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Curatorial Research Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Museum Curator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $133K/yr

Latin America, Asia, or the broader Global South, who will assist the department in thoughtful ... curatorial capacity in a fine arts museum; AND demonstrated experience researching, curating, and ...

Museum Curator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $133K/yr

Latin America, Asia, or the broader Global South, who will assist the department in thoughtful ... curatorial capacity in a fine arts museum; AND demonstrated experience researching, curating, and ...

Assistant Conservator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $111K/yr

Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex ... curation, and preservation of collections of objects and specimens of natural history, which tells ...

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Curatorial Research Assistant information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$7

$22

$33

How much do curatorial research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for curatorial research assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $22.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $25.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Curatorial Research Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Curatorial Research Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Curatorial Research Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Curatorial Research Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
Infographic showing various Curatorial Research Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,253 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Sr. Research Assistant (KSAS - Cognitive Science)

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Cognitive and Brain Sciences Lab in the Department of Cognitive Science is seeking a Sr. Research Assistant to advance research on a large, multi-year project that is transitioning from the data collection phase to data curation, analysis and publication preparation. The multi-modal data set includes behavioral, and neuroimaging (fMRI, MRI, DWI) data collected from older and younger adults during a longitudinal study designed to investigate the effects of aging on word learning.
The Sr. Research Assistant will work under the general direction of a faculty researcher or senior research staff and independently conducts a variety of operational and technical activities key to the conduct of and direction of the research.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
  • Develop data collection tools based on understanding of underlying study design.
  • Participate in developing standard operating procedures for one or more studies.
  • Design and set up standard operating procedures.
  • Oversee data collection.
  • Analyze data under general oversight and make data-driven recommendations.
  • Oversee day-to-day activities and provide training for new staff on study.
  • Conduct literature searches to pull background material and identify information relevant and applicable to research interest.
  • Other duties as assigned.

In Addition to the Duties Described Above
  • Work with supervised independence in the analysis of both behavioral data (reaction time, errors and accuracy) and neuroimaging data (fMRI).
  • Supervise undergraduate research assistants working on the project.
  • Utilize research and writing skills to support the development of literature reviews and contribute to methods and results sections for publication.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
  • Two years of related experience.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education permitted by the JHU equivalency formula beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in a related field.
  • Degree (or extensive coursework) in Cognitive Science, Cognitive Psychology, or Cognitive Neuroscience.
  • Prior experience as a research assistant in a laboratory studying psycholinguistics and/or neurobiology of language.

Technical Qualifications & Specialized Certifications
  • Experience, training, or coursework in analysis of fMRI data.
  • Experience, training, or coursework in Linear Mixed Effects Modeling.
  • Familiarity with research in psycholinguistics and neurobiology of language.

Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency
  • Analytical Skills - Developing
  • Attention to Detail - Developing
  • Electronic Office Tools - Developing
  • Information Gathering - Developing
  • Oral and Written Communications - Developing
  • Organizational Skills - Developing

The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.
Classified Title: Sr. Research Assistant
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Sr. Research Assistant (KSAS - Cognitive Science)
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/03/MB
Starting Salary Range: $21.70 - $29.86 - $38.00 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Limited
Schedule: Variable; annual average up to 19 hr/wk
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid/Homewood Campus
Department name: Cognitive Science
Personnel area: School of Arts & Sciences

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876