Part-Time Student Archaeology Collections Assistant, IUMAA
Part-time
Bloomington, IN, USA
USD 15-15 / hour
Posted on Oct 14, 2026
IU MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY & ANT (BL-MAA-IUBLA)
The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (IUMAA ) 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 5 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 Indiana University (IU) Bloomington's campus.
The IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (IUMAA) is seeking an undergraduate or graduate student who is detail-oriented and an effective communicator to join our archaeology staff as a part-time Collections Assistant. This position provides on-the-job training in archaeological collections management and associated lab processes using culturally sensitive protocols based upon the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) regulations.
Department Specific Responsibilities
- Assists the Archaeology Collections Manager in supporting NAGPRA compliance work and other collections management projects.
- Works with the museum's collections database (FileMaker Pro) to inventory, record, and catalog objects.
- Learns proper object handling techniques and follows museum collections standards when working with sensitive materials.
- Documents scanning, archival processing, moving and rehousing collections, photography, inventory, and creating storage mounts for collections as needed.
- Maintains a strong line of communication with the Archaeology Collections Manager and other staff in the Archaeology collections team.
EDUCATION
Required
- Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student at Indiana University pursuing a degree in Anthropology or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Preferred
- Archaeological field school experience.
SKILLS
Required
- Attention to detail, patience, and willingness to learn new procedures.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Preferred
- Experience with databases, record-keeping, and object handling in a museum setting.
- A background in archaeology and/or anthropology.
This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The person in this role must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and use ladders and a hydraulic lift to reach shelves above 6 ft. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus.
The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Bloomington, Indiana
This is an in-person position.
$15.00 per hour
12 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 supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
- Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
- Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
- Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
- 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
- Generous paid time off plans
- Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.
Career Level: Part Time Employee
FLSA: Nonexempt
Job Function: Part Time Employee
Job Family: Part Time Student Employee
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This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
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