Kirtlandia Intern-Anthropology at Cleveland Museum of Natural History

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Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

19 May, 26

Salary

15.85

Posted On

18 Feb, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Archival Research, Genealogical Research, Data Collection, Data Management, Data Analysis, Interpretation, Literature Reviews, Report Writing, Record Keeping, Object Handling, Project Management, Organizational Skills, Problem-Solving, Attention To Detail, Communication

Industry

Museums;Historical Sites;and Zoos

Description

Anthropology Archival Intern Job Summary: This position is part of the Hamann-Todd Biography Project, an ongoing research collaboration focused on restoring personhood and identity to the individuals within the Hamann-Todd Human Osteological Collection. The people in this skeletal collection died in Cleveland primarily between 1910-1939 and were anatomized by the Western Reserve University (now Case Western Reserve University) Medical School. In the 1960s, most of the individuals were rehoused at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History on permanent loan, where the collection is now curated by the Anthropology staff. The collection includes extensive archives that provide a critical link to who these individuals were in life, and often include (when known) their name, age at death, cause of death, and body size and measurements. The Hamann-Todd Biography Project seeks to reconstruct individual life histories through archival and genealogical research.  The intern will adapt established protocols to build dossiers of information for individuals in the collection, integrating existing paper and digital records with their own external research. Drawing on new and existing datasets, the intern will develop an archives-based research project. The internship will culminate in the creation of narrative-style biographies for a subset of individuals in the collection that will form a basis for future community consultations, public engagement, and science communication. Upon the project's completion, the intern will have gained experience in archival and genealogical research methods, project management, and science communication. They will also make recommendations that will help inform ethical best practices for ongoing curation and research. This is an 8-week program at 40 hours per week (320 hours). Exact dates will be arranged with your direct supervisors. Students must provide their own housing and transportation. Work is to be completed on site at CMNH, or hybrid on-site and remotely with travel to local archives and libraries as needed. Interns will present their internship-related activities at the Friends of CMNH annual August luncheon meeting. More information can be found here: Internships | Cleveland Museum of Natural History [https://www.cmnh.org/get-involved/internships] Eligibility: Program applicants must be attending an accredited college or university or must have graduated from college within the six months prior to application submittal Required to Apply: 1. Write a brief 1-2 page statement that: * Details your background and research interests * Explains why you are a good candidate for this position * Describes your previous training and research experience * Discusses how you expect to benefit from your experience as a Research Intern 2. Curriculum vitae 3. Two letters of recommendation with your application. Alternatively, letter writers may email them directly to hr@cmnh.org    Application Deadline: March 6, 2026 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  * Responsible for assigned tasks associated with research activities including, but not limited to, archival and genealogical data collection, digitization, data management, inventorying, data analysis and interpretation, literature reviews, and report writing * Assist in accurate record keeping of research activities and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information. * Responsible for the handling of Museum objects with care and attention in order to mitigate damage * Assist in ordering supplies and equipment in support of research project * Perform all duties according to established museum operating, safety, and environmental and quality policies * Adhere to the CMNH Manual of Research and Collections Policies * Performs other related duties as assigned Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Working knowledge of relevant research tools, including genealogical and research databases and digitization equipment and software * Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail  * Interest in historical, archival, and/or genealogical research, previous research and project management experience preferred * Display good judgement and discretion when working with sensitive materials * Ability to handle collection objects carefully and safely to not cause damage * Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications * Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally * Ability to work successfully with Museum members, employees and the general public   Working Conditions: Conducting indoor research activities that may occasionally require physical effort. Position may require sitting, walking, standing, and reaching including stooping, kneeling, and crouching.    The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ADA EMPLOYER, and a SUBSTANCE-FREE WORKPLACE

Responsibilities

The intern will be responsible for assigned research tasks including archival and genealogical data collection, digitization, data management, inventorying, analysis, literature reviews, and report writing while maintaining accurate records and handling museum objects with care. They will also assist in ordering supplies and ensuring all duties adhere to established museum policies.