Curatorial Assistant, The Morgan Illuminated (Full-time, fixed-term: January 2027–December 2029)

The-Morgan-Library-; New York (NY); On-site; USD 46,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Job summary

The Morgan Library & Museum seeks a Curatorial Assistant for The Morgan Illuminated, a three-year project to digitize and share a significant portion of its illuminated manuscript collection through a new online portal and related programming.

Working with the department head, you will research, catalog, and prepare descriptive content to support digitization and make the collection accessible to scholars and the public.

Qualifications

• B.A. in a relevant field required; advanced study preferred.
• Experience in a museum, library, or digital humanities project.
• Ability to handle rare materials and discuss medieval manuscripts.
• Strong research, writing, and public-speaking skills.

Responsibilities

• Research, cataloguing, and descriptive content preparation for digitization.
• Update metadata and ensure accuracy of collection records.
• Write blog posts and respond to scholarly inquiries.
• Collaborate with Conservation, Imaging, Rights, and Education teams.

Skills

Research skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Organization

Collaborative work

Tech literacy

Education

B.A. in a relevant field

M.A./Ph.D. coursework in art history or medieval studies preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Gmail

Google Drive

The Museum System (TMS)

Job description

Description

The Morgan Library & Museum seeks a Curatorial Assistant for The Morgan Illuminated, a three-year project to digitize and share a significant portion of its collection of illuminated manuscripts through a new online portal and related programming. Working closely with the department head, the Curatorial Assistant will undertake research, cataloguing, and the preparation of descriptive content to support manuscript digitization and make the collection accessible to scholarly and public audiences. This position reports to the Melvin R. Seiden Curator and Department Head of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts.

The Curatorial Assistant will examine manuscripts alongside existing records to create descriptive outlines of their structures; prepare and update image descriptions following standards established by the Index of Medieval Art; and research and update collection database records to ensure accuracy and consistency. Additional responsibilities include assisting with the creation of metadata for digitization, reviewing descriptive content for accuracy, and retrieving and returning rare materials to collection storage while recording all object movements in the collection database.

The Curatorial Assistant will also write about selected manuscripts for blog posts and social media, respond to inquiries from scholars and the general public, and contribute to presentations, outreach, and other programs related to The Morgan Illuminated. The position requires close collaboration with colleagues in Conservation, Imaging and Rights, Collection Information, Education and Public Programs, Communications and Marketing, and the Reading Room, as well as assistance with other tasks related to the digitization process.

Qualifications

• B.A. in a relevant field required. M.A. or Ph.D. coursework in art history or medieval studies strongly preferred. Equivalent knowledge or experience will be considered.
• Experience working in a museum, special collections library, or digital humanities project.
• Experience handling rare materials, including using supports such as snakes and cradles. Direct experience with medieval manuscripts is preferred.
• Excellent research skills and intellectual rigor.
• Strong written communication skills, including an aptitude for writing catalog entries and image descriptions.
• Excellent oral communication skills and experience in public speaking, with the ability to communicate scholarly research to a variety of audiences, including the general public.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage competing deadlines, work collaboratively, and contribute to a collegial environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Gmail, and Google Drive, and the ability to learn and use the Morgan’s collections and information systems. Familiarity with The Museum System (TMS) and/or integrated library systems is desirable.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods; lift and carry manuscripts, moderately heavy boxes, and other materials; and safely handle and move collection objects. Work includes time in climate-controlled vaults and exposure to moderate levels of dust and odor associated with collection management activities.
• Ability to undertake local travel as needed.
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship.

Compensation: $54,000; excellent benefits.

The Morgan Library & Museum receives many applications and inquiries for employment. Unfortunately, we are not able to respond to all of them. Due to the high volume of applicants, we can contact only those candidates whose skills and background best fit our needs

Important to note:

EEO Statement

The Morgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws. The Morgan provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.