ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
The Modern and Contemporary Art department at The Met is devoted to the study, collection and exhibition of art from 1890 to the present. An era marked by seismic cultural, social and political shifts across the globe, artistic responses to these changes have shaped multiple modernities and diverse contemporary practices. The department is committed to foregrounding the interconnected and richly variegated narratives and experiences that inform the art of this period from around the world.
Historically focused on the art of Western Europe and North America, since 2012 Modern and Contemporary Art has greatly expanded and diversified its collections, especially through works by women and artists of color, with particular emphasis on acquisitions from Latin America, South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and African diasporas. Today, its holdings span a range of media, including paintings, sculpture, works on paper, design, decorative arts, and time-based media. The department presents rotating selections from its dynamic collections in its galleries and special projects throughout the museum.
This is a position with an established end-date or time frame. Time frames will begin upon hire: 16 Months.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
As the Research Associate, you will be primarily responsible for conducting research and providing administrative support for two upcoming exhibitions, an exhibition focused on Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler in the fall of 2027 and an exhibition on a contemporary artist opening in the summer of 2027.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
Conduct in-depth library and archival research on work to support the exhibition checklists; research provenance and exhibition histories of works on the checklist; regularly update and maintain research database for the exhibitions and accompanying catalogues;
Organize meetings with other Met departments, including Design, Education, Editorial, Registrar, External Affairs, and Development, and coordinate agendas and follow-up/next steps;
Maintain object checklists and files, and assist with lender correspondence exhibition agreements and other forms;
Coordinate with registrars/departmental collections team on database updates regarding loans;
Work with curators and Exhibitions department to assist in compiling information needed for Immunity from Seizure and Indemnification applications, as needed;
Work with curators and Publications and Editorial Department to assist with all aspects of the exhibition catalogues' production, including author identification, design, copy editing, securing images and rights, preparing captions and bibliographies, and corresponding with external authors;
Research images and archival photographs, and assist in securing reproduction rights and correct credits/captioning;
Work with curators, project managers, and larger team on all matters related to the exhibitions' design and installation;
Bring an open-minded and collaborative approach to working with all the stakeholders? Colleagues? involved in the projects both inside and outside of the museum;
Assist with the composition of interpretive materials, including gallery labels, images/captions, digital content, or other assets, and the process of securing rights;
Assist with grant applications and other fundraising opportunities, as needed;
Assist with the build-out of the exhibitions' web pages and other promotional materials/media, as needed;
Assist in the organization and implementation of any programs, workshops, lectures, and/or symposia related to the exhibitions;
Maintain image libraries; prepare PPT materials for lectures in support of projects; give walkthroughs and gallery talks as needed;
Assist with gallery installations/deinstallations and working with couriers;
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree or equivalent experience in art history or related subject required.
Previous art-historical research experience in a museum setting, with a working knowledge of Modern European and American art preferred.
Reading skills in French, preferred.
Excellent communication, organizational and writing skills. Proven ability to be an efficient, detail-oriented multitasker who can both work independently to meet deadlines and work collaboratively in teams.
Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Microsoft Teams, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Abobe Photoshop, and fluency with The Museum System (TMS), and bibliographic software (e.g., Zotero) strongly preferred.
COMPENSATION RANGE:
Pay Range: $72,000.00 - $74,000.00 / Annually
