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Full Time Osteology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do full time osteology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time osteology in the United States is $17.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time osteology job?

Full time osteology jobs involve the study and analysis of bones, often within academic, research, museum, or forensic settings. Professionals in these roles may conduct skeletal analysis to determine age, sex, ancestry, or cause of death, and may also teach, curate collections, or assist in archaeological excavations. These positions typically require advanced education in anthropology, biology, or a related field, and may involve both laboratory and fieldwork. Full time osteologists often work as part of interdisciplinary teams, contributing vital expertise to studies of past populations or ongoing forensic investigations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time osteologist?

To thrive as a Full Time Osteologist, you need a solid background in biological anthropology, anatomy, and osteology, typically supported by an advanced degree in anthropology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, skeletal analysis software, and possibly certifications in forensic anthropology are commonly required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills distinguish top professionals in this role. These skills ensure accurate identification, analysis, and interpretation of skeletal remains, which are critical for research, education, and forensic investigations.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in a full time osteology role, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in full-time osteology roles often encounter challenges such as handling delicate skeletal remains, maintaining precise documentation, and working under strict ethical guidelines. The work may also involve collaborating closely with archaeologists, forensic experts, or museum staff, which requires strong communication skills. Managing these challenges involves staying current with best practices in osteological analysis, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, and participating in professional development opportunities to refine both technical and interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Full Time Osteology vs Part Time Osteology?

AspectFull Time OsteologyPart Time Osteology
Work HoursTypically 35-40 hours per weekLess than 20 hours per week
CertificationsUsually requires relevant certifications and degreesSame certifications but fewer hours needed
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, or academic settingsFlexible settings, possibly remote or part-time labs
Employer UsageUniversities, research institutions, museumsPart-time research projects, consulting

Full Time Osteology involves working full-time hours in research, academic, or museum environments, requiring comprehensive certifications. Part Time Osteology offers flexible hours for similar roles, often in research or consulting, with the same credential requirements but fewer hours per week.

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What states have the most Full Time Osteology jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Full Time Osteology jobs look for?

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Full Time Osteology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Osteology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,392 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Anthropologist (Osteology), IS-0190-12

Smithsonian Institution

Suitland, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums

Job description

OPEN DATE: August 5, 2026                    
CLOSING DATE: August 19, 2026 (This job will close when the first 200 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date)         
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: 2-year    
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Suitland, MD 

Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
 
Conditions of Employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
  • Complete a Probationary Period.
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
  • The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 
  • The work requires prolonged standing while examining and processing skeletal collections; frequent bending, reaching, and lifting of collection materials; and the movement of collection containers, specimen trays, and storage units weighing up to 40 pounds. The incumbent regularly uses carts, ladders, and other equipment to access and transport collections stored in museum facilities. 
  • Normally works in a laboratory or collection area; infrequently performs field work in a variety of settings. May work with chemicals, some potentially hazardous. Proper safety precautions are observed. 
Come join a dedicated and creative team at an exceptional time for the Smithsonian, an institution with a bold vision for the future: to build a better tomorrow for all. The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian's unique complex and is one of the most visited museums in the United States.  Its mission is to promote understanding of the natural world and our place in it. NMNH has a collection of 148 million specimens and artifacts. Each one reflects a moment in space and time and in these moments, we find Earth's story.
The National Museum of Natural History is seeking an experienced candidate to fill the Anthropologist (Osteology) position within the International Repatriation and Domestic Returns Program, Department of Anthropology.  The primary purpose of the position is to serve as an Anthropologist (Osteology) responsible for advanced skeletal documentation and interpretation, collections data management, and program support for International Repatriation and Domestic Returns (IRDR). The incumbent contributes to the documentation, analysis, and stewardship of human remains collections and supports institutional efforts to identify and return remains to appropriate descendant communities globally.
  • Provides technical guidance and oversees biological profile assessments, including age-at-death, sex, ancestry, pathology, trauma, and postmortem changes.
  • Conducts advanced analyses and research to assist in determining biological ancestry. 
  • Produces technical reports, documentation, and scientific interpretations supporting IRDR activities. Applies osteological findings within historical, archaeological, and cultural contexts relevant to return efforts.
  • Works closely with staff in the Department of Anthropology to maintain data and further develop standards for the capture and dissemination of biological information from collections of human remains being assessed for possible repatriation/return. 
  • Oversees data capture program for IRDR of human remains designated for return, working within established policies governing data collection, maintenance, and future collaborative use. 
  • Engages with international partners, descendant communities, and the scientific community to support transparency and collaboration.
 
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following Basic Requirements for Positions in the Smithsonian Institution:

Applicants must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included or was supplemented by 24 semester hours in anthropology, history, biology, physical science, geology, human geography, or other closely related fields that primarily concern human adaptation to the environment or evolutionary development.  Related fields may include archaeology, osteology, biological anthropology, and forensic anthropology.

In addition to the Basic Requirements above:

Applicants must possess a master's degree in anthropology, archaeology, osteology, biological anthropology, forensic anthropology, or a closely related field from an accredited four-year college or university; AND 5-7 years of related experience (described below); OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.  

 Experience required for this position is as follows:
  • Advanced professional knowledge of biological anthropology, especially human skeletal biology and the related subdisciplines of osteometrics, paleopathology, and skeletal demography, collections documentation, and international/domestic returns practices to conduct comprehensive analyses of human skeletal remains. 
  • Comprehensive knowledge of museum collections management principles and practices, including the curation, preservation, documentation, and stewardship of human remains within biological anthropology collections, as well as familiarity with institutional standards governing collections care, sensitivity and access. 
  • Knowledge of repatriation/return policies, legal authorities, and ethical standards, including institutional procedures and international considerations governing the identification, documentation, and return of human remains. 
  •  Extensive knowledge of data management systems and standards is required to oversee data capture programs, ensure quality control, enhance accessibility, and documentation protocols used to capture, maintain, and disseminate biological information. 
  • Knowledge of scientific research methods and technical communication practices to prepare written detailed reports, provide expert technical guidance, and present findings in writing and orally to diverse audiences, including scientists, institutional leadership, and descendant communities. 
  • Demonstrated ability to supervise and guide others through reviewing completed work for soundness of overall approach, effectiveness in achieving program goals, technical adequacy, feasibility of recommendations, and adherence to applicable requirements and policies.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter by the closing date. Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week. 

(If applicable include) Unofficial school transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) must be submitted with your application package by the closing date of the announcement.  If selected for the position, you must provide official transcripts before appointment.

Applicants who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States must have their education deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and MUST be included as part of your application package by the closing date.

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Relocation expenses will not be paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contactNMNHStaffing@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures: Individuals with Disabilities | Smithsonian Institution (https://www.si.edu/oeo/individuals-disabilities).

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following:  Office of Equal Opportunity | Smithsonian Institution(https://www.si.edu/oeo). 

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