Position Number: 41244462

Payroll Title: MUSEUM SCI AST (009724)

Job Code: 009724

Job Open Date: 7/9/26

Application Review Begins: 8/3/26

Department Code (Name): NAGP (UCSB NAGPRA)

Percentage of Time: 100%

Union Code (Name): RX- Research Professionals

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): PSS

Salary Grade: STEPS/Grade 110

Pay Rate/Range:

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $62,640.00 to $74,729.52/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $62,640.00 to $74,729.52/year.

Work Location: Humanities and Social Sciences Building (HSSB), Room 2065

Working Days and Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Department Marketing Statement:

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is a Federal law enacted in 1990 to resolve and restore the rights of Native American lineal descendants and tribes to human remains and cultural items. California NAGPRA state law was introduced in 2001 to aid the Federal NAGPRA and further the process of repatriation. NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA require museums, agencies, and universities that accept Federal funding to consult with Native American tribes regarding the repatriation of human remains and cultural items. UC campuses hold Native American human remains and cultural items subject to NAGPRA. UC Santa Barbara is fully committed to supporting tribes in reclaiming their ancestors and cultural heritage.

Benefits of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Job Duties:

Under the direction of the Repatriation Coordinator, the Research Associate works closely with the Repository’s repatriation team to support projects related to curation and repatriation. Responsibilities include assisting with the inventory and documentation of archaeological collections; conducting research to support tribal consultation, repatriation efforts, and information sharing; and compiling catalogs, reports, and other materials necessary for curation and collections management activities. The Research Associate also assists with documenting the acquisition history of UCSB’s collections and supports a variety of repository operations, including maintaining archival records, rehabilitating legacy collections, and providing general collections and curation assistance. Work is performed both independently and collaboratively with co-workers and requires strong organizational, research, and problem-solving skills. The position functions with a high degree of autonomy and initiative in carrying out assigned responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology, Native Studies, Museum Studies, or related field(s)
• Demonstrated experience with museum databases and cataloging.
• Demonstrated experience with collections management and archiving.
• Ability to set, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to collaborate with staff, members of the community, and colleagues at every level.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and influence, both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-3 years Museum collections research
• 1-3 years Archaeological field work
• 1-3 years Archiving historic documents
• Advanced knowledge of common organizational or research specific and other computer application programs.

• Advanced knowledge of applicable policy analysis techniques.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• This is a career position with an expected end date of 2 years from the date of hire.

• Master key access to University owned residence and/or other facilities

• Direct access to, and/or responsibility for, protected, personal, or other sensitive data

• Satisfactory criminal history background check

• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegation or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

• 
  75% Collections Management – Works closely with the Repository’s repatriation team to lead projects related to archiving historic documents and digitizing all records associated with archaeological collections and ethnographic objects curated at UCSB’s Repository. Assist in the curation of archaeological and ethnographic collections, including maintaining archival records, digitizing historic records, rehabilitating legacy collections, and general curation assistance. Document the acquisition history of UCSB’s collections. Prepare storage areas, maintain material containers, prepare specimens: monitor use rates of consumable supplies, and maintenance of equipment.

• 
  25% NAGPRA Assistant – Perform specialized curatorial work involving identification, classification, and cataloging of materials. Assist in compiling catalogs, reports, and relevant information that is necessary prior to initiating consultation with appropriate tribes. Maintains partnerships with indigenous community stakeholders. Assist in creating inventories with itemized lists of ancestral remains and cultural items that tribes have requested for repatriation.