The following articles were authored by areller

AMNH Curator Position in Biological Anthropology

The Division of Anthropology, American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), is conducting an open search for a position in Biological Anthropology with a specialization in paleoanthropology (human origins) at the level of Assistant, Associate, or Full Curator. This is a tenure-track position. For candidates showing notable experience and accomplishment, there is possibility of tenure at the time of appointment, pending review and determination through the Museum’s tenure process. Candidates should have a strong background and evidence of documented or potential international leadership in paleoanthropological research. AMNH Biological Anthropology collections are some of the most comprehensive in the world, offering a unique opportunity for collections research. Extensive possibilities also exist for professional interaction with colleagues at AMNH across the biological and physical sciences. AMNH curatorships are defined as research positions and evidence of an active research program is essential, ideally including an active field component. Prior experience with museum collections is also an asset.

AMNH curators are expected to maintain a high level of productivity in original research, to seek
extramural funding, and to assume oversight responsibility for the management of Museum collections relevant to their areas of expertise. Other responsibilities or opportunities may include advising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, offering courses in the Museum’s Richard Gilder Graduate School, serving on academic and administrative committees, and participating in Museum-sponsored exhibits and educational programs. Candidates should have completed the Ph.D. degree. The American Museum of Natural History is committed to the principles of Affirmative Action and encourages applications from women and minority candidates. For further information about the position contact Dr. David Hurst Thomas (thomasd@amnh.org).

Interested candidates should submit the following materials in PDF format:
a) cover statement including the candidate’s name, address, and current position and including a
description of the candidate’s research interests, accomplishments, and plans.
b) list of dissertation advisors, committee members, co-authors and co-PIs on funded grants
during the preceding five years.
c) detailed curriculum vitae, complete bibliography, copies of up to five relevant publications.
d) names, positions, institutional affiliations and contact information for no more than three
referees regarding the applicants professional qualifications.

All materials should be submitted in PDF format directed to Anita Caltabiano (attention,
Anthropology Search Committee) (anita@amnh.org). To receive the fullest consideration, applications should be received no later than November 30, 2017.

This employer does prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation/preference.
This employer does prohibit discrimination based on gender identity/expression.
This employer offers health insurance benefits to eligible same-sex domestic partners.
This employer does not appear on the AAUP list of censured institutions.

NSF BioAnth DDRIG Deadlines Return to Six Month Intervals

The Biological Anthropology Program is returning to a six-month interval between competitions for both regular research (Senior) and doctoral dissertation research improvement grants (DDRIG).

– For the DDRIG competition, this change is effective immediately, in conjunction with the publication of a revised solicitation (17-506). The next DDRIG target dates will be January 20, 2017, and July 20, 2017, and future dates will be January and July 20th of each year.
– For the Senior competition (which has a program description but not a solicitation), this change will be effective AFTER the November 16, 2016 and July 19, 2017 target dates. The subsequent target dates will be January and July 20 (or next business day) of each year.

**Other DDRIG Changes** – please refer to the revised DDRIG solicitation (17-506) regarding the following changes:

– Target dates instead of deadlines
– Revised target dates (as noted above)
– Two-time submission limit per student

Other aspects of the Senior and DDRIG competitions, including the program scope, merit review procedures and proposal requirements, remain the same.

Main BA page: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5407
BA DDRIG page: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2017/nsf17506/nsf17506.htm

John C. Willman Awarded the 2015 BAS Student Prize!

Willman_research_photoJohn C. Willman,  a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Anthropology at Washington University in Saint Louis, was awarded the 2015 Biological Anthropology Section Student Prize. Willman’s work explores non-masticatory dental wear, or the use of “teeth as tools”, among Neandertals and early modern humans. John presented in the session entitled “Advances in European Bioarchaeology and Mortuary Analysis”  at the Denver AAA meeting this year. His podium presentation was entitled “Labret Use Among the Pavlovian Peoples of Mid Upper Paleolithic Central Europe: A New Interpretation of the Buccal Wear Facets at Brno III, Dolní Vestonice, Pavlov, and Predmostí.”

Abstract: The unusual “buccal facets” on the cheek teeth of early modern humans from the Mid Upper Paleolithic (MUP) Central Europe are well-documented, but the phenomenon remains poorly understood. A review of buccal wear facet prevalence at all relevant MUP sites, an analysis of age-related changes in the patterning of facets, and bioarchaeological and ethnographic comparisons suggest that phenomenon is related to intentional body modification – namely, the wearing of large, facial “labrets”.

Ethnographically, labrets are known as a form of personal adornment, permanently secured through incisions in the cheeks (or lips), and gradually stretched to incorporate larger labrets. Permanently fixed labrets in the MUP sample examined here is documented by the consistent presence of facets on the maxillary dentition across all age categories. The surface area affected by buccal facets also increases along an age gradient, providing evidence for gradual stretching to incorporate larger labrets during an individual’s lifetime. Children are affected, but prevalence reaches 100% in adolescents and adults. Only one side of the dentition is affected among children and adolescents, while one or both sides are affected in adults. When both sides exhibit facets, wear is asymmetric, suggesting that a second labret is related to aspects of adulthood.

Material evidence of labrets associated with individuals exhibiting buccal facets are known from several prehistoric contexts and strengthens these conclusions. The high prevalence of buccal facets and strong age-related patterning supports a case for labret use as a marker of individual and social identity among the MUP peoples of Central Europe.

Congratulations, John!

For a list of past winners, and information on how to apply next year, click here.