APS Level 5 Curator

National Museum of Australia; Canberra; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

National Museum of Australia in Canberra invites applications for a motivated professional to join the Curatorial team. The role focuses on researching Australian history, developing content for exhibitions and digital outputs, and engaging diverse audiences through programs and publications.

You will manage projects, contribute scholarly interpretation, and work with First Nations communities while adhering to ICIP principles.

Qualifications

• Be Australian citizen
• Undergo pre-employment checks including police record check
• Hold or be eligible to hold security clearance

Responsibilities

• Deliver curatorial projects including research and interpretation for exhibitions, displays, digital projects and publications.
• Develop content and engage audiences across exhibitions, digital outputs and events.
• Contribute to the collection's development, documentation and care in line with policies and ethical practice.
• Build relationships with donors, researchers and internal stakeholders to support outcomes.
• Apply culturally informed and ethical practice, respecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights.
• Manage priorities to deliver outcomes within agreed timeframes with limited supervision.

Job description

National Museum of Australia – Canberra ACT

The Museum is seeking a motivated professional with relevant experience to join the Curatorial team. The Museum aims to inspire, challenge, and empower people to find their voice and place in the world. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering the Museum’s goal of being a leading national forum for discussions about Australian history, and a world leader in audience engagement.

The Curatorial team researches and explores innovative ideas related to Australian history and collections. Curators work across a range of subjects/disciplines, platforms and outputs (exhibitions, digital, online, publications, presentations, seminars and events) to develop content and engage with audiences on topics that align with the Museum’s strategic priorities.

Working under general direction, this role offers the opportunity for the right candidate to contribute their research knowledge and develop their curatorial experience with a range of different exhibitions, activities, collections and programs.

Role purpose

The Museum is seeking a motivated professional with relevant experience to join the Curatorial team. The Museum aims to inspire, challenge, and empower people to find their voice and place in the world. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering the Museum’s goal of being a leading national forum for discussions about Australian history, and a world leader in audience engagement.

The Curatorial team researches and explores innovative ideas related to Australian history and collections. Curators work across a range of subjects/disciplines, platforms and outputs (exhibitions, digital, online, publications, presentations, seminars and events) to develop content and engage with audiences on topics that align with the Museum’s strategic priorities.

Working under general direction, this role offers the opportunity for the right candidate to contribute their research knowledge and develop their curatorial experience with a range of different exhibitions, activities, collections and programs.

Key accountabilities

• Under general direction, deliver curatorial projects including object-based research and interpretation, exhibitions, displays, digital projects, online content, and acquisitions, ensuring outcomes are research-informed and audience-focused.
• Apply conceptual and analytical thinking to develop curatorial ideas, narratives, and interpretive approaches for diverse audiences that enhance public understanding of Australian history and culture.
• Undertake and deliver quality research and interpretation, producing written and digital content for exhibitions, acquisitions and collections, publications, and public engagement.
• Contribute to the development, documentation, and care of the collection in accordance with institutional policies, standards, and ethical practice.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with donors, communities, researchers, and internal stakeholders to support curatorial and organisational outcomes.
• Apply culturally informed and ethical practice through respectful engagement with First Nations peoples, demonstrating an understanding of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights and relevant emerging frameworks in the development of collections, research, programs and interpretation.
• Contribute curatorial and subject-matter expertise in the areas of Australian history and museological practice to inform acquisitions, exhibitions and institutional decision-making.
• Manage work priorities and projects to deliver outcomes within agreed timeframes, managing competing demands with limited supervision.
• Uphold APS Values and the Code of Conduct, demonstrating integrity, professionalism and accountability in all aspects of work.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to Work Health and Safety (WH&S) by actively supporting a positive safety culture, following the Museum’s WHS policies and procedures, and complying with reasonable instructions to ensure alignment with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this vacancy, applicants must:

• be an Australian citizen
• undergo pre-employment checks, including a police record check
• hold or be eligible to hold a security clearance at the level specified in the position description.

The Museum is an equal employment opportunity workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for roles at the Museum.

The Museum is committed to ensuring a child-safe and child-friendly environment. All employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to, and support for, these principles, in theory and practice.

Applications close 11:59pm, Sunday 11 October 2026