Part-Time Student Ethnographic Collections Assistant, IUMAA

IU MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY & ANT (BL-MAA-IUBLA)

The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology cares for the collections of the former Glenn Black Laboratory of Archaeology and the Mathers Museum of World Cultures. The diverse collections in our care relate to dynamic societies from around the world and contain over five million objects of cultural heritage and archaeological significance. The Museum tells the human stories behind these objects and uplifts the source and descendant communities connected to them, providing a gateway to the rich cultural heritage of humanity right from the heart of IU Bloomington's campus.

The Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (IUMAA) is seeking motivated and detail-oriented undergraduate/graduate students to join our ethnography collections team as Collection Assistants. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in cultural heritage, museum careers, or applied research. All training is provided, and no prior museum experience is necessary.

• Provides on-the-job training and hands‑on experience in museum collections management, conservation, and documentation, following best practices established in combination with community led stewardship and culturally sensitive protocols.
• Assists with inventory and cataloging objects using the museum's collections database (File Maker Pro).
• Learns proper object handling techniques and follow conservation standards when working with sensitive materials.
• Performs basic preventive conservation tasks, such as condition checks, cleaning, and rehousing with archival materials.
• Photographs objects and update digital records for access, research, and exhibits.
• Supports ongoing collections-based projects, including exhibitions, research requests, and NAGPRA-related documentation.
• Participates in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and environmental monitoring.
• Maintains clear, accurate notes and workspace organization in a team environment.

Required

• Currently IU undergraduate or graduate student in Anthropology, Folklore and Ethnomusicology, Curatorship, Art History, Arts Administration, Archaeology, History, Information and Library Science or a related field

Required

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data entry, recordkeeping, and documentation.
• Ability to handle museum collections and cultural materials with care and professionalism.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to follow established procedures, conservation standards, and object-handling guidelines.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain clear, accurate, and detailed records.
• Ability to learn and use collections management databases and other technology platforms.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism when working with collections and documentation.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.

• Experience working with museum, archival, library, or special collections materials.
• Familiarity with collections management databases such as File Maker Pro or similar systems.
• Knowledge of museum best practices, preventive conservation, and object handling techniques.
• Experience with digital photography and image documentation.
• Familiarity with archival storage materials and preservation methods.
  
  Knowledge of Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) principles and documentation processes.
• Experience conducting research and organizing information for exhibitions, collections, or academic projects.
• Interest in museum studies, collections management, cultural heritage preservation, or related fields.

This position involves frequent use of computers and collections databases, attention to detail when documenting and examining objects, and adherence to conservation and collections management standards. Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform detailed manual tasks, as well as occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Must be able to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and communicate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives.

The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

Bloomington, Indiana

$15.00 per hour

Flexible work schedule, between 10 - 18 hours per week.

For full‑time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary…