Research Assistant at The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity. 

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:  

• Hiring Range
• Benefits
• PTO Overview
• Job Classification: Full Time Temporary Staff
• Grade Level: 5

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The museum’s collection of Applied Arts of Europe comprises 9,500 works of art ranging in date from 1100 to 1945, with strengths in the fields of Arms and Armor, 18th century design, and 19th century design reform. Collection holdings include furniture, ceramics, glass, metalwork, and other mixed media.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Department of Applied Arts of Europe (AAE) seeks a Research Assistant to aid in the researching of the collection of Arms and Armor for publication of a collection catalogue. This is a full-time two-year position reporting to the Amy and Paul Carbone Curator of Arms and Armor, in close consultation with the Collection Manager. The Research Assistant is responsible for the organization, preservation, documentation, and research of archival materials under AAE’s stewardship with a focus on the Arms and Armor holdings of the AAE collection. They will facilitate access to the department archives through scanning and digitization of object files, deaccession records, acquisition documentation, installation images, and publication and exhibition histories. The assistant will work collaboratively with the curator of Arms and Armor to explore issues of connoisseurship, provenance, and material history. Additionally, the assistant will contribute to research related to the development of programs, permanent and temporary exhibitions, and online publication projects that feature the museum’s Arms and Armor holdings and European decorative arts before 1700.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Processes and digitizes department archival material to professional standards
• Supports research efforts by providing organized access to the department archives
• Updates publication, exhibition history, provenance, and core data of objects in the Museum’s collection management system under the supervision of the Curator, Collection Manager, and Research Associate
• Gather primary and secondary research on objects in the Arms and Armor collection, including comparable images and technical research from peer institutions; and related technical and art historical literature
• Works with the Curator to examine objects in the collection for updates to the object files and Museum’s collection management system 
• Submits research requests and examines Art Institute of Chicago Institutional Archives in support of object file documentation and research related to publication projects
• Works with Curator to write or edit permanent and temporary exhibition labels, catalogue entries, audio tours, and web content

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift 40 pounds and occasionally use a step stool or ladder.
• Tolerance to dust with use of optional face covering, gloves, and/or smock.
• Periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Often moves about inside the office, access storage areas, move file boxes and folders, and other related tasks.
• Often operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as scanners and printers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Curatorial Affairs, or equivalent area of study required.
• Graduate or Undergraduate level study of European art required. Knowledge of decorative arts, arms and armor and/or material culture, from the 12^th to 18^th centuries highly preferred.
• Minimum 1-2 years research experience in a museum, library or academic setting highly preferred.
• Demonstrated excellent research and writing skills
• Possess effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to initiate and conclude projects, and to work independently
• Demonstrate capacity for analytical work, accuracy, neatness, reliability, and attention to detail as these are essential to the role. 
• Computer skills including knowledge of Google Suite and Adobe PDF Pro.
• Demonstrated ability to learn museum-specific collection management systems.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in a staff culture that benefits from a wide range of experience, backgrounds, and career paths, and we encourage nontraditional candidates to apply.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [email protected].