Research Associate, Modern & Contemporary [End-dated]

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

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is seeking a Research Associate for the Department of Modern and Contemporary Art. This role will provide administrative support for a major upcoming retrospective of a living artist, co-organized by the Department of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Department of Photographs, scheduled for Spring 2028. The position involves assisting with research and administrative tasks throughout the planning, development, and execution of the exhibition, which will feature over 200 objects offering a comprehensive overview of the artist’s life and work. This is a time-limited position with an end date of April 28, 2028.

Requirements

MA in Art History or related field required.
Strong background with Art History and related exhibition themes.
Demonstrated understanding of academic research.
Ability to work effectively under guidance in a collaborative environment.
Ability to work independently and effectively meet deadlines.
Demonstrated computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel), Microsoft Teams, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and Adobe Photoshop.
Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
Strong written and verbal communication and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

PhD or ABD preferred.
Experience working with living artists preferred.
Experience with Airtable and TMS (The Museum System) database preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with loan paperwork, administration, and general correspondence for the exhibition.
Conduct in-depth research for the exhibition and accompanying catalogue.
Work closely with exhibition curators and the Publications and Editorial Department on the organization of the exhibition catalogue, including editing texts, securing images and rights, preparing captions and bibliographies, and corresponding with external authors.
Coordinate with registrars/departmental collections team on database updates regarding loans, including maintaining the object checklist in TMS (The Museum System).
Coordinate with registrars/departmental collections team to obtain and track loan requirements and other lender information in TMS.
Maintain object checklist and files, and assist with lender correspondence, processing of exhibition agreements, and other forms.
Assist with the application for immunity from seizure by conducting provenance research and compiling other materials.
Organize meetings with other Met departments (Design, Education, Editorial, Registrar, External Affairs, Development) and coordinate agendas and follow-up/next steps.
Work closely with the Design Department during Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Drawing design phases.
Assist 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.
Assist with gallery installation/deinstallation and working with couriers.
Perform 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