Conservation Research Assistant – Maritime Artifacts

Texas A&M University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Texas A&M University’s Anthropology Department seeks a Research Assistant to support the Principal Investigator and conservation team in stabilizing and preserving the Revolutionary War Gunboat Philadelphia. Based in Washington, DC, the role is grant-funded and expected to conclude at the end of March 2027.

You will assist with conservation, documentation, and related project activities while supporting research and outreach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Physically able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
• Hold a Class C motor vehicle license and willingness to drive to the work site or to pick up supplies.
• Minimum of six months experience working with maritime archaeological artifacts comprised of wood, iron, and composite materials.
• Experience with archaeological ship structures or disassociated ship timbers.
• Understanding of degradation processes in submerged artifacts.
• Ability to document watercraft and components to industry standards.
• DSLR artifact photography and UV reflective photography.
• Understanding of 18th–19th century ship construction.
• Familiarity with Rhino 7 (CAD).
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to analyze artifact components from freshwater or seawater environments.
• Knowledge of XRF, FTIR and other analytical methods.
• Understanding of historic ship construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Repairs and stabilizes wooden and iron artifacts to ensure long-term preservation.
• Documents conservation activities to industry standards and communicates project findings to visitors and the public.
• Trains and supervises volunteer assistants while assisting the PI with preparing and maintaining the worksite for visitors.

Skills

Physical stamina

Documentation

Independent work

Writing skills

Supervisory skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in anthropology/archaeology or related field

Tools

Rhino 7 (CAD)

DSLR photography

UV photography

XRF/FTIR analysis

Job description

Texas A&M University’s Anthropology Department seeks a Research Assistant to support the Principal Investigator and conservation team in stabilizing and preserving the Revolutionary War Gunboat Philadelphia. Based in Washington, DC, the role is grant-funded and expected to conclude at the end of March 2027.

You will assist with conservation, documentation, and related project activities while supporting research and outreach.