Research Assistant

Job Announcement | Research Assistant

Department | Curatorial

Reporting Relationship | Reports to Assistant Curator, Latinx & Latin American Art

About The Newark Museum of Art:

We acknowledge the traditional homelands of the Lenape, also known as the Delaware, upon which The Newark Museum of Art resides.

Founded in 1909 and located in New Jersey, The Newark Museum of Art (NMOA) is the state's largest museum and ranks twelfth nationally in terms of collection size. Global and diasporic, the collection includes more than 130,000 artworks, as well as significant holdings of science and natural history. From the ancient world to the art of today, NMOA boasts exceptional quality and depth in the Arts of Global Africa; Arts of Global Asia, featuring a renown Tibetan collection and Buddhist altar; Arts of the Americas, with particular strength in Native American art; Arts of the Ancient Mediterranean, and Decorative Arts.

Visitor-and community-centered, NMOA responds to the evolving needs and interests of the diverse publics it serves by offering exhibitions, programming, a research library, paid internships, and local and global partnerships. A four-acre campus includes the National Historic Landmark Ballantine House (1885); the Ward Carriage House (1860); the Old Stone School House (1784); the Alice Ransom Dreyfuss Memorial Garden; and Horizon Plaza. Under the leadership of Director and CEO, Linda C. Harrison, NMOA has launched an era of transformation to create an engaged citizenry by reimagining the role of the art museum for the 21st century. 

The Newark Museum of Art welcomes everyone with inclusive experiences that spark curiosity and foster community.

Job Summary:

The Research Assistant will work with the Assistant Curator of Latinx & Latin American Art to research the NMOA collection to develop a related publication and develop an exhibition.

Work Schedule:

Work Schedule: This is a contract, part-time hybrid position, working at least two days in the office and may work up to one day remotely per week. Work is not to exceed 25 hours per week.

The contractor will start on or about October 1, 2025, and end on or about October 1, 2027.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• The Research Assistant shall perform scholarly research and cataloguing as needed on the existing NMOA Latinx & Latin American collection for a collection catalogue to be published in Fall of 2027.  
• The Contractor will support the preparation of a special exhibition planned for Fall 2027 by performing duties including but not limited to conducting library and archival research, locating possible loans for the exhibition, corresponding with artists, galleries, private collectors, archives, and institutions to facilitate acquisitions or exhibition loans.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities): 

• B.A. in Latino and/or Latin American Art History, Latino and/or Latin American Studies or related field required
• M.A. or equivalent museum experience preferred. Current graduate students will also be considered.
• An ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and Spanish fluency are required.  
• Knowledge of current scholarships in the field.
• Knowledge of TMS or similar collections management database, collections care, and documentation issues a plus.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

·       Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time, move about, and access and operate equipment.

·       The ability to receive and communicate information and instructions so others will understand.

·       Ability to lift and move, up to fifteen (15) pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that are to be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Rate/Salary: $32 hourly

The Newark Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Upholding this commitment, we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, placement, transfer, layoff, recall, leaves of absence, and termination.

We are dedicated to embedding the principles of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) in all aspects of our work and organizational culture. In undertaking this work, the Museum is committed to anti-racism–conscious efforts and deliberate actions intended to create equal opportunities for all on both an individual and systemic level. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as BIPOC, veterans, LGBTQIA+, and those with disabilities, as they play a pivotal role in our mission. More information on the Newark Museum of Art’s commitment to DEAI can be found here.

The Newark Museum of Art is dedicated to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As an integral part of this commitment, we ensure that employees and applicants with disabilities have access to reasonable accommodation. For inquiries regarding reasonable accommodation, please contact [email protected].

Due to the potential high volume of submissions, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. 

Please send Cover Letter and Resume to [email protected]