Director of Archaeological Research Division
Listed on 2026-05-26
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Research/Development
Research Scientist, Academic, Research Analyst
Director of Archaeological Research Division
Department: Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Rank: Research Assistant, Research Associate
Annual Basis: 12 Month
Salary: $100,000 - $115,000 per year (updated)
Review of Applications Begins: May 25, 2026; position open until filled
Special Instructions to ApplicantsApplications must include a current CV and a cover letter addressing 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.
Department SummaryThe 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.
As an established engine of archaeological research in the American West, the museum’s Archaeological Research Division works across the state on dozens of projects each year. 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.
The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and won the 2018 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
The museum employs about 40 staff across several facilities on the University of Oregon campus. Annual expenditures are about $3 million from various funding sources.
Position SummaryThe Director 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 division’s sponsored portfolio routinely includes sixty to eighty concurrent contracts, requiring 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 assigns and reviews the work of all project leaders in the research division, including deputy directors (2), an 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. The rank will be based on the experience and expertise of the successful candidate: research assistant Type C, research associate, senior research associate I, or senior research associate II.
Minimum Requirements- Research Assistant Type C:
- A master’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, or related field.
- Four years of experience in fieldwork, analysis, and/or research labs.
- Research Associate:
- A terminal degree in archaeology, anthropology, or related field.
- Four years of experience in fieldwork, analysis, and/or research labs.
- Senior Research Associate I:
- A terminal degree in archaeology, anthropology, or related field.
- Six years of relevant experience post‑terminal degree, including four years of fieldwork, analysis, and/or research lab experience.
- Senior Research Associate II:
- A terminal degree in archaeology, anthropology, or related field.
- Twelve years of relevant experience post‑terminal degree, including four years of fieldwork, analysis, and/or…
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