OMI Collections Associate in Albuquerque, New Mexico at University of New Mexico

Collections AssociateRequisition ID req38487
Working Title OMI Collections Associate
Position Grade 11
Position Summary

As a nationally accredited program with a strong educationalmission within The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, the Office ofthe Medical Investigator (OMI) investigates deaths occurring throughout NewMexico that are sudden, violent, untimely, unexpected, or unexplained. As aspecial program within the Department of Pathology, OMI determines the causeand manner of death and provides formal death certification.

The Office of the Medical Investigator isseeking a Collections Associate to support the management, research,documentation, and repatriation of Native American human remains and associatedcultural materials subject to the Native American Graves Protection andRepatriation Act (NAGPRA). This position serves a critical role in ensuringcompliance with federal regulations while supporting OMI's commitment toethical stewardship, historical accountability, Tribal consultation, andrespectful repatriation efforts.

The Collections Associate will work closely with TribalNations, the Maxwell Museum, University partners, and federal agencies toinventory collections, conduct provenance research, reconcile records, prepareregulatory documentation, and coordinate repatriation activities.

Our ideal candidate is highly organized,detail-oriented, and capable of managing complex research and documentationprojects independently. The successful candidate will demonstrateprofessionalism, cultural sensitivity, sound judgement, and the ability to buildcollaborative working relationships with Tribal representatives, Universitypartners, museum personnel, and regulatory agencies. This individual should becomfortable working with historical records, human remains collections,regulatory requirements, and sensitive cultural materials while maintaining thehighest standards of stewardship and accountability.

OMI is a 24/7 facility, work on holidays and weekends maybe required.

Position Responsibilities

• Inventory Native American human remains and associated cultural materials maintained under OMI authority.
• Reconcile physical collections with historical, paper, and electronic records.
• Conduct provenance, acquisition, and historical research to establish the origin and context of collections.
• Evaluate collections for NAGPRA applicability and assist with compliance determinations.
• Coordinate and participate in consultation activities with Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, Cultural Preservation Offices, and Tribal representatives.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with Tribal Nations and external stakeholders.
• Draft inventories, consultation materials, notices, determinations, and repatriation documentation required under NAGPRA.
• Serve as a liaison with National NAGPRA staff and other regulatory partners.
• Coordinate repatriation activities, including documentation, logistics, records maintenance, and physical transfer of remains and cultural items when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records, databases, chain-of-custody documentation, and compliance files.
• Collaborate with the Maxwell Museum Laboratory of Human Osteology regarding collection access and related repatriation activities.
• Identify collection discrepancies and coordinate corrective actions as necessary.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment
Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Museum Studies, History, Indigenous Studies, Cultural Resource
• Management, Forensic Anthropology, or a closely related field.
• Experience working with museum, academic, archival, archaeological, or anthropological collections.
• Knowledge of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and applicable federal regulations.
• Experience conducting historical, genealogical, archival, or provenance research.
• Experience collaborating with Tribal governments, cultural preservation offices, or Indigenous communities.
• Strong organizational, project management, documentation, and records management skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with professionalism, discretion, and cultural awareness.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Additional Requirements
Campus: Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM
Department Office of the Medical Investigator (389A)
Employment Type Staff
Staff Type Regular - Full-Time
Term End Date
Status Exempt
Pay Monthly: $3,841.07 - $5,148.00
Benefits Eligible This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required Yes
For Best Consideration Date 11/18/2026
Eligible for Hiring Incentive
Eligible for Remote Work No
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Please submit resume, cover letter, and three professional references, preferably supervisors with email and phone contact. Please also submit official transcripts for highest degree obtained.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html . Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.