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Curatorial Research Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Curator of Public Programming

Dearborn, MI

... base Assist with marketing and fundraising efforts including grant writing, and earned revenue ... research related to museum programs Cultivate and maintain relationships with the arts and ...

ACCESS

Curator of Public Programming

Dearborn, MI · On-site

... • Assist with marketing and fundraising efforts including grant writing, and earned revenue ... research related to museum programs • Cultivate and maintain relationships with the arts and ...

Birmingham, MI

Museum Assistant

Birmingham, MI

Under the general direction of the Museum Director, the Museum Assistant works 20 hours a week and ... curatorial tasks such as research, exhibit development and interpretation. FUNCTIONS AND ...

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Curatorial Research Assistant information

What is a curatorial research assistant?

Curatorial Research Assistants are professionals who support curators in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions by conducting research, organizing information, and assisting with exhibition planning. Their duties often include cataloging works of art, preparing written materials, and gathering historical or contextual information about objects in a collection. They play a key role in ensuring the accuracy and depth of exhibitions and publications. This position is ideal for individuals interested in art history, museum studies, or cultural heritage, and often requires strong research, organizational, and communication skills.

What are the main challenges curatorial research assistants face when preparing materials for exhibitions?

Curatorial Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, managing large volumes of research data, and ensuring the accuracy and relevance of information presented. They must balance meticulous attention to detail with the ability to synthesize complex historical or artistic contexts into accessible exhibition materials. Collaborating closely with curators, registrars, and conservation staff, they must also adapt to shifting priorities and last-minute changes in exhibition planning. Excellent organizational skills and effective communication are essential to navigating these challenges successfully.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a curatorial research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Curatorial Research Assistant, you need strong research abilities, art historical knowledge, and often a relevant degree in art history or museum studies. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital archives, and databases is typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication help you stand out in collaborating with curators and supporting exhibition planning. These skills are crucial for ensuring accuracy in research, supporting curatorial projects, and maintaining the integrity of museum collections.

What is the difference between Curatorial Research Assistant vs Collections Assistant?

AspectCuratorial Research AssistantCollections Assistant
Primary RoleConducts research to support exhibitions and curatorial projectsAssists with the organization, cataloging, and preservation of collections
Required SkillsResearch, analysis, writing, knowledge of art history or relevant fieldOrganization, attention to detail, knowledge of collection management systems
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, cultural institutionsMuseums, archives, cultural institutions
Typical CredentialsBachelor’s degree in art history, museum studies, or related fieldBachelor’s degree, often in museum studies, history, or related field

While both roles support museum and gallery functions, the Curatorial Research Assistant focuses on research and content development for exhibitions, whereas the Collections Assistant handles the organization and preservation of collections. Both positions require relevant education and work in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ.

What are popular job titles related to Curatorial Research Assistant jobs in Michigan?

For Curatorial Research Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Curatorial Research Assistant jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Curatorial Research Assistant jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Curatorial Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Curatorial Research Assistant job openings:

Curatorial Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curatorial Research Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Associate Curator of Mammals

Detroit Zoological Society

Royal Oak, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

General Description
The Associate Curator of Mammals, Primates and Large Carnivores, assists in the development, maintenance and oversight of animal care and welfare practices for the Mammal Department including daily oversight of staff and facility operations, repair, and maintenance.
The Associate Curator of Mammals will support, both publicly and privately, the principles of the Detroit Zoological Society, maintain a professional manner when dealing with all constituencies, and always preserve a high level of confidentiality.
This job description is by no means all-inclusive and may be subject to change during a performance period due to the needs of the Detroit Zoological Society and its leadership. This document will be reviewed on a continual basis and will be modified as needed.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide oversight of all Mammal Department operations, including animal care and welfare, staff training, habitat maintenance, research, guest interaction activities, special events and other projects as needed.
  • Coordinate with other Life Science Departments for supervisory coverage as needed.
  • Create staff schedules to ensure optimum care of animals and exceptional conditions for guests.
  • Supervise subordinate Mammal Department staff including goal setting, team building, adherence to protocols, and evaluations.
  • Assist in coordinating and executing animal transactions including paperwork, permits, and transports.
  • Participate in recruitment and selection of Mammal Department staff.
  • Ensure scheduled maintenance of equipment and facilities.
  • Submit work orders for the repair of equipment and facilities.
  • Coordinate animal health and other medical procedures with veterinary staff.
  • Assist in preparation and monitoring of budgets as required.
  • Maintain records and provide written and verbal reports as required.
  • Conduct emergency response drills to ensure emergency preparedness.
  • Conduct and/or coordinate research projects.
  • Assist in executing the Living Animal Plan by researching and identifying new mammal species that will meet strategic goals toward increasing our animal population while contributing to AZA conservation programs and creating engaging guest experiences.
  • Contribute to strategic and other institutional planning processes.
  • Contribute to planning for major/minor capital improvement projects for the Mammal Department.
  • Ensure mammal areas exceed AZA accreditation standards and USDA animal welfare standards.
  • Participate in cooperative management programs, such as studbooks, Population Management Plans, Species Survival Plans and Taxon Advisory Groups.
  • Develop and conduct presentations at professional meetings.
  • Conduct educational presentations in both formal and informal settings.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in zoology or a closely related discipline.
  • Four years of experience in the care of captive wildlife.
  • Three years of supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Must have strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, team building, and effective time management skills.
Preferred
  • Advanced academic achievement.
  • Experience in a curatorial, education or research capacity.

Working Conditions
Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions, with frequent exposure to and contact with dangerous animals, with risk of zoonotic disease transmission (Hepatitis B, Herpes B, Tuberculosis, Salmonella and others), and with exposure to computer monitors. Weekend and evening work will be required as necessary.
Physical Requirements
The ability to perform principal duties is required. The Associate Curator of Mammals must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.

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