Curatorial Research Specialist
On-site · Los Angeles, California, United States
Job Summary
Curatorial Research Specialist at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art seeks in-depth research and organizational support for collections and exhibition development. Responsibilities include conducting research for exhibitions, curatorial projects, and publications; performing archival and provenance research; building research files; entering data into The Museum System (TMS); liaising with scholars, archivists, curators, and artists; drafting research-based texts for object files, website content, and publications; supporting exhibition development, loan checklists, and project budgets; and contributing to catalogue research and inter-departmental initiatives. Core competencies emphasize analytical rigor, courageous communication, collaboration, adaptive resilience, inclusive interaction, and entrepreneurship in a creative museum environment. Requires Master’s degree (Ph.D. preferred) and at least three years in a museum context, strong writing and research skills, proficiency with TMS, multilingual reading ability, and a passion for the Lucas Museum’s mission.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in history, art history, media studies, cinema studies, or related field required; Ph.D. preferred
- Minimum of three (3) years of cumulative experience in a museum or other arts institution context required
- Exceptional research skills including archival and digital research methods and tools
- Proficiency in the use of computers and Microsoft Office software
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and sound judgment
- Proven skill in managing databases and records
- Broad knowledge of art history spanning the pre-modern era through nineteenth-century visual culture, 20th-century popular culture, and modern and contemporary art preferred
- Familiarity with best practices in provenance research preferred
- Knowledge of The Museum System (TMS), including data entry in TMS to create constituent records, object records, and capture rights information
- Reading knowledge of two or more languages required
- Knowledge of basic museum processes and procedures
- Deep passion, alignment, and commitment to the Lucas Museum’s mission
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- Ability to understand and follow complex, detailed instructions
- Research ability sufficient to gather information about works of art or other materials
- Ability to follow professional museum standards, collection care principles, and museum policies
- Collaborative team player with proven ability to build relationships and work effectively and positively with Museum leadership and staff, a diverse set of external partners, and the general public
- Ability to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders, including Museum colleagues, industry experts, and other external partners
- Comfort with ambiguity, and an ability to envision the new and different, and a commitment to developing and working with diverse audiences
- Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, creative, collaborative, and nimble environment
Apply with one swipe on Sorce. We auto-fill applications and apply on your behalf — no cover letters, no 40-minute forms.
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.