Research Assistant - Temporary - job 1 of 2

Overview

The Princeton University Art Museum seeks an exceptional Research Assistant for a position beginning in October 2025 through June 2026. They will report to the Assistant Curator of African Art and will work two to three days per week with the Assistant Curator to assist with research, digital and in-gallery interpretation, and programming for a forthcoming exhibition on ceramics from Africa and its Diasporas (opening July 2026).

About the Museum:

With a collecting history that extends back to 1755, the Princeton University Art Museum is one of the leading university art museums in the country, with collections that have grown to include more than 117,000 works of art ranging from ancient to contemporary art and spanning the globe. Committed to advancing Princeton’s teaching and research missions, the Art Museum also serves as a gateway to the University for visitors worldwide. As the Museum prepares for a dramatically reconceived new building scheduled to open in Fall 2025, the Art Museum presents three exhibitions in its downtown venue, Art@Bainbridge. When the new building opens, the Art Museum will open with 32 galleries and initiate its new exhibitions program with seven annual exhibitions onsite and on tour.

To learn more about the Princeton University Art Museum, visit artmuseum.princeton.edu.

Responsibilities

• Exhibition research
• Writing and editing label copy
• Managing relationships with internal and external colleagues and consultants, exhibition publication contributors, lenders, and artists
• Coordinating digital interpretation projects
• Other exhibition-specific duties as needed

Qualifications

Essential Requirements:

The candidate must have an M.A. in Art History (or a related field), with demonstrated research and communication skills. Knowledge of African and African Diasporic art history, modern ceramics history, a proven interest in art historical research, and a commitment to being a team player in an active office environment are vital. This post requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and experience writing and editing museum interpretation.

Preferred Requirements:

A PhD or PhD candidacy in art history (or a related field) and existing museum experience are strongly preferred.

Be advised that you will be contacted only if there is further interest in your application. Your candidate dashboard may not display status updates for this requisition

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours

Eligible for Overtime

Benefits Eligible

Probationary Period

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

Physical Capacity Exam Required

Valid Driver’s License Required

Salary Range