1

Museum Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Under the general direction of the Museum Director, the Museum Assistant works 20 hours a week and ... Collaborates in research and development of virtual and physical exhibits. * Contributes to the ...

... research. Responsibilities may include: - Preparing museum specimens and collecting specimen data - Maintaining and operating the dermestarium - Processing, organizing, and osteoscribing skeletal ...

Museum Assistant

Birmingham, MI ยท On-site

$18.76 - $24/hr

Under the general direction of the Museum Director, the Museum Assistant works 20 hours a week and ... Collaborates in research and development of virtual and physical exhibits. * Contributes to the ...

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 ...

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ ยท On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Conducts primary and/or secondary research in anthropology or related disciplines; oversee the ... Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area and ...

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$85K - $111K/yr

Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in Curatorial Office, Smithsonian ...

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Museum Research information

See salary details

$8

$26

$61

How much do museum research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 jobs can you get with museum research?

Museum research skills can lead to roles such as museum curators, collections managers, archivists, research analysts, and education coordinators. These positions often require knowledge of historical or scientific content, research methodologies, and familiarity with tools like databases and cataloging systems.

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 a museum research degree worth it?

A museum research degree can enhance knowledge of collections, research methods, and curation, which are valuable in museum roles. However, many positions also prioritize experience, internships, and skills such as cataloging and analysis over formal education alone.

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.
More about Museum Research jobs

What cities are hiring for Museum Research jobs?

Cities with the most Museum Research job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Research jobs?

The most popular types of Museum Research jobs are:

What states have the most Museum Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Museum Research jobs include:

Infographic showing various Museum Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,835 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Museum Educator

Whitney Museum of American Art

Manhattan, NY โ€ข On-site

$71K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

The Whitney Museum of American Art seeks a Full-Time Museum Educator to teach K–12 school programs and develop trainings and resources for NYC teachers and freelance educators. Through guided visits and workshops, this role connects the Whitney’s collection and exhibitions to classroom learning, engaging students in considering artists as observers, storytellers, experimenters, and critics of American life. Programs are inquiry-based, inclusive, and designed to support multiple perspectives. 
The Museum Educator is a reflective teaching artist with a strong studio practice and a commitment to art as a catalyst for connection, civic engagement, and empathy. This role works closely with staff, freelance educators, teachers, and students to deliver high-quality programs in both gallery and studio settings.
Responsibilities
Gallery & School Programs (K–12)

  • Lead and facilitate inquiry-based Guided Visits (in-person and virtual) for K–12 students, using discussion, close looking, and interactive strategies 
  • Conduct a minimum of eight guided visits per month, with flexibility to support additional programs as needed 
  • Develop and lead Guided Visit + Studio programs, integrating thematic gallery tours with hands-on artmaking experiences
  • Act as Lead Educator for new school partnerships
  • Design engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans aligned with classroom curricula and accessible to diverse learners, including students with disabilities 
  • Communicate effectively with teachers to align museum experiences with learning goals 
  • Collaborate with K-12 School and Group Services staff and fellow educators to ensure strong program delivery 
  • Lead occasional visitor-centered lecture-style tours for adult groups

Teacher & Educator Programs

  • In partnership with the Associate Manager and fellow Museum Educators, facilitate professional development workshops for NYC teachers, introducing inquiry-based teaching strategies and interdisciplinary connections 
  • Assist in training and supporting a cohort of Freelance Museum Educators, including leading training three times per year
  • Facilitate trainings for Whitney Education staff

Curriculum & Resource Development

  • Develop clear, innovative lesson plans and teaching materials for gallery and studio programs 
  • Create and update high-quality, accessible teacher resources, including pre-visit, in-gallery, and post-visit materials 
  • Produce at least two exhibition-based digital resource guides per year
  • Contribute to ongoing evaluation and refinement of programs and interpretive strategies 
  • Conduct research on new exhibitions and create files for Educator preparation

Collaboration & Communication

  • Maintain regular communication with supervisors regarding program needs, student engagement, and materials 
  • Work collaboratively across Education teams to support a welcoming, inclusive environment for all audiences 
  • Engage in reflective teaching practices aligned with the Whitney’s pedagogical approach

Requirements

  • B.A./MA/M.F.A./ in art history, contemporary art, American studies, and/or museum education; 3+ years teaching experience, including work with K-12 students and teachers;
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Successful candidates will have sound knowledge of educational and developmental theory
  • A passion for modern and contemporary art
  • Flexible and able to work well in a group
  • An interest in working with diverse groups of students 
  • Available Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 p.m., and occasional weekends as needed. Scheduling adjustments may occur based on division needs.

Other preferences

  • Bilingual a plus
  • Available Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 p.m., and occasional evenings and weekends as needed. 

Compensation & Benefits

  • Compensation: $71,000 annually
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(B) elections
  • Generous PTO benefits
  • Commuter benefits - parking and mass transit
  • Admission to world-renowned museums across the city and nationally
  • Pet insurance and discounted membership for Citibike
If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in the arts and culture space and what you hope to bring to this role.                        

About the Whitney
The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today.
EEO Statement
The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, pregnancy, partnership status, caregiver status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other factor prohibited by law.  The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

Powered by JazzHR

AcW95nchIy