NAGPRA Collections Researcher

Job Description :

The NAGPRA Collections Researcher will produce research documentation and analysis of Indigenous material culture within the Washington and Lee Universitys collections to contribute to the responsible management of these materials and assist in advancing the Universitys compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The researcher will report to the Associate Dean of Administrative Affairs for the College.

This is a full-time fixed-term benefit eligible position with an appointment term of one year. There is a possibility of fixed-term renewal based upon programmatic needs and performance.

Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn work and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Visit to learn more about working at W&L our benefits the W&L community and living in the area.

Essential Functions :

Identify and assess Indigenous material culture situating objects within appropriate geographic cultural and chronological contexts through analysis of materials forms styles and related archival documentation.

Work closely with an external NAGPRA consulting group to develop compliance documents and prepare federally compliant inventories summaries and notices.

Foster respectful and ongoing relationships with Tribal Nations through consultation communication and collaboration in all stages of NAGPRA-related activities.

Coordinate logistics for consultation visits including scheduling documentation and access to collections.

Develop and maintain accurate documentation of NAGPRA-related research inventories and consultation records in accordance with federal and institutional standards.

Assist in developing duty-of-care standards for the collection in consultation with Tribal representatives and the Universitys NAGPRA consultants.

Collaborate with institutional stakeholders including the University Collections of Art and History Special Collections and Archives the Office of General Counsel and the Provosts Office to ensure coordinated and compliant practices.

Contribute to educational initiatives and public programming that raise awareness of NAGPRA Indigenous heritage and ethical stewardship.

May support the formation of a NAGPRA review committee and assist in preparing federal grant applications related to NAGPRA repatriation.

Related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications :

A bachelors degree is required. Masters or PhD in Anthropology Archeology History Museum Studies Sociology or a related field is preferred.

Experience working with archival museum archeological or similar collections including locating and analyzing historical documents and working with culturally relevant artifacts. Three or more years of such experience is desirable.

Familiarity with NAGPRA processes and federal regulations (43 CFR 10) strongly preferred.

Knowledge of Indigenous material culture archaeology and artifact typologies with the ability to identify and contextualize cultural objects is preferred.

Experience working collaboratively with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities or experience from which a similar skillset is derived.

Strong organizational analytical and writing skills.

Experience or training in archival practices including organizing paper and digital records. Digitation skills. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite

Ability to work effectively across multiple environments including archives museum collections and field settings.

Valid drivers license and ability to travel occasionally.

Application Instructions :

Review of applications will begin in mid-January 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Required materials include :

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Application instructions for internal and external candidates can be found at Requirements :

Working Conditions : The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Types of Work : Medium work : Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and / or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and / or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects

Position Type :

Exempt Full Time Benefit Eligible - Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Minimum Pay :

$57908.00 - Pay Commensurate with Experience

Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seekingcandidates committed to high standards of scholarship performance professionalism and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative but not allinclusive of the knowledge skill and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Key Skills

Intelligence Community Experience,Python,Spss,Microsoft Word,R,Regression Analysis,Windows,Stata,Microsoft Powerpoint,Research Experience,Data Modeling,Writing Skills

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1