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Archaeology intern 

Job Summary:

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. For more than a century, the Museum has inspired visitors to connect with the wonders of science and nature. Today, we continue that legacy—and remain committed to sharing our resources to promote a healthy future for both humans and the planet.  

As Ohio’s largest natural history museum, we use our vast collections and state-of-the-art facilities to contribute to scientific understanding worldwide. Our scientists conduct research across a variety of disciplines, making groundbreaking discoveries about early human ancestors, ancient Ohio, animal and plant life around the world, and more. We steward more than 12,500 acres of wild habitats through our Natural Areas Program, working to protect the environment of northern Ohio and the diverse species that call it home. 

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History seeks an Archaeology 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 10,000 years. The successful candidate will travel to Kenya for a portion of the 8-week internship to participate in archaeological fieldwork as part of an international team. With their supervisor, they will develop a research project focused on artifacts recovered during the 2026 field season, ideally with a focus on pottery and ceramic technology. At the completion of the project, the intern will have gained an understanding of basic archaeological field and lab methods and experience in excavating, cataloguing, analyzing, and curating archaeological collections. 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 https://etakenya.go.ke/. 

 

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, ideally in archaeological excavation and artifact analysis 
    • 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 
  4. Must be authorized to work in the United States 

 

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, listening, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail
  • Exhibit respect for other cultures and team members
  • Comfortable with international travel
  • Knowledge of basic methods in archaeology
  • 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