Historic Materials Analyst
Central Offices
Illinois State Archaeological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS), Prairie Research Institute (PRI), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is seeking a Historic Materials Analyst for its Central Offices, located in Champaign, Illinois. This individual will conduct analysis of historic materials from archaeological sites including all aspects of historic sample collection, identification, analysis, archaeological interpretation, and curation.
Associated duties will include the identification and recordation of American and European material remains from archaeological sites, including the quantification of results and preparation of appropriate tables, analysis and interpretation of the archaeological significance of the historic material remains, and the preparation of historic material analysis reports as appropriate. Work collaboratively in devising and maintaining a standard historic material classification-recording scheme, as well as collaborate with specific researchers in adjusting the scheme to suit their needs. Complete short reports on historic materials, covering all aspects of material culture, feature analysis, site stratigraphy, interpretation, and site significance for sites that do not require formal reports. Execute holistic spatial analysis incorporating vertical and horizontal distribution of diagnostic historic material artifacts, material and feature clustering, soil deposition and erosion, feature super-positioning, and intra-site artifact mends to delineate site cultural components. Maintain electronic and handwritten historic material laboratory databases, including but not limited to a historic material lab project-tracking database, a material comparative collection database, an artifact type comparative collection database, and individual site assemblage historic material analysis data. Perform reviews of the material assemblages and offer recommendations for all of the historic sites encountered during the surveys conducted by the Central Illinois Field Station (CIFS). This review includes checking material identifications, assigning date range estimates for the site components, checking site locations against historic maps and other resources, and make recommendations for National Register of Historic Places eligibility. Track samples through the analytic process by inventorying the movement of samples through the laboratory, maintaining electronic logs of individual site samples, and ensuring the analyzed samples are curated properly. Analyst coordinates with archaeological assistants to maintain and develop the Surveys historic material comparative collection and relevant reference material in order to facilitate specimen identification and interpretation, within the larger context of historic cultural manifestations recognized in the Eastern United States. Participates in Survey outreach activities for the general public, avocational societies, and school groups and records and maintains artifact data collected from avocational collectors. Acts as liaison, as appropriate, with other historic material specialists in the region. Participates in regional conferences and organizations; prepares presentations and articles on research activities and interests.
The successful candidate should have a B.A. in Anthropology, Archaeology or closely related field, plus 3 years’ experience in conducting historic material investigations and analysis of historic sites in the Eastern United States cultural area. Detailed familiarity with the historical resources of Illinois, temporal and culturally diagnostic historic materials, and production technology and history. Demonstrated ability to complete historic material projects and reports in a timely and competent manner. Basic familiarity with all classes of material culture, feature types and functions, and site formation processes is also required. Basic familiarity with computer word processing, graphic and database programs.
This is a full-time Academic Professional position. Salary is negotiable based on experience. Proposed starting date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.
All candidates must complete an online profile which can be found at <http://jobs.illinois.edu>. Please upload a cover letter, resume detailing your relevant qualifications, and the contact information of three references through this system. To ensure full consideration your application and supporting documents must be submitted through this online system, and received by April 4, 2018. For further information regarding application procedures, contact Ms. Janice Pankey, <jpankey@illinois.edu>. Individuals having questions concerning this position should contact Dr. Robert McCullough, <mccullor@illinois.edu>.
The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO. To learn more about the University’s commitment to diversity, please visit http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu
