Research Associate, Mary Cassatt
About The Position
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world. The Museum is committed to fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment with a staff as diverse as the audiences it engages. The Met strives to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects, aiming to be the most dynamic and inspiring art museum in the world. Core values include respect, inclusivity, collaboration, excellence, and integrity. As the Research Associate, you will provide key support for the upcoming exhibition, Mary Cassatt: Impressionist Ambassador, scheduled from October 2028 to January 2029. You will assist in all research and administrative aspects of the exhibition, supporting the curatorial, administrative, and exhibitions team throughout the planning, development, and execution of the exhibition. This exhibition will focus on Cassatt’s impact on American collecting as a prolific artist-advisor and how her artistic development dovetailed with her advising practice. This is a position with an established end-date, running from October 2026 to October 2028.
Requirements
- MA in Art History or related field required; PhD or ABD preferred.
- Strong background and expertise in nineteenth-century French and American art history.
- 1-2 years of demonstrated academic research experience, as an independent researcher or fellow.
- Prior experience working on museum exhibitions desirable.
- Knowledge of French language preferred.
- Ability to work independently and effectively meet deadlines.
- Excellent 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 excellent organizational skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication and collaboration skills.
Nice To Haves
- PhD or ABD preferred.
- Prior experience working on museum exhibitions desirable.
- Knowledge of French language preferred.
- Experience with TMS (The Museum System) database preferred.
Responsibilities
- Conduct in-depth research about Mary Cassatt’s role as an advisor to American collectors for the exhibition and accompanying catalogue.
- Facilitate and prepare lectures, tours, and walkthroughs of the exhibition.
- Assist with loan paperwork, administration, and general correspondence for the show.
- Work closely with 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 authors.
- Coordinate with registrars/departmental collections team on database updates regarding loans, including maintaining 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, including Design, Education, Editorial, Registrar, External Affairs, and Development, and coordinating agendas and follow-up/next steps.
- Work closely with 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 gallery installation/deinstallation and working with couriers.
- 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
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
