Curatorial Research Assistant

Barnes Foundation; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, PA, seeks a Curatorial Research Assistant to support the care and interpretation of the permanent collection and the preparation of temporary exhibitions. The role focuses on nineteenth-century European art, including original research and writing, while coordinating with multiple departments and maintaining curatorial files.

The position requires research skills, French reading ability, strong organization, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and TMS.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in art history or related field.
• Reading knowledge of French.
• Familiarity with cultural organizations or institutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficient with MS Office; ability to learn new applications.

Responsibilities

• Performs research on the collection and loans for exhibitions, consulting Barnes Library and archives and external sources.
• Supports administration of temporary exhibitions and collection care initiatives; coordinates with internal and external colleagues; maintains documents and files; prepares materials for distribution and archives.
• Participates in curatorial research projects; updates catalogue records in The Museum System (TMS) and paper files for website publication.
• Collaborates with internal departments and coordinates inquiries from staff, scholars, and the public; drafts correspondence.

Skills

French (reading)

Verbal and written communication

Organization and time management

Research

Web research and archival research

Education

Master's degree in art history

Tools

Microsoft Office

The Museum System (TMS)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Curatorial Research Assistant

Curatorial Professional Philadelphia, PA, US

Primary Function:The Curatorial Research Assistant, an essential member of the Barnes Foundation’s Curatorial team, works on projects related to the care and interpretation of the permanent collection and the preparation, coordination, and presentation of temporary exhibitions. With a demonstrated interest in nineteenth-century European art, the candidate will provide research and logistical support for exhibitions and new and ongoing collection initiatives, collaborating with multiple departments, maintaining and managing curatorial files and correspondence, and conducting original research and writing. The position supports the administrative needs of the entire department.

Job Qualifications

• Master's degree, preferably in art history and with a focus on nineteenth-century European art
• Reading knowledge of French
• Familiarity with cultural organizations or institutions
• Excellent verbal, written communication, and computer skills required, especially Microsoft Office as well as the ability to learn new applications and procedures as required
• Previous experience with collections management databases preferred, especially TMS
• Must be a well-organized, detail-oriented individual who is able to multitask and manage deadlines

Clearances:Criminal Background-National

Physical Activities to Perform Essential Functions:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Moving:

• Approximately 80%+ of time is spent seated while working at a desk.
• Ability to occasionally transport up to 25 lbs. of files, equipment or supplies.
• Ability to move to access files, equipment or supplies.

Vision Requirements:

• This position requires extended time on the computer.

Communication Requirements:

• Clearly communicate in person, by phone, and by video conference.
• Communicate with others in conversational and written English.

Working Conditions:

• Position operates in hybrid work setting comprised of the Barnes’s Philadelphia campus and remote work setting indicated by the employee at their documented home address.
• Position requires extended time on the computer.

Job Responsibilities:

• Performs research on the collection and potential loans for temporary exhibitions, including artists, objects, periods, provenance, styles, locations of works, and photographic sources of works in the collection, consulting primary and secondary sources at the Barnes Foundation library and archives as well as through web-based databases and external libraries and archives
• Supports the administration of temporary exhibitions and collection care initiatives, including coordinating and corresponding with both internal and external colleagues; maintaining checklists and relevant documents and files; conducting original research; assisting with installation needs; and creating and compiling materials, such as tour training documents and presentations, for internal distribution and the department archive
• Participates in curatorial research projects as assigned
• Updates catalogue records for objects and exhibitions in The Museum System (TMS) and the paper files and for publication on the Barnes Foundation website, in coordination with Registration
• Works collaboratively with and serves as a liaison to internal departments including Adult Education, Advancement, Archives and Library, Brand, Conservation, Engagement, Exhibitions, Guest and Protection Services, Impact and Evaluation, Operations, and Research and Interpretation
• Co-coordinates collections and provenance email accounts and drafts correspondence related to inquiries from staff, scholars, and the general public; consults other members of the collection department as needed
• Assists with the development and management of content for interpretive materials to be launched online and in print
• Organizes project-related meetings, prepares agendas and materials, takes and distributes minutes, and coordinates necessary follow-ups
• In coordination with Conservation and Registration, serves as a point of contact for visits to the galleries, including supervising contractors, photographers, and press and welcoming guests, as needed
• Performs other duties as requested

1. Accountability:

a. Prepares for work assignments and meetings,

b. Conducts thorough fact-finding, decision-making and/or follow through,

c. Admits mistakes and errors and informs others when one is not able to meet a commitment.

2. Job Quality:

a. Dependably demonstrates job knowledge necessary for the position,

b. Produces timely, accurate, high quality work output,

c. Prioritizes work responsibilities effectively and produces work quantity expected for the role.

3. Service:

a. Identifies problems and collaborate with others to devise and create effective solutions.

b. Interacts and communicates with fellow employees in a manner that promotes a harmonious and

cooperative working environment in accordance with our Core Values.

c. Facilitates open communication and keeps an open mind about new ideas.

a. Sets a good example for others,

b. Demonstrates ethical decision-making and communication,

b. Shows a proactive, inclusive, helpful, and respectful attitude to colleagues, guests and others,

c. Takes initiative to contribute to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives.