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Museum Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Incca

Temporary Guest Specialists

Manhattan, NY

$18/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

Temporary Guest Specialists

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18/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

The Webb Schools

Museum Guest Service Associate

Claremont, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Alf Museum of Paleontology at The Webb Schools is a world-class research and education institution dedicated to the study of paleontology. The Alf Museum works to provide educational resources to our ...

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

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

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How much do museum research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 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 are Museum Research Associates?

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.
More about Museum Research Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Research Associate jobs? Cities with the most Museum Research Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Research jobs? The most popular types of Museum Research jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Museum Research Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Research Associate jobs are:
Museum Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Research Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 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.
Curatorial Associate

Curatorial Associate

American Museum of Natural History

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$93K - $98K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Curatorial Associate
Department
Earth & Planetary Scienc - 017
Position Summary
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.
The department of Earth & Planetary Science (EPS), in the Division of Physical Sciences, is seeking a full-time Curatorial Associate to lead and manage day-to-day collections operations for EPS and supervise Museum Specialists engaged in collection management activities, including loans, visitor management, curation, databasing, and georeferencing. The Curatorial Associate helps plan and carry out large projects (e.g., collections moves and rehousing) and works with Facilities and Security to ensure that the collections remain safely and appropriately housed. The Curatorial Associate will work with the curators to seek external support for collections improvement, digitization of collections, and other initiatives as assigned. The Curatorial Associate reports to the department's Curator-in-Charge and collaborates with all curators in the department.
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Lead the operations of the EPS collections, their care and preservation, at levels that meet or exceed disciplinary and/or Museum standards. Direct collections management operations, working with EPS curators to develop and meet short- and long-range objectives. Seek and implement efficiencies where feasible. Manage the use and upkeep of assigned departmental spaces, facilities, supplies, and equipment. Work with the department administrator, curators, and other Museum offices on purchasing and budget management.
  • Maintain the collections informatics programs, systems, databases, integrity and security of data, paper and other forms of archival records management. Promote discoverability of the collections, access to catalog records and digital assets via internal and external mechanisms.
  • Manage incoming and outgoing loan activities including shipping/receiving, permitting, and compliance.
  • Supervise departmental collection-related service to internal and external user communities.
  • Facilitate visitation to the collections and tours as well as access and use of collections and facilities by students, postdocs, research associates, and visitors. Participate in promotional and outreach activities.
  • Facilitate curatorial fieldwork and collecting activities by department students, postdocs, staff, and affiliates. Manage post-collecting curation efforts from field to shelf, including specimen identification, preservation, accessioning, cataloging, imaging, and records management.
  • Work with curators, the development office, and administration to acquire external funding for fieldwork, collections improvement, digitization of collections, research opportunities, and new programs in collections management.
  • Oversee and direct annual collections reporting.
  • Supervise departmental Museum Specialists, assigning tasks, managing their efforts, and monitoring performance.
  • Train staff and volunteers on collections operations.
  • Manage the department's collection-related website content.
The expected salary range for the Curatorial Associate is $93,000/annual - $98,000/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.
Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Completed PhD or PhD candidate in geological sciences or a related field.
  • Experience with geoscience research and/or geoscience collections.
  • Experience and/or training in collections management, databases, fieldwork, and geological research.
  • Proficiency with FileMaker Pro and/or other collections databases.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficient experience working with public repositories.
  • Knowledge of data sharing standards.
  • Experience working with scientists and samples internationally.
Physical Demands
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
  • Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
  • Positioning/change of positioning: Must be able to frequently position oneself/body to accomplish job duties.
    • Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.
    • Climbing: Ascending or descending physical structures.
    • Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force frequently. May include any of the following:
      • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
      • Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.
      • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position.

Category
Full-Time
Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period
70
Union Status
Non-Union
FLSA
Exempt
Expected Salary Minimum
$93,000/annual
Expected Salary Maximum
$98,000/annual
EEO Statement
The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.
Quick Link
https://careers.amnh.org/postings/4788
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
GS1007P
Open Date
05/12/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants

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