Research Assistant, Walther Collection

The Metropolitan Museum of Art • The Met Fifth Avenue, NY

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is seeking a Research Assistant to provide key support for an upcoming major exhibition of The Walther Collection, scheduled for Fall 2028. This role will involve assisting with research and administrative aspects of the exhibition, supporting the curatorial, administrative, and exhibitions team throughout the planning, development, and execution of an ambitious presentation of modern and contemporary works of photography and time-based media. The exhibition will feature selections from The Met’s 2025 landmark gift of over 6,500 works from Artur Walther. This is a position with an established end-date, with time frames beginning upon hire in January 2027 and concluding in 2029.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Art History or related field, with MA preferred.
• Strong background in the history of photography, media and performance, visual and cultural studies, and/or global approaches to modern and contemporary art.
• Demonstrated academic research experience, as an independent researcher or fellow.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, and effectively meet deadlines is essential.
• Demonstrated computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel), Microsoft Teams, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and Adobe Photoshop; experience with TMS (The Museum System) database preferred.
• Detail-oriented with impeccable organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in critical theory, decolonial studies an asset.
• Prior experience working with living artists, ideally within international contexts preferred.
• Knowledge of German, Mandarin, Portuguese, or French an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assist with limited loan paperwork, programming coordination, and artist correspondence for the show.
• Assist with in-depth bibliographic and provenance research; exhibition history compilation for the exhibition and accompanying catalogue.
• Work closely with the exhibition Curator and Publications and Editorial Department on the organization of the exhibition catalogue, including the editing of texts, securing images and rights, preparing captions and bibliographies, and corresponding with external authors.
• Maintain exhibition checklist in TMS (The Museum System) and object files; process exhibition agreements and other forms, coordinate with registrars/departmental collections team on database updates as appropriate.
• Coordinate with registrars/departmental collections team to obtain and track installation requirements and other constituent information in TMS.
• Organize meetings with other Met departments, including Design, Education, Editorial, Registrar, External Affairs, and Development, and coordinating agendas and follow-up/next steps.
• Support Curator in development and implementation of exhibition design, working closely in collaboration with Design Department during Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Drawing design phases.
• Assist Curator with the composition of interpretive material, including gallery labels, images/captions, digital content, or other assets, and securing rights.
• Assist with grant applications and other fundraising opportunities, as needed.
• Assist with the build-out of the exhibition web page and other promotional materials/media, as needed.
• Assist with coordination of any programs and/or symposia related to the exhibition and lead walkthroughs and gallery talks as needed.
• Assist with gallery installation/deinstallation and working with couriers.
• Database support for Walther Collection rotations across the Museum.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 403(b) basic retirement plan and optional matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match
• Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and 13 Museum holidays
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Account (pre-tax income for eligible health care expenses)
• Commuter benefits (pre-tax income for parking or mass transit expenses)
• Free financial-planning services
• Financial assistance for relevant coursework, seminars, and training programs
• 25% discount for staff in Museum shops
• A subsidized staff cafeteria
• Access to the Museums Council pass, which grants free admission to various museums and cultural institutions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level