Robert J. Sharer (born 1940)[1] is an American archaeologist, academic and Mayanist researcher. He known for his archaeological investigations at a number of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican sites conducted over a career spanning four decades, and for his archaeological reports, theorizing, and writings in his field of specialty, the ancient Maya civilization. Sharer has been a lecturer and professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Anthropology for more than 30 years,[2] and as of 2008[update] occupies the endowed chair of Sally and Alvin V. Shoemaker Professor in Anthropology, an appointment held since 1995.[3] He has also had an extensive association with Penn's University Museum of archaeology and anthropology, where as of 2008[update] he is the curator-in-charge of the Museum's American collection and research section.[4]