Curatorial Research Associate

Under the supervision of the Rita J. Kaplan and Susan B. Kaplan Curator of Jewelry, and working with the staff of the David and Roberta Logie Department of Textile and Fashion Arts and others throughout the museum, the Research Associate for the jewelry collection will aid in the research, administration, care, and evaluation of the MFAs encyclopedic jewelry collection.

The jewelry collection at the MFA is one of the most comprehensive in the world, spanning 6,000 years and featuring adornments that represent a wide array of materials, techniques and functions. More than 20,000 objects range from Neolithic Chinese jade and ancient Egyptian beadwork to gems and jewels from 21st-century designers, as well as the most comprehensive collection of 20th-century studio jewelry ever assembled.

Primarily focused on day-to-day care and maintenance of the collection, the Curatorial Research Associate will also conduct research related to forthcoming exhibitions in the MFA’s Rita J. and Stanley H. Kaplan Family Foundation Gallery—one of only a few galleries in the US solely dedicated to jewelry. Upcoming exhibition and publication projects include highlights from the MFA’s costume jewelry collection.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with the preparation of exhibitions and gallery installations; select objects, undertake research for labels and installation; undertake research on MFA objects, as well as art objects belonging to private collectors. Work with Curatorial, Conservation, Exhibition and Design Departments, Registrar, and Facilities staff on the installations of objects, as requested.
• Perform duties related to physical care, and documentation of collection. Obtain and put away art objects for exhibitions and/or visitors. Receive new objects, identify and label for registration, catalog and place in storage.
• Assist Jewelry Curator with exhibitions and publication research as requested. Research and catalog objects. Make proposals regarding objects that require conservation. Work closely with Photography staff proposing objects that need new photography. Work closely with Collections Management staff on issues related to housing and documentation of collection. In collaboration with Curatorial and Publications staff conduct photo research.
• As requested and approved, lecture on the collection, travel, attend conferences, seminars; visit other Museums, maintain professional affiliations in appropriate organizations.

This part-time, three day a week, position is fully funded for 12 months.

Candidate Profile:

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in art history, decorative arts, or material culture with an academic focus on jewelry; or, extensive equivalent related experience, demonstrating scholarly ability in the field of art history through publications, conference papers, and other activities.
• In-depth knowledge of the history of ornament, with an emphasis on twentieth-century jewelry history.
• Experience working in a museum or related setting, and using database systems such as The Museum System (TMS).
• Committed to collaboration with others to achieve the best outcome, the successful candidate is an excellent and timely decision maker able to move plans and objectives forward.
• Strong sense of accountability for achieving stated objectives and demonstrable experience doing so.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated dedication to the field of jewelry studies through affiliations, exhibitions, publications, and/or lectures.
• Superior ability to develop, present, and defend ideas and projects that earn the respect of others and builds credibility for the work of the Department and institution.
• Committed to collaboration with others to achieve the best outcome, and is an excellent and timely decision maker to move plans and objectives forward.
• Strong sense of accountability for achieving stated objectives and demonstrable experience doing so.

Personal Qualities and Attributes

• Intellectually rigorous
• Inspirational, passionate, curious
• Resilient with a healthy approach to work/life balance
• Generosity of spirit, a team player able to interact successfully with a wide range of people at different levels of Museum
• Superior judgment, tact and diplomacy, with organizational skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communication, with demonstrated presentation skills
• Proven ability to effectively and efficiently manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines

Salary Range:
Part-Time Salary, 21 hours per week
Salary: $28,000

The MFA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from diverse candidates