Collections Assistant

Brown University•Providence, RI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology is Brown University’s teaching and research museum. A resource across the university, we inspire creative and critical thinking about culture by fostering interdisciplinary understanding of the material world. The Collections Assistant reports to the Collections Manager/Registrar and assists the collections team to document, assess, rehouse, pack/unpack, and track archaeological, ethnographic, and archival collections. This work supports the move of HMA collections from Bristol, RI to a new location in Providence, RI, and routine use of objects and collections in exhibitions, teaching, research, and loans. This position is a full-time term position under the Transforming the Haffenreffer Museum grant project funded by the Mellon Foundation, which is scheduled to end on August 31, 2027.

Requirements

B.A./B.S. degree in Museum Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Art History, or related field or equivalent experience.
At least one year’s experience in a professional collection management or registration setting.
Basic knowledge of preventive conservation strategies for cultural property in storage, on exhibit, in transit, or in use.
Experience using a collection management system.
Excellent organizational and communication skills and attention to detail.
Ability to handle works of art, use simple hand tools, meet deadlines.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to comfortably use equipment such as moveable shelving and step ladders.
Awareness of issues of cultural sensitivity surrounding cultural heritage and collections.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of MuseumPlusRia preferred.

Responsibilities

Document, assess, rehouse, pack/unpack, and track archaeological, ethnographic, and archival collections.
Support the move of HMA collections from Bristol, RI to a new location in Providence, RI.
Assist with the routine use of objects and collections in exhibitions, teaching, research, and loans.