Research Assistant

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Job Opportunity: Research Assistant

Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné – New York City
Location: Manhattan, NY (Hybrid: 3 days/week in-office)
Application Deadline: 9 May 2025
Start Date: April 2025
Salary Range: $55,000 – $65,000 per year
Submit to: jobs@joanmitchellfoundation.org

The Joan Mitchell Catalogue Raisonné (JMCR) project, established in 2015, is a long-term scholarly endeavor to document the complete painted oeuvre of American artist Joan Mitchell. The project will culminate in a comprehensive publication featuring detailed entries on each painting, including provenance, exhibition history, and literature.

JMCR is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to support this critical work, based in New York City with a hybrid schedule (three days per week in-office). The position is ideal for detail-oriented researchers with strong art historical training and an interest in archival methods and cataloguing.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist in the cataloguing and fact-checking of Joan Mitchell’s paintings, with a focus on exhibition and bibliographic histories
Input and maintain accurate records in the project’s FileMaker Pro database
Conduct in-depth research using online databases, archival sources, museum catalogues, and periodicals
Obtain and organize exhibition checklists and documents from institutions (museums, galleries, auction houses)
Ensure consistent data entry aligned with JMCR Style Guidelines and the Chicago Manual of Style
Provide general support in managing project calendars, spreadsheets, and digital/paper files
Participate in internal meetings and contribute to departmental planning

Candidate Profile:

Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in art history or a related field
Strong knowledge of 20th-century art, especially modernist movements
Proven research skills in libraries, archives, and databases
Precision in cataloguing and data entry; familiarity with FileMaker Pro preferred
Strong organizational, writing, and communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
Familiarity with gallery and auction records is a plus
Previous experience with a catalogue raisonné project is desirable

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary range: $55,000–65,000/year
Full benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, vision, life insurance
- 401(k) with employer match
- PTO, sick leave, and floating holidays
- Commuter benefits
- Additional coverage: pet insurance, legal assistance, behavioral health support

The Foundation is committed to providing equitable and competitive compensation. Offers will reflect the candidate’s experience, skill set, and contributions to the organization.

How to Apply:

Submit your résumé and a cover letter (including salary expectations) to:
jobs@joanmitchellfoundation.org
Please note: References and background checks are part of the final hiring process.

Diversity & Inclusion:

The Joan Mitchell Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, especially those who may not meet every listed qualification but bring strong potential to the role. The Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and encourages candidates requiring accommodations to contact:
humanresources@joanmitchellfoundation.org

Image credit: Artists-in-Residence, staff, and guests in the studio of Juan Carlos Quintana at the Joan Mitchell Center, 2022. Photo by Kendra C. Thompson.