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Curatorial Research Associate Jobs in Toronto, ON

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Data Associate - CPB Data Curation

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$59K - CA$84K/yr

... research new data usage methods. Contribute to building and maintain Data Products and support ... Designer in Curation POD. Experience and Education requirements * 1 - 2 years of relevant ...

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Curatorial Research Associate information

What is a curatorial research associate?

A Curatorial Research Associate is a museum or gallery professional who assists curators in researching, cataloging, and interpreting collections. They help prepare exhibitions, write scholarly materials, and contribute to the development of educational programs. Their work often involves conducting in-depth research on artworks or artifacts, maintaining collection records, and supporting curatorial projects. This role is crucial for ensuring that exhibitions are informative, accurate, and engaging for the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a curatorial research associate?

To thrive as a Curatorial Research Associate, you need a solid background in art history or a related field, research proficiency, and often a relevant master’s degree. Familiarity with museum collection databases, digital archiving tools, and citation management systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication set exceptional candidates apart. These skills ensure the accurate management, interpretation, and presentation of collections, supporting scholarly projects and public engagement.

What are some common challenges faced by curatorial research associates, and how can they be navigated?

Curatorial Research Associates often encounter challenges such as managing large volumes of archival materials, balancing multiple research projects with tight deadlines, and ensuring accuracy in documentation. Navigating these challenges requires strong organizational skills, effective communication with curators and other team members, and adaptability when project scopes or priorities change. Building a network within the institution and staying updated on best practices in museum research can also help associates overcome obstacles and thrive in the role.

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

AspectCuratorial Research AssociateCuratorial Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Art History, Museum Studies, or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's degree, relevant coursework
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions, research-focusedMuseums, galleries, supporting curatorial projects
Employer & Industry UsageResearch and develop exhibition content, assist in scholarly workAssist with exhibition setup, administrative tasks, and research support

The Curatorial Research Associate typically engages in in-depth research and scholarly activities related to exhibitions, requiring advanced education. The Curatorial Assistant supports these efforts through administrative and logistical tasks. Both roles are essential in museum and gallery settings, but the Research Associate focuses more on research and content development, while the Assistant handles operational support.

What are the most commonly searched types of Curatorial Research jobs in Toronto, ON?

The most popular types of Curatorial Research jobs in Toronto, ON are:

Associate Curator, Photography Curatorial

Toronto, ON • On-site

Art Gallery of Ontario
501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Art Gallery of Ontarioexternal

CA$89K - CA$111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Plan, build, and present the permanent collection of photographs.

  • Create, organize, and execute major exhibitions and publications on the history of photography.

  • Identify and acquire works of art for the permanent collection, including research, negotiation, and documentation.

Job description

DescriptionRequisition Id: 2025-196
Number of Positions: 1
Job Status: Regular Full-Time
Hours & Days of Work: 35 hours per week
Minimum Salary: $89,180.00
Maximum Salary: $111,456.00
Target Start Date: 02/23/2026
Associate Curator, Photography
Regular Full-Time (Permanent Full-Time)
35 hours per week
 
ART + AUDIENCE + LEARNING
Posted on December 12, 2025
 
Located in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, attracting approximately one million visitors annually. The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces. With over 70,000 objects, the photography collection spans from the 1840s to the present day, and aims to reflect the artistic, historical, and social impact of the medium.
 
AGO Values: 
  • Respect: We foster belonging and appreciate each other.
  • Openness: We interact with an open mind and thoughtful engagement.
  • Collaboration: We believe in the power of together.
  • Accountability: We own our actions and outcomes.
 
We are currently seeking an Associate Curator, Photography to join our Curatorial team. Under the direction of the Curator, Photography, the successful candidate will plan, build, and present the permanent collection of photographs; create, organize and execute major exhibitions, often in partnership with peer museums. She/he/they will produce a special exhibition approximately every three years that has broad public appeal and engages the AGO's diverse audiences, and will participate in preparing for the opening of the new Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery, which will open in 2027. The incumbent identifies and researches significant tendencies, issues and opportunities in the visual arts and fosters public understanding of art as a vital social and cultural force. Working in collaboration with colleagues, internally and externally, she/he/they will create and realize projects that support the AGO's mission of presenting great art, facilitating learning, and engaging with audiences, and contribute to the achievement of the AGO's strategic goals as a leading presenter of photography.
 
