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Museum Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex ... Negotiates terms of agreements and associate paperwork. Manage and implement all aspects of the ...

Incca

Guest Specialist

Manhattan, NY

$27.65/hr

Conducts zip code survey and collects other important visitor information for the Museum's research ... and Retail Stores (Sales Associate), as assigned by management based on business needs

Incca

Guest Specialist, Film Desk

Manhattan, NY

$27.65/hr

Conducts zip code survey and collects other important visitor information for the Museum's research ... and Retail Stores (Sales Associate), as assigned by management based on business needs

MoMA

Guest Specialist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$27.65/hr

Conducts zip code survey and collects other important visitor information for the Museum's research ... and Retail Stores (Sales Associate), as assigned by management based on business needs

MoMA

Guest Specialist, Film Desk

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$27.65/hr

Conducts zip code survey and collects other important visitor information for the Museum's research ... and Retail Stores (Sales Associate), as assigned by management based on business needs

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Museum Research Associate information

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How much do museum research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum research associate in the United States is $32.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Museum Research Associate, you need expertise in art history or a related field, strong research skills, and typically a master's degree or higher. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital archives, and research databases is often required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written communication help you excel in documenting artifacts and presenting findings. These skills ensure the integrity of museum collections and support educational and curatorial initiatives.

What is the difference between Museum Research Associate vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum Research AssociateMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in history, archaeology, or related fieldMaster's or PhD in relevant discipline, with more experience
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, often in labs or archives within museumsOversees collections, exhibitions, and educational programs
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, research institutions, universitiesMuseums, cultural institutions, galleries
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in museumsUnderstanding curatorial responsibilities

The Museum Research Associate primarily focuses on conducting research, analyzing artifacts, and supporting museum projects, often with a background in research or academic credentials. In contrast, a Museum Curator manages collections, develops exhibitions, and oversees educational programs. While both roles work within museums, the Research Associate is more research-oriented, whereas the Curator has broader responsibilities related to collections management and public engagement.

What is a museum research associate?

Museum Research Associates are professionals who conduct research to support a museum’s exhibitions, collections, educational programs, and publications. They often analyze artifacts, documents, and historical records to provide accurate information about items in the museum’s collection. Their work helps ensure that exhibits are well-researched and that the museum serves as a credible source of knowledge for the public. Research Associates may also collaborate with curators, educators, and other museum staff on various projects.

How does a museum research associate typically collaborate with curators and other museum staff on exhibition projects?

Museum Research Associates play a crucial role in supporting exhibition projects by conducting in-depth research on objects, artists, and historical contexts. They frequently collaborate with curators to gather and verify information for exhibit labels, catalogs, and educational materials. Additionally, Research Associates may work alongside educators, registrars, and conservators to ensure accuracy in content and help develop engaging narratives for the public. This collaborative environment not only fosters teamwork but also provides valuable exposure to various aspects of museum operations.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Research jobs?

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Museum Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Research Associate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,685 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Museum Specialist

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$121K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums

Job description

Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is organizationally located in Collections Management (OCM), Acquisitions and Special Collections, Curatorial Affairs (OCA), National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The Supervisory Museum Specialist oversees a portion of the collections information management services and participates with the Assistant Director in establishing long- and short-term goals, hiring, space management and budget.
In this position, you will:
  • Assess potential acquisitions to flag any issues with the collections policies, providing relevant information to the Collections Committee and Director to assist them in their decision to follow through with or deny an accession.
  • Manage incoming loans for inaugural and temporary exhibitions. Negotiates terms of agreements and associate paperwork. Manage and implement all aspects of the museum's outgoing loans program.
  • Regularly review and update policies and procedures in accordance with evolving museum practices.
  • Specify requirements and monitor packer, shipper, airline, freight forwarder and customs broker provision of proper packing, handling, control and timely delivery of objects. Ensures that museum standards for security, care and handling of objects are observed both in transit and while objects are in the custody of NMAAHC.
  • Plan work to be accomplished by staff.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Requires career/career-conditional status or eligibility.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
  • May be required to serve an 18-month
    probationary period for supervisors.

Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications: Experience related to the operation or management of a museum or similar collection of valuable objects. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include collections management, registration, cataloging, research, preservation, restoration, or conservation of collections of museum material, or other experience related to the position to be filled. Most positions require a particular subject-matter specialization, e.g., aeronautics, anthropology, art, geology, history, natural science, technology, biology, or zoology.
In addition to the basic qualification requirement above:
Grade 13: You qualify for this position if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service or comparable pay band system that is in or closely related to the operation or management of a museum or similar collection of valuable objects. For this position specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience managing incoming and outgoing loans, negotiating loan contracts, overseeing object installation, organizing shipping of museum objects, and accessioning.
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Education
This position has no basic education requirement.
Additional information
This position is not included in the bargaining unit.
Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options.
Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/
Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp
Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp
Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

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