• Create and maintain databases for all aspects of the collections including artifacts and digital collections.  Assist in the continuous improvement of collections records, including both permanent paper file and database records regarding acquisitions, loans, condition reports, and deaccessions. 
• Collection use:  Scheduling and monitoring use of research collections by local researchers and those visiting from other institutions.  Processing internal and external loans and reintegration of loan returns.

Preventive Conservation and Collection Care: Assess and document physical condition, recommend future treatment, propose improvements to storage, and evaluate risk factors for the Museum’s permanent collections of approximately 3 million objects.  The incumbent will be required to accurately and succinctly identify object condition concerns across various material types (including objects, textiles, metal, and paper), recommend appropriate action, and assist with implementation. 

Collection Planning/Policies: Collaborates on the development and implementation of operating policies and procedures related to the care of collections and compliance with associated regulations.  Ensure unit is in compliance for required permitting.  In conjunction with other collection management staff, ensure all Museum constituents are trained and up-to-date on Museum policies/procedures.  Conducts and maintains periodic reconciliation and physical inventory of the collections.  Oversee collection valuation and insurance coverage process and act as liaison with Risk Management to ensure appropriate coverage of the collections is maintained. 

Educational activities – Ongoing work with faculty curators, students, and counterparts in other units to plan projects using collections and facilitate use of collections in teaching.

Grant writing and research. Investigate possible grant support opportunities and write grants to improve physical condition, storage and housing of materials. Research and evaluate proper housing, conservation treatments and up-to-date museum practices that are vital to the overall care and use of the museum collections.

Direct supervision, mentoring and professional development of student temporaries and volunteers.

Minimum of a Master's degree in an appropriate field (museum studies, anthropology/archaeology, or conservation) and 3-5 years of collection management and preventative conservation collection care experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Expertise in standard museum registration practices including cataloguing, conservation and storage practices. Prior experience in relational database management is essential. Candidate must have broad understanding of museum collection activities including cataloguing, permits, integrated pest management, storage practices, and professional museum standards and best practices.

Ability to be flexible and work collaboratively in a team environment. Excellent organizational skills and communication skills and the ability to effectively prioritize tasks. Some moving and transporting of materials and objects that could weigh up to 50 lbs, including the storage of these items at heights that require the use of a step stool or ladder.

Familiarity with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individuals assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skill required.

The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitments to serve the diverse people of Michigan, fulfill the College’s Guiding Principles, and sustain the excellence of LSA.  

To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion visit http://lsa.umich.edu/lsa/about/diversity--equity-and-inclusion.html

To learn more about LSA’s Guiding Principles visit http://lsa.umich.edu/lsa/faculty-staff/human-resources/lsa-staff-guiding-principles.html

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.  The University of Michigan is committed to foster learning, creativity and productivity, and to support the vigorous exchange of ideas and information, not only in the classroom but in the workplace by: 

• Creating a work environment in which people treat each other with respect and dignity, regardless of roles, responsibilities or differences. 
• Providing support, direction and resources enabling us to accomplish the responsibilities of our jobs and to reach the goals that are set for professional and personal growth.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.