The salary range for this position is $89,180 - $111,456 per annum 
 
Key responsibilities include:
  • In consultation with the Curator, Photography, plans and oversees collection installations and rotations. Liaises with other departments across the Gallery; manages communications with lenders and external stakeholders; works with research assistants and/or interns. Ensures proper care, handling and display for works of art in the permanent collection.
  • Creates, organizes and executes exhibitions and publications on the history of photography and serves as curator for exhibitions hosted by the AGO. Collaborates with research assistants and appropriate internal departments throughout the exhibition planning and production process and participates on project teams and other pan-Gallery content planning and delivery forums. Coordinates hosted exhibitions; consults with originating curator, participates in production meetings, oversees installation.
  • In consultation with the Curator, Photography, identifies and acquires works of art to build the permanent collection, negotiates price, conducts research and prepares reports for presentation to the Photography Curatorial Committee. Prepares documentation for the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board (CCPERB). 
  • Collaborates with the Curator, Photography and the Photography Curatorial Committee Chairperson to plan, facilitate and execute effective committee meetings. Engages committee members in understanding the artistic and cultural significance of acquisitions and exhibitions as well as their roles as supporters of the Gallery's artistic mission.  Provides expert advice both internally to Committees and externally to art collectors and the general public, as needed. 
  • Promotes the AGO to local and international art communities and among the general public; interacts with scholars, collectors and critics. Leads AGO International Art Circle group on a domestic or international trip on average every 12-18 months and participates in AGO's donor programs as a guest speaker. Builds and encourages positive relationships with the collector and donor community, art dealers and auction houses.
  • Manages work performance of department staff and interns through hiring, training, scheduling, assigning projects, and monitoring work completion. Manages their work and that of their direct reports in accordance with department systems and procedures, applicable collective agreements, and AGO's policies and procedures on security, administration, human resources, and department manager/supervisor responsibilities for workplace health and safety. Upholds the AGO's values of respect, openness, collaboration, and accountability. 
 
Our ideal candidate will have the following qualifications, skills, and experience: 
  • Graduate level education and extensive knowledge of the history of photography, with a demonstrated specialization and familiarity with key currents in the field. Minimum MA in Art History or similar discipline.  
  • Knowledge of the AGO's core collections desirable (e.g. European, Indigenous and Canadian, Modern, Contemporary, Photography, Prints and Drawings, and Global Africa & the Diaspora).  
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience of successful organization of major exhibitions and collection development including knowledge of the installation process for works of art.
  • Minimum of 5 years of direct experience researching collaboratively and cross-departmentally within a comparable museum (AGO) setting from a curatorial perspective.
  • Well-developed organizational, interpersonal and public relations skills.
  • Demonstrated writing and research skills, including professional scholarly publication history.
  • Demonstrated experience in speaking and writing about art to specialized audiences as well as across diverse audiences.
  • Considerable facility with persuasion and negotiation.
  • Minimum of 2 years of direct experience with curatorial administrative management.
  • Demonstrated short and long term planning ability.
  • Demonstrated commitment to teamwork as a means to collaboratively and effectively communicate and utilize available resources; experience working successfully with team members.
  • Demonstrated judgement in dealing with a variety of stakeholder groups.
  • Effective comprehension and application of confidentiality and diplomacy.
  • Demonstrated experience working with a variety of computer software packages, including collections management software such as The Museum System (TMS).
  • Superior expertise in English proficiency. Knowledge of French and/or other languages an asset. 
 
 
Language of Work 
 
  • English
 
Location of Work 
 
  • Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas Ave West
Toronto, ON
M5T 1G4
 
Compensation & Benefits
 
  • Annual base salary range of $89,180 - $111,456 per annum based on qualifications, skills, and experience (opportunity for salary review)
  • Extended Health Plan
  • Drug/Prescription Plan
  • Dental Benefits, Vision Care Benefits
  • Disability and Life Insurance Benefits
  • Individual Retirement Savings Plan (RSP)
  • Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
  • Spousal Life Insurance (AD&D)
  • Child/Dependent Life Insurance (AD&D)
  • Pension Plan (Defined Contribution, non-contributory)
  • Home & Auto Insurance Plan
  • Business Travel Accident Insurance
  • Paid vacation days
  • Relocation allowance to be considered.
  • Discounts from the Provincial/City Reciprocal Agreements (Free admission to museums, the CN Tower & discounts off amusement parks, city attractions, hotels, wine tours, Second City, the Ontario Science Centre, and much more!)
  • Discounts to Goodlife Fitness
  • Employee Discounts & Free tickets to every major exhibit at AGO
  • Professional Membership Fee Reimbursement
 
If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, apply now!
 
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility:
At the AGO, we lead global conversations from Toronto through extraordinary collections, exhibitions, and programs, reflecting the diverse community we serve. Committed to fostering inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, we embed these values into our strategic plan and ongoing priorities.
 
To Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications online at https://jobs.jobvite.com/ago/jobs/viewall.  
 
We thank all applicants for their interest in the position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
 
Contact Information: 
  
Abigail Campbell
[email protected] 
416 979 6660 x6300
 
Mailing Address:
Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas Ave West
Toronto, ON
M5T 1G4
 
Fax:
416-979-6645
 
The Art Gallery of Ontario is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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