Sobey Curatorial Assistant – National Gallery of Canada
Application Deadline: June 4, 2026
Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Employment Tenure: Determinate, 12-month temporary assignment
Classification: L/N A
Salary: $64,608- $82,021/ Year
Number of Positions: 1
Language Requirements: English BBB / French BBB (reading, writing, oral) (A: beginner, B: intermediate, C: advanced)
Job Summary
Reporting to the Senior Curator, European, American and Asian Art, the Sobey Curatorial Assistant is a one-year developmental position intended to support the training of an emerging museum professional through direct mentorship and involvement in curatorial research, collections work, exhibitions, acquisitions, and public programming.
Working closely with the Senior Curator and collaborating across Curatorial Research, Collections and Exhibitions, the incumbent contributes to the research, interpretation, and stewardship of the National Gallery of Canada’s collection while gaining practical experience in museum practice and curatorial work.
Responsibilities include conducting research on acquisitions, collection objects, provenance, and exhibition histories; assisting with acquisitions documentation and materials for committee review; maintaining curatorial records and object information; supporting gallery rotations and temporary exhibitions, including checklist management and interpretive materials; assisting with gallery labels and public-facing content; responding to research inquiries; supporting lectures, tours, and special projects; and contributing to a range of curatorial initiatives as assigned in support of departmental priorities.
Requirements
Education:
- Master’s degree in art history or a related field, with a preferred specialization in either nineteenth-century French art, German Modern or American Post-War art.
Experience:
- Some professional experience in an art museum, gallery, auction house, or comparable cultural institution.
- Demonstrated experience conducting art historical research and preparing scholarly or interpretive materials.
- Experience supporting exhibitions, collections documentation, or related curatorial projects is considered an asset.
- Familiarity with collections databases is considered an asset.
Competencies:
- Demonstrated knowledge of European art, with strength in nineteenth-century French art and/or European modernism.
- Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and contribute positively to a team environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and standard office systems.
- Reading knowledge of French and/or German would be considered an asset.
Condition of Employment
- Must meet the bilingual requirement to be invited to the interview process.
- Reliability Status – this factor is not used at the pre-selection stage.
Additional Information
- A variety of assessment tools may be used to assess candidates.
- Alternative selection tool methods and/or reasonable accommodation are available upon request.
- Candidates are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of their choice.
- Note: Applicants selected for interviews will receive email correspondence from the People, Culture and Belonging team at the National Gallery of Canada
Values
The National Gallery of Canada is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that values and celebrates the diverse life experiences, voices, and histories of all individuals. We encourage applications from individuals belonging to Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities, and members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
Image credits: Via National Gallery of Canada website
