• Research Assistant, Contemporary Art

    Detroit Institute of Art (Detroit, MI)


    JOB TITLE: Research Assistant, Contemporary

     

    DEPARTMENT: Curatorial

     

    REPORTS TO: Department Head

     

    CLASSIFICATION: Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Temporary (One Year Contract)

     

    REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: Museum Based

    GENERAL SUMMARY

    Under the supervision of the Department Head and the guidance of the Associate Curator, Contemporary Art, the research assistant will support the reinstallation of the museum’s contemporary art galleries through object and provenance research and administrative support for related public programming.

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    + Research and compile scholarship on assigned collections.

    + Update files, documents, and databases pertaining to the collections.

    + Contact scholars, collectors, artists, and museums for information as necessary.

    + Support curator on development and production of written materials

    + Support development and implementation of related public programming in collaboration with curator and other DIA departments.

    + Apply DIA values to interactions to support a culture of belonging among internal and external stakeholders.

    + Perform other duties as assigned.

    QUALIFICATIONS

    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

    Bachelor’s degree in art history, anthropology, or related field required. Master’s degree in a related field preferred. Specialization in assigned collections preferred (Global Contemporary Art, 1950-present). Three (3) years of museum, university, or art gallery experience is required .

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

    + Previous experience with archival, object-based, and provenance research.

    + Demonstrated skills to prioritize and complete multiple tasks to meet deadlines and goals.

    + Demonstrated ability to work with attention to detail and produce accurate results.

    + Excellent written and oral communication skills required.

    + Demonstrated ability to share complex information, ideas, and instructions clearly, effectively, and professionally to diverse audiences through talking or writing.

    + Demonstrated collaboration skills to work across departments and divisions internally and with diverse stakeholders externally.

    + Experience with collections database software, The Museum System (TMS) preferred.

    + Ability to work occasional weekend and evening hours for special events.

    + Must be proficient in the latest version of Office 365.

    + Must have proficiency in the use of remote work technology such as scheduling with, connecting to, and using digital collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams.

    + Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive, and courteous interactions that promote positive teamwork. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.

    PHYSICAL DEMANDS

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

     

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone, and email.

     

    This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the supervisor’s ability to modify work assignments as appropriate.

     

    THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.