European Art - Research Assistant

Detroit Institute of Arts • Detroit, MI

3d • $22 - $25 • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the department head, the research assistant will conduct object and provenance research for the upcoming exhibition Caravaggio’s Models. The role involves researching and compiling scholarship on paintings, updating files and databases, contacting scholars and museums for information, and supporting the curator with the exhibition catalogue and other written materials. The position also requires applying DIA values to foster a culture of belonging and performing other assigned duties.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in art history or related field required.
• Three (3) years of museum, university, or art gallery experience is required.
• 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.
• Ability to provide information, ideas, and instructions clearly, effectively, and professionally through talking or writing.
• Reading knowledge of Italian required.
• Demonstrated collaboration skills to work across departments and divisions internally and with diverse stakeholders externally.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in related field preferred.
• Specialization in seventeenth-century Italian art preferred.
• Reading knowledge of French is strongly preferred.
• Experience with collections database software, The Museum System (TMS) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Research and compile scholarship on paintings in the exhibition checklist.
• Update files, documents, and databases pertaining to these works.
• Contact scholars, collectors, and museums for information as necessary.
• Support curator as assigned on development and production of the exhibition catalogue and in the execution of other written materials pertaining to the exhibition.
• Apply DIA values to interactions to support a culture of belonging among internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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