Research Assistant, American Silver Catalogue

Philadelphia Museum of Art; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution seeks a Research Assistant for the American Silver Catalogue, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the documentation of American decorative arts. This role involves conducting in-depth research, verifying archival information, and writing biographies of craftsmen. You'll collaborate with the American Art Department and Publications, ensuring that your work enhances the museum's rich collections. Join a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to preserving cultural heritage, and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package along with unique museum perks.

Benefits

Free general admission for you and family

Discounted guest tickets

Discounts on gift memberships

Special staff tours

Discounts at museum café and stores

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in American decorative arts.
• Demonstrated research and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and verify research for the American Silver Catalogue.
• Write biographies of artists and entries for objects in the catalogue.

Skills

Research Skills

Writing Skills

Archival Research

Education

Master’s degree in American decorative arts

Equivalent experience

Job description

Research Assistant, American Silver Catalogue

Research Assistant, American Silver Catalogue

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We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.

How You Will Contribute

The Research Assistant, American Silver Catalogue will work in the American Art Department in support of forthcoming volumes of the catalogue, American Silver in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. More specifically, this individual will conduct and verify research and write craftsmen’s biographies for volumes 3 through 4.

Specifically, you will:

• Review and verify information in archival, published, and online sources
• Compare existing research notes with information in object folders, registrar’s records, and the TMS database
• Conduct additional research in local and regional archives
• Write biographies of artists and entries for objects featured in the catalogue
• Serve as liaison between American Art and Publications
• Perform other duties as assigned
  
  

Your background and experience include:

• Master’s degree in American decorative arts or related field or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated research and writing skills
• Familiarity with archival research in particular
  
  

Position And Compensation Details

• The hourly rate for this position is $22.41
• This position is full-time, non-exempt, and 35 hours per week
• This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.
• This position reports to The H. Richard Dietrich, Jr., Curator of American Decorative Arts.
• This is a one-year term position beginning 7/1/2025 and ending 6/30/2026
• Physical requirements:
• Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus
• Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job
  
  

Institutional Requirements

• Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum, and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums
• Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest
• Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences
• Maintains confidentiality
• Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies
  
  

Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.

To apply, please complete an online application and include the following:

• A letter describing your interest and preparation for this position
• Curriculum vitae with education, employment, publications and honors
  
  

Select candidates will be asked to provide a writing sample of approximately 5-15 pages as part of the interview process.

What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:

• Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
• Discounted guest tickets for admission
• Discounts on gift memberships
• Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
• Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores
  
  

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees* including:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
• Health savings or flexible spending account program
• Retirement savings program with museum match
• Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays
• Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure
  
  

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Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Internet Publishing

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