Research Assistant, Private Sales – Post-War & Contemporary Art (Temporary)

00170 Christie's Inc Company; New York (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Christie’s in New York seeks a Research Assistant for the Private Sales – Post-War & Contemporary Art department. The temporary role offers exposure to the auction world and hands-on project work aligned with the sales calendar.

You will assist with provenance research, literature checks, fact sheets, image coordination, and essay writing, while supporting proposal preparation and gallery materials.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or postgraduate degree required.
• Ability to work full time in a temporary role.
• Interest in Post-War and Contemporary Art.

Responsibilities

• Assist Specialists with provenance, exhibition history research, and literature checks.
• Produce fact sheets for floating and consigned works.
• Respond to internal inquiries for fact sheets and prices.
• Coordinate image editing and photography.
• Write artwork essays.
• Support proposal preparation and gallery guide/price list creation.
• Assist with installing galleries for private sale views and mounting lot cards.
• Perform general department tasks as assigned.

Skills

Research skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Working under pressure

Education

Bachelor's or higher degree

Job description

Research Assistant, Private Sales – Post-War & Contemporary Art (Temporary)

Why This Role Matters

The Research Coordinator role at Christie’s will be exposed to the art world and auction industry through hands‑on experience in the Post-War & Contemporary Art department. The duties are varied, and will follow the cycle of the sales calendar as well as certain duties to support overall department activity.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Assisting Specialists in researching works for upcoming sale. This includes, but is not limited to, provenance and exhibition history research, and undertaking literature checks.
• Produce fact sheets for floating and consigned works
• Respond to internal inquiries for Fact Sheets and prices as needed
• Coordinate image editing and photography
• Writing artwork essays
• Respond to internal inquiries for Fact Sheets and prices as needed
• Supporting the proposal preparation process
• Assist with gallery guide and price list creation
• Assist with installing the galleries for private sale views, which includes compiling and mounting lot cards, and taking installation images for each work
• General department tasks as assigned by line manager

What you’ll bring to the team

• Demonstrable passion for Post-War and Contemporary Art in particular, and the wider arts in general
• Well organized, with a proven ability to work calmly under pressure in a professional environment
• Strong follow‑up and attention to detail
• Ability to converse with staff and clients in a confident and articulate manner
• Additional language skills are desirable, however not mandatory

Candidates must have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, and be able to work full time.

Christie’s, Inc. is committed to principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, Christie’s Inc. ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability status for service in the United States Armed Forces.

Compensation Range Hourly: $22.00 - $24.00

Closing Date: November 13th, 2026

Christie’s is the world’s leading art business. Since 1766, we are known for our extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Every year, we offer around 350 live and online auctions in over 80 specialist categories – including all areas of fine and decorative arts, Asian art and luxury collectables – as well as a long and successful history of private sales. Contact us in 46 countries, or visit one of our 10 international salerooms in London, New York, Hong Kong, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich and Shanghai.

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