Research Assistant Part time (full time potiental)

MIR Appraisal Services; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

MIR Appraisal Services, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented Research Assistant to join our Chicago office, providing essential support in appraisal research, report preparation, and administrative operations.

We require a strong background in art history or related arts fields with excellent writing, research, and organizational skills. Priority to applicants available on Thursdays and Fridays for on-site work; remote/hybrid arrangements are not offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Art History or related field.
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience in appraisal services, office management, or arts-related field.
• Minimum of three years of customer service experience.
• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and organizational skills.
• Strong research abilities and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, professional client interaction.
• Ability to work independently and in a small team.
• Strong time-management and prioritization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, photo-editing apps, and social media.
• Dependability, initiative, adaptability, willingness to learn.
• Ability to work on-site in downtown Chicago.

Responsibilities

• Write, edit, proofread, and format professional appraisal reports.
• Conduct thorough valuation, provenance, and historical research on artworks, antiques, collectibles, and other personal property.
• Maintain a high degree of accuracy in research, documentation, and report preparation.
• Facilitate authentication requests and communicate with relevant institutions, galleries, and specialists.
• Assist Senior Appraisers during on-site inspections, as needed.
• Organize and maintain research materials, appraisal documentation, photographs, and client records.
• Provide general administrative and research support to ensure efficient daily office operations.

Skills

Writing

Research

Communication

Organizational

Time management

Independence

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Art History / related field

Master's degree in Art History / Fine Art (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Photo-editing apps

Social media platforms

Job description

Job Type: Part-Time, with potential for Full-Time Employment
Work Location: Fully On-Site
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, based on assigned part-time hours
Priority Availability: Thursdays and Fridays

Position Overview

MIR Appraisal Services, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and motivated Research Assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will provide essential support in appraisal research, report preparation, and administrative operations.

We are looking for an individual with a strong background in art history, appraisal services, or a related arts field who demonstrates excellent research, writing, and organizational skills.

Priority consideration will be given to applicants who have consistent availability to work on-site on both Thursdays and Fridays. Candidates with additional weekday availability are also encouraged to apply.

This position is fully on-site at our Chicago office. Remote and hybrid arrangements are not available.

Research & Appraisal Responsibilities

• Write, edit, proofread, and format professional appraisal reports.
• Conduct thorough valuation, provenance, and historical research on artworks, antiques, collectibles, and other personal property.
• Maintain a high degree of accuracy in research, documentation, and report preparation.
• Facilitate authentication requests and communicate with relevant institutions, galleries, and specialists.
• Assist Senior Appraisers during on-site inspections, as needed.
• Organize and maintain research materials, appraisal documentation, photographs, and client records.
• Provide general administrative and research support to ensure efficient daily office operations.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Fine Art, Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in appraisal services, office management, or an arts-related field.
• Minimum of three years of customer service experience.
• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and organizational skills.
• Strong research abilities and exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact with clients professionally and confidently.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small team.
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, photo-editing applications, and social media platforms.
• Dependability, initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.
• Ability to work on-site in downtown Chicago.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Art History, Fine Art, or a related discipline.
• Prior experience in fine art appraisal, auction houses, galleries, museums, or art advisory services.
• Experience in art sales, auctions, cataloging, and art handling.
• Familiarity with web development and digital content management.
• Consistent availability on Thursdays and Fridays, with flexibility for additional weekdays as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

The position begins with hourly compensation.
Following an initial three-month probationary period, the successful candidate may be considered for a salaried position, depending on performance, operational needs, and demonstrated understanding of the role’s responsibilities.

Schedule & Work Location

Employment Type: Part-Time, with potential to transition to Full-Time

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break.

Scheduling Priority: Applicants who can reliably work in the office on both Thursdays and Fridays will receive priority consideration. Additional weekday availability is ideal.

Location: Chicago, IL 60601

Work Arrangement: 100% On-Site. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

MIR Appraisal Services, Inc. is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer. All employment decisions and personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.