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Museum Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Mesa

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ

$75K - $102K/yr

The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of ... Conducts primary and/or secondary research in anthropology or related disciplines; oversee the ...

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

Conducts research on Native cultures and their material culture and make connections between ... In addition to using the museum's database (EMu), the incumbent utilizes outside resources (i.e ...

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

Conducts research on Native cultures and their material culture and make connections between ... In addition to using the museum's database (EMu), the incumbent utilizes outside resources (i.e ...

City of Albuquerque

Museum Curator

Albuquerque, NM

$62K - $68K/yr

Research and document objects for inclusion in the museum collection. Develop strategies for art, history or collections interpretation, through exhibitions, publications, events and audio-visual ...

City of Albuquerque, NM

Museum Curator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$62K - $68K/yr

Research and document objects for inclusion in the museum collection. * Develop strategies for art, history or collections interpretation, through exhibitions, publications, events and audio-visual ...

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How much do museum research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum research in the United States is $26.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a museum researcher do?

A museum researcher investigates and analyzes artifacts, documents, and historical data to support exhibitions, publications, and educational programs. They often conduct fieldwork, catalog items, and collaborate with curators, using research skills and reference tools to contribute to the museum's knowledge base.

How to become a researcher at a museum?

To become a museum researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in history, archaeology, anthropology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or doctoral degree for advanced roles. Relevant skills include research methodology, data analysis, and familiarity with museum collections and databases; internships or volunteer work can also provide valuable experience.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in museum research roles?

Professionals in museum research often encounter challenges such as managing large and sometimes incomplete collections, balancing research with curatorial responsibilities, and securing funding for in-depth projects. They also need to stay updated with current academic discourse while making their work accessible to the public. Collaboration with curators, educators, and external scholars is essential to ensure research supports exhibitions and educational programs, which can require strong communication and project management skills.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired as a museum researcher can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in history, archaeology, or a related field, along with experience in research or curation. Strong analytical skills, familiarity with research tools, and networking within the museum community can improve chances of employment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Researcher, you need a solid background in art history, anthropology, or related disciplines, usually with an advanced degree such as a master's or PhD. Familiarity with research databases, collections management systems, and citation software is typically required, along with experience handling archival materials. Strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication skills are crucial for interpreting artifacts and sharing findings effectively. These skills enable researchers to contribute valuable insights, support curatorial decisions, and enhance educational outreach within the museum setting.

What is museum research?

Museum research is the systematic investigation and study of objects, collections, and topics related to a museum's mission. This work helps uncover the historical, cultural, or scientific significance of artifacts and often informs exhibitions, educational programs, and publications. Museum researchers may analyze artifacts, study archives, collaborate with other experts, and publish findings to expand public knowledge and preserve heritage. Their work ensures that the information presented to the public is accurate and meaningful.

Is a museum curator a high paying job?

Museum curators typically earn a moderate salary that varies by institution, location, and experience. While some senior or specialized curators can earn higher wages, the role is generally considered to have average pay compared to other professional fields, often supplemented by benefits and opportunities for research and collection management.
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Museum Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,835 per year, or $26.8 per hour.
BCAS - Renewable Contract Research Assistant Professor and Curator of Paleontology - 527461

BCAS - Renewable Contract Research Assistant Professor and Curator of Paleontology - 527461

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

University Of Alabama rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

358th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

BCAS - Renewable Contract Research Assistant Professor and Curator of Paleontology - 527461
Job no: 527461
Work type: Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)
Location: Tuscaloosa
Categories: Non-Tenure-Track/Clinical Faculty
Department/Organization
204901 - Museums
Rank
Research Assistant Professor
Position Summary
The Department of Museum Research and Collections within UA Museums at the University of Alabama is searching for a Renewable Contract Research Assistant Professor and Curator of Paleontology with a start date of August of 2026. Successful applicants will have demonstrated experience in Paleontological Research and teaching experience in related fields.
Detailed Position Information
The Department of Museum Research and Collections within UA Museums at the University of Alabama is searching for a Renewable Contract Research Assistant Professor and Curator of Paleontology with a start date of August of 2026. Successful applicants will have demonstrated experience in Paleontological Research and teaching experience in related fields.
The Department of Museum Research and Collections within UA Museums is one of seven departments within the UA Museums. We are responsible for the care of ~5 million objects and specimens across multiple disciplines. We have active research programs in paleontology, history and ethnology, entomology and archaeology. Visit our website to learn more, https://collections.museums.ua.edu/
The position is benefits eligible. Applicants should complete the online application at ua.edu. The application should include a letter of application and a current curriculum vita.
Minimum Qualifications
PhD in Paleontology, or a related field; with some experience teaching at the college level.
Preferred Qualifications
PhD in Paleontology, or a related field; with some experience teaching at the college level.
Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Applicants should complete the online application at https://careers.ua.edu/jobs/search/AS. The application should include a letter of application and a current curriculum vita.
About the Division/College/School
The J. Frank Barefield Jr. College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama offers an exciting and dynamic environment for faculty seeking to make an impact in their field and in the lives of the innovators and changemakers of tomorrow.
As the largest college at The University, we house over 9,000 students and 1,000 faculty and staff across our 22 departments.
With nationally recognized programs and award-winning faculty, our College has positioned itself as a leader in higher education. Our facilities and resources include state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and performance venues, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for research and creative expression.
The College is committed to the liberal arts philosophy that fosters creative and critical thinking and a lifetime of learning."
About the University
The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, named one of Travel + Leisure's 25 Best College Towns and Cities in the U.S. As one of the nation's premier universities, UA offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in nearly 200 fields of study. With more than 1,400 acres of tree-lined academic core campus and over 300 state-of-the art facilities, UA has been ranked among the most beautiful and most impressive college campuses in the South, in the state of Alabama and in the nation.
In Fall 2023, the Capstone set a new enrollment record with more than 39,000 students, including more than 8,200 in the freshman class. The current enrollment includes students from every county in Alabama, every state in the nation and 92 countries around the world. More than 1,100 National Merit Scholars are currently enrolled, making UA one of the largest enrolling institutions of the scholars in the country.
UA was recently recognized as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. students for the seventh time in nine years, as well as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Scholars for the first time. UA is one of only 12 universities in the nation to receive both honors.
For reasons like this, the University made Forbes list of America's Top Colleges for 2023 and Time magazine's list of Top 50 Best Colleges for Future Leaders. It also made Princeton Review's list of Top Value Colleges.
UA is also designated among the top doctoral research universities in the United States in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. One of the fastest growing major research institutions in the nation, UA saw a 21% increase in sponsored awards in the 2023 fiscal year.
Since 2015, UA has invested over $1.1 billion in the physical campus, adding more than 2.55 million gross square feet of space, over 150 new research-intensive faculty, signature research areas (e.g., "The Alabama Research Institutes"), and a growing number of partnerships with industry and with state and federal agencies.
The University employs nearly 2,100 faculty and over 4,500 staff, with 52 UA researchers included in the National Academy of Inventors. An additional 40 current faculty have received the NSF CAREER Award, the nation's most prestigious recognition of top performing young scientists in disciplines ranging from nanoscience and engineering to biological sciences.
Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
Advertised: 05 Sep 2025 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 01 Aug 2026 Central Daylight Time

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