Museum Curator (Science and Technology)

Smithsonian Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution, located in the National Air and Space Museum within the Space History Department, seeks candidates for a position that requires a museum-related degree or equivalent experience. The role emphasizes advanced historical research on human spaceflight, analytical methods, and documentation of artifacts, with opportunities to present findings to diverse audiences.

Applicants should demonstrate how their experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications: Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field.
• OR Combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• OR Four years of experience that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study as shown in A above.
• In addition to the basic qualification requirement above: GS-13 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal Service.
• Specialized experience includes: conducting advanced historical research related to human spaceflight programs and technologies; developing analytical approaches to address complex research questions; documenting the significance and provenance of artifacts or collections; presenting research findings and serving as an expert resource to professional, academic, governmental, or public audiences.

Education

Museum-related degree or related field

Job description

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in National Air and Space Museum, Space History Department. The National Air and Space Museum collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits artifacts, archival materials and works of art related to the history, culture, and science of avaition and spaceflight and the study of the universe.

Basic Qualifications: Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field.

OR

Combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

OR

Four years of experience that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study as shown in A above.

In addition to the basic qualification requirement above:

GS-13 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as:

• 1) Experience conducting advanced historical research related to human spaceflight programs and technologies,
• 2) Developing analytical approaches to address complex research questions,
• 3) Documenting the significance and provenance of artifacts or collections.
• 4) Presenting research findings and serving as an expert resource to professional, academic, governmental, or public audiences.

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Part‑time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

In an effort to streamline our hiring process, SI employees whose current position of record is in the same job series (1015) and who are in aFederal competitive position as this advertised position are not required to submit a transcript with your application package. However, if selected, you will be required to provide a copy of your transcript before your start date in the position.

Time‑in‑Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, anyindividual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a GeneralSchedule position under a non‑temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet “time‑in‑grade” requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of thegrade for which you are applying).