Keeper of the Near East Section
 |
The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology seeks applicants for the Keeper of the Near East Section. |
JOB DEFINITION:
Responsible for the housing and maintenance of the Near East Section’s collections on display and in storage, under the supervision of the Section’s curator-in-charge.
DUTIES:
Collections Management. Organize collections in storage with a view to maximizing long-term preservation and accessibility; plan, in collaboration with Conservation, the numbers of types of storage units required; help to prepare grant applications for funding of improvements to storage; order supplies needed for storage; monitor the physical conditions of the collections on a routine basis; supervise volunteers and work-study students.
Inventory and Documentation. Monitor computerized collections databases. With appropriate curatorial input and approval, develop plans and programs for inventory and documentation (as appropriate) of the Section’s collections and oversee the entry of data into the Museum’s database(s). Upgrade computerized data as necessary.
Exhibition Preparation. Collaborate with the Section’s curators in developing plans for exhibitions, including traveling exhibitions. Build and maintain databases of artifacts for exhibitions.
Loans. Respond to preliminary inquiries from potential borrowers regarding the scope of the collections and the availability of specific artifacts or categories of artifacts. As a loan is discussed and approved, locate the artifacts requested and supply documentation to the borrower. Verify that any artifacts to be loaned are provenanced and fully documented. Act as courier for the Section’s loans, as well as traveling exhibits.
Insurance Appraisals. Assist the Section’s curators to determine insurance values for the collections.
Service within Museum and Liaison to other Museum Departments. Serve on Museum-wide Committees as appropriate. Interact on routine basis with other Museum Departments, e.g., Archives, Conservation, Exhibitions, Registrar and Photography, in working to maintain and document collections, implementing exhibition and loans, etc.
Service to University Classroom Instructors, Researchers, and the Public. Answer routine requests for information about the collections and arrange access to the collections (and collections documentation) for University of Pennsylvania classroom instructors utilizing the collections in teaching, researchers, both those from inside and outside the Museum and University, and the public at large; provide guidance on the approved methods for handling artifacts to those working with the collections.
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum: BA/BS, with an MA in Near Eastern Archaeology (or related fields) and/or an MA in Museum Studies (Collections Management) strongly preferred, or equivalent work experiences; broad knowledge of Near Eastern material culture, including ethnographic materials, and record of involvement in excavations. Some knowledge of ancient Near Eastern languages helpful. Computer literate, with knowledge of collections management databases. Organizational skills and attention to detail, supervisory experiences, multi-tasking, and collaborative abilities. Ability to travel as may be required.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE:
Prospective applicants should send a letter of application outlining experience and qualifications, a CV, and the names and contact information of three references to the following address by the deadline of Friday, May 9, 2008.
Dr. Richard L. Zettler, Associate Curator-in-Charge
C/O The Director’s Office
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
3260 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
USA