Job Title: Museum Curator (Shirley Z. Johnson Curator of Japanese Art)
Institution: National Museum of Asian Art (Smithsonian Institution)
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Contract: Full-time, indefinite (Trust Fund position)
Salary: $85,447 – $143,913 per year
Grade: IS-1015-11/12/13/14 (career ladder to IS-14)
Deadline: 18 May 2026
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art is seeking a Curator of Japanese Art to lead research, interpretation, and development of one of the most significant Japanese art collections outside Japan.
This senior curatorial role involves shaping acquisitions, exhibitions, publications, and public programming, while contributing to the museum’s strategic direction and international standing in the field.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead research initiatives on Japanese art and culture
- Develop exhibitions, publications, and interpretive content
- Oversee collection development, cataloguing, and conservation priorities
- Conduct provenance research and support ethical collecting practices
- Build and maintain relationships with scholars, collectors and communities
- Contribute to donor development and fundraising efforts
- Participate in institutional committees and strategic initiatives
Profile Requirements
- Degree in museum studies or relevant field (advanced degree typically expected)
- Progressive curatorial experience in Japanese art (level dependent: IS-11 to IS-14)
- Strong record of research, publications and exhibition projects
- Expertise in collection management and provenance research
- Experience collaborating with international stakeholders
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Familiarity with museum databases (e.g. TMS)
