Kirtlandia Intern-Anthropology

Bioarchaeology Intern

Job Summary:

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History seeks an Bioarchaeology Intern to join an ongoing research project exploring biocultural and socioeconomic change across the Later Stone Age Pastoral Neolithic and Pastoral Iron Age in Kenya with a focus on the last 10000 years. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to travel to Kenya for a portion of the 8-week internship to participate in archaeological fieldwork as part of an international team. With the supervisor the intern will document and excavate archaeological human remains and develop a research project related to bioarchaeology biological anthropology and/or mortuary archaeology. At the completion of the project the intern will have gained an understanding of bioarchaeological field and lab methods and experience in collecting analyzing and interpreting bioarchaeological and archaeological data. Under the guidance of the supervisor they will return to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History to analyze data synthesize results and generate a final report.

This is an 8-week program at 40 hours per week (320 hours).This position requires international travel to Kenya and the successful candidate must be able to travel there by May 15 2026. Candidates must hold or be able to obtain and maintain all necessary travel documents by May 1 2026.

Travel to the field and food/accommodation in Kenya will be provided. 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

Eligibility:

Program applicants must be attending an accredited college or university or must have graduated from college within six months prior to application submittal. Applicants must hold a valid passport and meet all requirements for entry to Kenya at the time of hire. Information on visa requirements can be found at 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 especially in biological anthropology and archaeology
   • Discusses how you expect to benefit from yourexperience as a Research Intern
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Two letters of recommendation with your application. Alternatively letter writers may email them directly to

Application Deadline March 6 2026

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.):

• Responsible for assigned tasks associated with research activities including but not limited to excavating artifact handling labeling sorting identification digitization imaging field collection monitoring data collection analysis interpretation and report writing
• Assists in accurate record keeping of research activities
• Responsible for the handling of sensitive materials with care and attention in order to mitigate damage
• Assists in ordering supplies and equipment in support of research project
• Performs all duties according to established museum operating safety and environmental and quality policies
• Adheres to the CMNH Manual of Research and Collections Policies
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor or museum management

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail
• Exhibit respect for other cultures and team members
• Comfortable with international travel
• Knowledge of basic field and lab methods in biological anthropology and archaeology previous research experience preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications
• Ability to handle sensitive materials carefully and safely to not cause damage
• Ability to work successfully with Museum members employees and the general public

Working Conditions:

Conducting indoor and outdoor research activities in all weather conditions that will require physical effort. Position will require sitting walking standing lifting reaching including stooping kneeling and crouching.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ADA EMPLOYER and a SUBSTANCE-FREE WORKPLACE