This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.
Duration And Compensation
Employee would start August 1, 2026. Working 10-15 hours per week at $15/hr. This is an ongoing position. This work will be conducted during the museum’s regular weekly operating hours, from 8:30am-5pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional evening or weekend responsibilities may be required.
Working collaboratively, the Curatorial Research Assistant is an integral part of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum’s (MSU Broad Art Museum) curatorial team that contributes to exhibition research and development and collection research and interpretation. The Curatorial Research Assistant will report to the Assistant Curator and Senior Curator working collaboratively to engage with the whole curatorial team on select projects. The Curatorial Research Assistant will learn from and contribute to the formation of exhibitions; the maintenance and development of research related to the permanent collection, including artist research; and the development of departmental activities including research, education, and development. They will also assist with a wide range of departmental administrative tasks, supporting the organization of files and documentation.
Duties
General Curatorial and Clerical Support
Answers routine correspondence
Attends meetings and keeps track of action items and to-do lists
Prepares and updates exhibition checklists
Maintains file organization for department and those related to exhibitions, collections, and committees coordinated by Curatorial
Supports the development of grant applications
Other administrative duties as requested
Exhibitions Planning
Works with curators and registrars in locating and selecting objects for exhibitions
Researches and writes about objects or artists in exhibitions
Prepares labels for permanent collection galleries and loan exhibitions
Collaborates with museum staff across departments.
Collections Management
Works with registrar and curators to maintain accurate records in database
Assists in researching and writing about permanent collection and new acquisitions
Publications
Assists in identifying images for reproduction whether for web purposes or brochure content
Collaborates with MSU Broad Art Museum’s staff to obtain proper permissions for reproductions
Collaborates with MSU Broad Art Museum’s staff to provide feedback on different exhibition texts and brochures
Work Environment
Work will primarily take place in the museum’s shared offices, but will also include offsite collection storage spaces, museum galleries, other university buildings, and occasional off-campus excursions.
Learning Outcomes and Benefits
Curatorial Research Assistants can expect to develop basic proficiency in writing for a wide range of museum publics; learn how to apply their humanities-based research skills to new fields and projects; and acquire a deeper understanding of the logistics and processes informing exhibitions, acquisitions, and museum collections.
Applicants should have an interest in the arts
Excellent research and writing skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office and Teams
Interest in contemporary art and/or museums
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Resume
Cover Letter (1-2 pages) outlining your interest in curatorial work, your relevant experience, and how you envision your specific skill sets supporting the work of the curatorial team.
Writing Sample relevant to the field of art and/or art history. (Examples:portions of a class/seminar paper, a thesis/dissertation, biographical writing, and/or journalistic writing.)
ON-CALL
https://broadmuseum.msu.edu/
