Assistant Curator: Painting & Sculpture Research

MoMA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 74,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Museum of Modern Art is seeking a temporary Curatorial Assistant in the Department of Painting and Sculpture. You will support senior curators in research, publications, loans, and collections records for forthcoming exhibitions.

The role emphasizes rigorous research, writing, and editing, with on-site presence during a 90-day initial period and ongoing collaboration across departments. Master’s/PhD in art history and language proficiency are required.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD degree in art history, or equivalent work experience.
• One to two years’ experience working in a museum or supporting loan exhibitions and accompanying publications.
• Superior research, writing, and editing skills are essential.
• Proficiency in at least one language besides English.

Responsibilities

• Assists senior curators with all aspects of research, planning, organization, and realization of upcoming exhibitions.
• Writes, edits, and assists in the production of Museum publications and exhibition-related materials, including wall texts and extended object labels.
• Researches and catalogs the Museum collection and archives as they relate to the exhibition project. Answers related inquiries.
• Performs exhibition support functions, including bibliographic and checklist research, loan correspondence, publication research and production, website development, and public program planning.
• Assists in the maintenance of the collection and loans, and expedites arrangements for custodial, registration, conservation, and preparation work as required in the gallery, study and storage areas.
• Functions as a liaison with outside persons and organizations, and with other departments within the Museum.
• May assist in research and preparation for potential acquisitions for the collection, including biographical and bibliographical research, maintaining files, and communicating with dealers, galleries, collectors, and artists, as necessary.
• Keeps informed of current activity in the area of departmental interest through gallery and museum visits, publications, etc. and makes recommendations to senior staff.
• Conducts daily collection gallery inspections and daily inspection of works on view in temporary exhibitions and assists with follow-up arrangements in the event of damage, deterioration, etc.
• Answers inquiries and conducts gallery tours as necessary for visitors, etc.
• Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.

Skills

Research

Writing

Editing

Organizational skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Google Suite

MS Office

PowerPoint

Education

Master’s or PhD in art history

Tools

The Museum System (TMS)

Job description

The Museum of Modern Art is seeking a temporary Curatorial Assistant in the Department of Painting and Sculpture. You will support senior curators in research, publications, loans, and collections records for forthcoming exhibitions.

The role emphasizes rigorous research, writing, and editing, with on-site presence during a 90-day initial period and ongoing collaboration across departments. Master’s/PhD in art history and language proficiency are required.