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Provenance Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Metmuseum

Research Associate, Mary Cassatt

New York, NY · On-site

$72K - $74K/yr

Assistwith the application for immunity from seizure by conducting provenance research and compiling other materials. * Organize meetings with other Met departments, including Design, Education ...

Socket.dev

Consignment Director - Militaria

Dallas, TX · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

Knowledge of provenance research and authentication practices preferred. SKILLS AND ABILITIES * Excellent communication and negotiation skills. * Proven success in business development and client ...

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Kepler

Head of AI Research

New York, NY · On-site

$400K - $700K/yr

Every value carries provenance metadata back to its exact source. Every computation is auditable ... We've built a finance research product that lets analysts supercharge their workflow: pulling ...

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Provenance Research information

What is a provenance research?

A Provenance Research job involves investigating the history, ownership, and legitimacy of artworks, antiques, or cultural artifacts. Researchers trace the origins of items to ensure they were acquired legally and ethically, often focusing on gaps in ownership during periods of conflict or colonial rule. This work is crucial for museums, auction houses, and private collectors to verify authenticity and rightful ownership.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in provenance research?

A typical day in Provenance Research involves reviewing historical documentation, analyzing archival records, and compiling detailed reports on the ownership histories of artworks or artifacts. You may collaborate closely with curators, legal specialists, auction houses, or collectors to verify information and address gaps in provenance. The work often requires a blend of independent research and teamwork, particularly when investigating complex or contested histories. This dynamic and investigative role is ideal for those who enjoy problem-solving and contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in provenance research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Provenance Research, you need strong analytical abilities in art history or related fields, a keen eye for detail, and advanced research skills, typically backed by a relevant degree. Familiarity with archival databases, cataloguing systems, and sometimes provenance-specific software or certifications is highly valuable. Excellent written communication, persistence, and collaborative skills will set you apart when interacting with stakeholders and navigating complex historical records. These abilities ensure accurate tracing of an object's history, essential for authenticity, legal compliance, and institutional reputation.

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Infographic showing various Provenance 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.

Patty Gerstenblith Legal Fellowship in Art, Museum, and Cultural Heritage Law

Field Museum

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Position: Patty Gerstenblith Legal Fellowship in Art, Museum, and Cultural Heritage Law
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Office of VP and General Counsel
Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, the Field Museum of Natural History has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.
Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
  • Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
  • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
  • Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

The Patty Gerstenblith Fellowship in Art, Museum, and Cultural Heritage Law is a two-year position for early-career attorneys (a one-year term may be considered upon request). The Fellow will gain first-hand experience in the legal questions and practical concerns related to repatriation, acquisitions, provenance, research, and exhibition of scientific specimens and items of cultural heritage, as well as the broad range of other legal concerns facing not-for-profits, providing the Fellow with experiences applicable to counseling museums and other cultural organizations. The Fellowship will provide professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and an opportunity to complete a relevant professional certification.
The Legal Fellow reports to the General Counsel and serves as part of the Museum's in-house legal team. The Office of General Counsel protects the legal interests of the Museum, providing advice and counsel to senior management and other staff members in all departments of the Museum on a variety of matters, including but, not limited to, non-profit governance, collections management practices, labor and employment, compliance, risk management, contracts, intellectual property, charitable contributions, and cultural property.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provides legal support and assistance to the Museum Repatriation Center regarding NAGPRA compliance and related legal issues.
  • Assists the Collections Center with provenance research and analysis of collections items and potential acquisitions, compliance with cultural property laws and other import/export requirements.
  • Assists in identifying legal risks to the Museum and recommends appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
  • Drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts, transactional agreements, and other legal documents in a variety of areas.
  • Works closely with Museum staff to ensure that projects, procedures, contracts, and other documents meet the Museum's needs and protect the Museum's interests.
  • Assists in designing, drafting, and reviewing Museum policies and procedures; provides guidance on best practices.
  • Monitors compliance with applicable laws and regulations and recommends policy and contract changes, as necessary.
  • Keeps informed of emerging legal issues which may affect the Museum and provides advice and counsel on such.
  • Provides other legal assistance as required.

Education and Experience:
  • Juris Doctorate (JD) from an ABA accredited institution.
  • Candidate must be in their first five years of practice.
  • Licensed to practice law in Illinois or eligible for and achieve admission or waive in to the Illinois Bar within a reasonable timeframe; must maintain law license for duration of employment.
  • Candidates awaiting bar exam results are welcome to apply.
  • Experience or demonstrated interest in working with museums, cultural organizations, not-for-profits, or institutions of higher education preferred.

Skills and Competencies:
  • Excellent legal, analytical, drafting, and written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate at all levels within the organization.
  • Experience in reviewing and drafting a variety of transactional agreements and legal documents.
  • Ability to prioritize, meet multiple, concurrent deadlines, and oversee a variety of projects to successful conclusion, working both independently and as part of a group.
  • Ability to develop and sustain collaborative, collegial relationships with varied internal clients and external constituencies.
  • Sound and practical business judgement and common sense; high standards for integrity.
  • Ability and willingness to gain expertise and perform work in unfamiliar areas of the law.

Applications must include the following:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • A personal statement (not to exceed 500 words) describing your interest in art, museum, and cultural heritage law and how this Fellowship will support your career goals
  • Three professional or academic references

Supervision Received:
Receives supervision by the General Counsel
Supervision Exercised:
The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities
Work Hours:
35 hours/week
Term:
Two years; a one-year term may be considered upon request.
Hybrid Eligibility:
Eligible
Location:
1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
Union Representation: This position is union exempt
Pay Range: $65,000 - 80,000/annually
PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.
The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.
At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.

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